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North Carolina Sports Betting Sees Fifth Straight Increase in January

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Publish Date: Feb 09, 2026

Fact checked by: Sara Jane Gamelli

The North Carolina State Lottery Commission (NCSLC) released official sports wagering numbers for January on Monday.

Bettors in the state wagered more than $686.92 million to start the new year, marking the fifth straight month the state has handled $600 million or more. The number also was a solid increase of more than $21.01 million from December ($665.90 million).

During the last five months, bettors in the Tar Heel State have wagered more than $3.55 billion. This March will be the two-year anniversary of legalized sports wagering in the state.

Gross wagering revenue for the month was more than $80.33 million. After the state's 18% tax gets implemented, the state took in more than $14.46 million, marking the fifth straight month with more than $12 million in tax revenue.

Last month's number was also a 7% increase from Jan. 2025 ($646.94 million).

Since Launch

Since March 2024, handle has exceeded $600 million nine times highlighted by more than $700 million twice: Oct. 2025 ($811.43 million) and Nov. 2025 ($813.97 million). These numbers include monthly promo wagering revenue.

Overall, state bettors have shelled out more than $12.6 billion in paid wagers and more than $691 million in promotional bets since launch.

Tax revenue is distributed to the following: the state's Department of Health and Human Services, two youth sports programs, the athletic departments at UNC System schools (not North Carolina State or North Carolina), a major events fund and the state's general fund.

Now that college and NFL Football has concluded (with Super Bowl 60 numbers to be a part of February's official report), the men's and women's college basketball tournaments next month should help keep the numbers steady moving into April.

Looking for more news and updates? Head over to our Ballislife Play page.

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