NC Sports Betting Promos: Which Sportsbook Bonus is Best?

It’s officially underdog season—which bodes well for NC sports betting promos and March Madness.

In 1985, eighth-seeded Villanova did the impossible by breaking through as the unlikely Big East candidate to win the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship. In 2008, Stephen Curry’s Davidson squad, which had not won a tourney game since 1969, took its 10th-seeded status to the Elite Eight.

And who could forget about Jim Valvano’s aimless scrambling after his Cinderella N.C. State Wolfpack shocked Hakeem Olajuwon’s mighty Houston squad in the title game?

Nobody.

Before we hit on the question of the day, which is nicely supported by our realistic underdog narrative, let’s not forget about the pre-game activities—so to speak. As of March 1, 2024, the North Carolina sportsbook pre-launch bonus period is live, which means Saturday Down South has seven incredible NC sports betting promos up for grabs.

In short, the NC pre-launch offers could not arrive at a better time on the sports calendar.

The sights, the sounds, the buzzer-beating shots, the natural still shots, and the unique video clips emerging from such craziness all represent a big chunk of this thing we call March Madness. Twenty-twenty-four’s calendar now features March, which means plenty of underdogs will have a shot to emerge in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.

Interestingly, March Madness 2024 provides an incremental element for those in North Carolina. On March 11, 2024, North Carolina online sports betting will indeed launch, thus allowing legal sports gamblers in the Tar Heel State the chance to place online wagers on their favorite collegiate programs.

NC Sports Betting Promos Take Center Stage in March 2024

From our DraftKings NC Sportsbook Promo dishing out a tidy $300 bonus to the freshly circulating Fanatics NC Sportsbook Promo awarding a $60 Fanatics credit and $100 bonus, North Carolina’s pre-registration variety is considerable.

Yes, the underdogs exist, which we’ll dig into further down on this page, but the mighty favorites should also frequently be mentioned. From the ever-popular FanDuel Sportsbook to DraftKings Sportsbook and BetMGM—the trio that comprises the “big three”—the giant online sportsbooks are undoubtedly coming to North Carolina.

The question remains, however, “Does one of the household names deserve the top NC sportsbook pre-registration offer ranking?” We analyze each of the seven North Carolina sportsbook offers—a combination of pre-launch and standard bonus—to determine a clear-cut top NC sportsbook offer.

Naturally, considering North Carolina’s sports betting launch strategically coincides with March Madness—thus underscoring the Tar Heel State’s love for college hoops—each NC sports betting bonus is paired with a team of tourney’s yesteryear.

1. DraftKings NC Promo Code: UCLA’s Masterpiece of 1972

It’s time to shift gears a bit, with an eye on sheer dominance. Merely thinking about the DraftKings Sportsbook brand welcomes thoughts of greatness and undisputed victory.

Pairing the DraftKings NC Promo Code with what many consider to be the greatest team of all time—the 1972 UCLA Bruins, led by the immortal John Wooden—makes all the sense in the world.

From an overall standpoint, the DraftKings Promo Code and sports betting app routinely take the top spot. In North Carolina, however, it’s placed at No. 3 for a variety of reasons.

Pre-registering with DraftKings NC Sportsbook before launch awards the NC sports bettor with a $100 bonus. Thereafter, a classic Bet $5, Get $200 Instant Bonus (guaranteed, win or lose) is on the table—thus combining for a $300 bonus.

There’s no question that many arguments exist to place DraftKings at the top of the NC list. However, in our opinion, hopping aboard the underdog train holds tremendous value—particularly for North Carolina, a state that’s waited patiently for legal sportsbook activity.

Because both bet365 and ESPN Bet are hungrier to carve out a bigger piece of the pie, more opportunity looms with those two books.

bet365’s $300 pre-launch bonus mirrors DraftKings’, but the former sprinkles in the option of a $1,000 First Bet Safety Net. Additionally, ESPN Bet’s $225 pre-registration bonus requires just a $1 minimum first-time bet as opposed to DraftKings’ $5.

2. FanDuel NC Promo Code: The Indiana Hoosiers’ Dominance of 1976

Generally speaking, whenever DraftKings Sportsbook is mentioned, FanDuel Sportsbook is also in the conversation, and vice-versa. Before the Supreme Court struck down PASPA in 2018—the law prohibiting legal online sports gambling—FanDuel and DraftKings led the DFS (daily fantasy sports) charge.

With an acute understanding of the user-data business, tacking an online sportsbook to the company’s offerings was as perfect as Bobby Knight’s 1976 Indiana Hoosiers (32-0).

Pounce on our FanDuel NC Promo Code before launch to scoop up a tantalizing $300 bonus—$100 in the pre-registration form and a Bet $5, Get $200 Instant Bonus at launch.

3. BetMGM NC Promo Code: Coach K and Duke’s Sustained Success

The aforementioned “big three” was written early for a reason; BetMGM is the Bobby Hurley of the crew. If DraftKings Sportsbook is Christian Laettner and FanDuel Sportsbook is Grant Hill, then BetMGM proudly takes on Hurley’s point-guard talents.

Remember, MGM is a household name akin to that of Mike Krzyzewski. Yet, as great as Coach K is, it’s tough to choose the greatest Duke Blue Devils team of all time.

