It was recently announced that BetMGM and Charlotte Speedway is the newest partnership agreement struck in anticipation of the launch of mobile sports betting in NC.
BetMGM Revving Its Engine
Those sportsbooks that want to do business in North Carolina, once the launch occurs in the first half of this year, must partner with an approved pro sports team, league, or venue in the state. And that is precisely why we have seen a bevy of partnerships recently, including BetMGM and Charlotte Speedway.
BetMGM CEO Adam Greenblatt said in a press release, “We have been eagerly awaiting legal, safe, regulated online sports betting in North Carolina, a state with more than 10 million people and one of the most vibrant sports environments in the country. BetMGM’s partnership with Charlotte Motor Speedway meets a great demand for entertainment from North Carolinians. Together we will deliver a premier and responsible gaming product that benefits many state agencies.”
“BetMGM has established itself as a signature source for sports betting with partnerships in every major league sport and with venues across the country,” said Charlotte Motor Speedway Executive Vice President and General Manager Greg Walter. “With Charlotte Motor Speedway’s history of innovation, we wanted to move forward into this new era of sports entertainment with a progressive sportsbook. This partnership with BetMGM will bring sports fans new ways to enjoy their favorite events while expanding North Carolina’s tax base, supporting colleges, and facilitating recruitment of major events for the future.”
Partnering Up
BetMGM is certainly not the only mobile sports betting operator to find a partner in North Carolina, just one of the latest to do so. But another industry heavy hitter recently announced a partnership of its own when Boston-based bookmaker, DraftKings, announced they had partnered with NASCAR to be eligible to compete in the North Carolina sports betting market.
Matt Kalish, president of DraftKings North America, released a press release that stated, “DraftKings and NASCAR have collaborated closely with each other over the years, sharing a like-minded commitment to enhancing the fan experience. We look forward to the next chapter in our journey together and offering our leading mobile sportsbook to fans in the state of North Carolina.”
“DraftKings has a proven track record of enhancing the fan experience across sports,” said Joe Solosky, NASCAR managing director, of sports betting, in a press release. “We are thrilled to continue working with DraftKings to deliver NASCAR fans more engagement opportunities and bring its leading mobile sportsbook to North Carolina.”
Below are the six partnership agreements announced in North Carolina:
- bet365: Charlotte Hornets
- BetMGM: Charlotte Motor Speedway
- DraftKings: NASCAR
- Fanatics: Carolina Hurricanes
- FanDuel: PGA Tour
- PENN Sports Interactive (ESPN BET): Quail Hollow Club (PGA Tour course)
According to North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, the mobile launch will occur sooner than later saying on a recent radio show, “The goal is to get it out there before March Madness. No guarantee that that’s the case, but that is the goal,” Cooper told the sports talk hosts.
