Bookmaker bet365 and the Charlotte Hornets have signed an exclusive deal. The partnership will see bet365 gain market access in the emerging North Carolina market. It is a multi-year pact and is officially the first partnership between a North Carolina pro sports team and an official sportsbook before sports betting launches in the Tar Heel State.
Legal sports betting was given the green light in North Carolina in June, when Gov. Roy Cooper signed it into law. The day when sports betting is officially legal in the state has been given as January 8, 2024, although the partnership between bet365 and the Hornets is effective immediately.
bet365 Expands
Due to this deal, bet365 will be able to go live with its sports betting app once the wagering market is up and running in the state. Although January 8 marks the day sports betting becomes legal, there has been no date given for the launch of online sportsbooks. As per the law, any sports betting sites entering the North Carolina must go live by June 2024. It isn’t just market access that bet365 gains from signing this deal. The company will also see their branding and signage plastered throughout the Spectrum Center, home of the Hornets. Fans will also notice bet365 branding on the Hornets website and on all of the team’s social media platforms.
Jacob Gallagher, Hornets Sports & Entertainment CVO, said that they are “excited” to confirm this partnership. He added that since the governor signed sports betting into law, the team has actively been seeking a partner that will provide their fanbase with more “opportunities to engage with their favorite sports teams.” They feel bet365 will be able to achieve that.
The signage is already visible at the Spectrum Center and fans will be able to see bet365’s logo on the court for tournament games during the season. bet365 will also receive shout-outs and promotion on the team’s radio and TV broadcasts. A bet365 spokesperson declared that “everyone” at the company is “thrilled” to join forces with the Hornets as they look to launch their betting site in North Carolina.
NC Sports Betting State of Play
The deal between Charlotte and bet365 shows progress is being made in North Carolina, with the scope for more agreements of the same ilk between pro sports teams and sportsbooks in the state. Although the official line is sportsbooks will not go live on January 8, the first day they can legally launch, things are moving in the right direction.
It might be the case that North Carolina decides to time the launch date just in time for the Super Bowl or even the March Madness tournament. Both of events attract a high volume of betting activity so lawmakers may want to take advantage. The date will depend on how quickly the lawmakers can review and approve licenses, test operators and confirm the final rules and regulations of the market. But the hope is that there is not long to go now.
