Most North Carolina Adults Avoid Sports Betting

A new poll shows that 63% of residents have not placed a wager since the state legalized sports betting in 2024.

Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Gambling

Bold vector editorial illustration of a pair of dice and a single poker chip, representing non-participation in state-legalized gambling. — A majority of North Carolina adults have abstained from sports betting since its 2024 legalization, despite billions of dollars in total statewide wagering. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you believe the expansion of legal sports betting is a positive development for your community?

While North Carolina residents have collectively wagered $15.7 billion on sports since March 2024, a recent poll indicates that the majority of adults are not participating in the activity. Only 32% of respondents reported placing any bets since the state legalized online sportsbooks.

Why it matters

Despite high total wagering figures, the data highlights that a significant segment of the population remains disengaged from the state's gambling industry. Understanding participation rates helps clarify how widespread the adoption of newly legalized betting platforms truly is among residents.

A WRAL/WSOC poll of 900 North Carolina adults reported that 63% have not placed a sports bet, while 14% have bet five or more times. The study has a credibility interval of 4%.

The players

WRAL

WRAL is a prominent television station based in Raleigh that frequently covers state news and political developments.

WSOC

WSOC is a major news broadcasting organization serving the Charlotte region and wider North Carolina.

The details

State data confirms that $15.7 billion in paid wagers and $780 million in promotional bets were placed through August 2026. Monthly paid wagers have consistently exceeded $500 million over the past year.

March 2024: North Carolina launched legal online sports betting.
August 2026: End date for the $15.7 billion sports betting data report.
October 7-11, 2026: The WRAL/WSOC poll of 900 respondents was conducted.

Culture Shift

The findings reflect a broader trend where initial excitement following the legalization of mobile gambling platforms does not guarantee mass adoption among the general public. This indicates that betting remains a niche hobby rather than a mainstream activity for the average resident.

For residents, this data suggests that despite the heavy marketing of sportsbooks, the vast majority of households have chosen not to spend money on these platforms. Consumers should remain aware of the high volume of promotional offers and the financial risks associated with the industry.

The takeaway

While betting platforms have generated billions in total handle, most adults in North Carolina are not active participants in the market. Readers should evaluate their own relationship with gambling apps and prioritize personal financial health over promotional incentives.