Instead, Duke’s sustained success over decades is what shines through the window, and MGM’s ability to take a wealth of experience in the resorts and casino industry, and turn it into sustained online sportsbook success, is more than notable.

Excitingly, our BetMGM NC Promo Code grants all North Carolina pre-registrants a fantastic $200 bonus.

4. bet365 NC Promo Code: St. Peter’s Cinderella Story in 2022

The bet365 NC Promo Code is our choice for the best North Carolina sportsbook pre-launch offer. Several factors determined this result, and each highlights the burgeoning sportsbook’s status more than the last.

First and foremost, although bet365 Sportsbook does not bleed the same brand-name value as some of its competitors (i.e. DraftKings or FanDuel), nearly everything about the operator screams, “Quality!”

Just a short time ago, bet365 boasted just two available states: New Jersey and Colorado. As of March 2024, bet365 is legal and available in nine states: Arizona, Colorado, New Jersey, Louisiana, Ohio, Virginia, Iowa, Indiana, and Kentucky.

While, admittedly, this limited availability hurts bet365’s ranking on more general lists, today’s topic focuses on North Carolina. Therefore, consider our bet365 NC Promo Code the Cinderella story to rank atop our list—akin to No. 15 St. Peter’s memorable Elite Eight run in 2022.

Utilize our bet365 North Carolina Pre-Launch Promo to get your hands on an incredible $300 bonus. The pre-registration bonus is $100, whereas the go-live (standard) promo results in a Bet $5, Get $200 Instant Bonus. All told, $300 in bonus bets floods your new bet365 account in North Carolina.

Alternatively, pre-registrants can claim a $100 pre-launch bonus and opt for the $1,000 First Bet Safety Net instead, which allows bettors to recoup a first-bet loss of up to $1,000. Therefore, granting NC online sports gamblers a choice is refreshing and serves as the extra oomph needed to propel bet365 to the top spot.

5. ESPN Bet NC Promo Code: N.C. State’s Nat’l Championship of 1983

How could ESPN Bet not intertwine with Jim Valvano? I mean, come on, folks … we’re only human.

Our underdog narrative continues with the ESPN Bet NC Promo Code resulting in an amazing $225 sportsbook bonus. The first $25 comes in the form of a pre-launch bonus, while the second leg is a Bet Anything (Minimum $1), Get $200 Instant Bonus at launch (March 11).

Sure, the ESPN brand is anything but an underdog at this point, but ESPN Bet is a drastically contrasting story.

Launching on Nov. 14, 2023, ESPN Bet entered the market in 17 states. Remember, the online sports gambling industry is a competitive market that features only a few brands at the top. Despite the ESPN brand power, ESPN Bet—partnered with PENN Entertainment, the operator that previously powered Barstool Sportsbook—has much work to accomplish.

No matter the brand recognition, seeking a significant chunk of the online sportsbook landscape is a tough task. Yet, if any book has a chance, it’s ESPN Bet, which has many North Carolina legal sports gamblers giddy over its presence.

Besides, it’s doubtful that any human who listened to Jimmy V’s speech at the 1993 ESPY Awards could ever allow its impact to escape the mind. “Don’t give up; don’t ever give up,” is undoubtedly imprinted in ESPN Bet’s decision-makers right now.

6. Fanatics NC Promo Code: Villinova’s Incremental Journey to the Top

Steadily but surely, Michael Rubin’s sportsbook vision for his famed Fanatics is coming to fruition. Granted, it’s still in heavy-working mode—with a lot yet to accomplish—but that’s why Villinova’s incremental journey to the top is the perfect pairing.

Once upon a time, the 1985 Villanova Wildcats represented the most surprising national champions in history. The 8-seeded Wildcats stunned Patrick Ewing’s mighty Georgetown squad for the chip. (The Final Four also featured Chris Mullins’s St. John’s team, allowing the newly-formed Big East to dominate the tourney.)

These days, after decades of improvement, Villanova is viewed far differently than its humble Big East beginnings. That’s exactly the story Fanatics Sportsbook would love to mirror, and its offering in North Carolina is sure to help the cause.

Fetching our Fanatics NC Promo Code yields the pre-launch user with a $60 Fanatics credit coupled with a 10x$100 bonus (Bet $10, Get $100 Bonus in the first 10 days of promo activation).

Terms and Conditions: 21+. New customers in NC only. $100 Registration Bonus will be issued as 4 $25 Bonus Bets on March 11. For deposit offer, must deposit $50 before March 11 to qualify. Voucher expires 14 days from issuance. If a full refund of deposit is requested prior to voucher expiration, that will cancel your participation in the promotion, and (i) for a redeemed voucher, the amount refunded will be minus the value of the redeemed voucher; (ii) an unredeemed voucher will be invalidated. For 10×100 offer, must opt in daily & place $5+ qualifying wager to get a Bonus Bet match (up to $100) each day for 10 straight days. Bonus Bets expire 7 days from issuance. Offer begins March 11. Must place initial wager by March 16. Add’l Terms apply- see Fanatics Sportsbook app.

7. Caesars NC Promo Code: UConn’s Continued Excellence

The Emperor’s Sportsbook mirrors that of the UConn Huskies. What Jim Calhoun started recently culminated in the program’s fifth National Championship (2023). The defending champions look to be the front-runners again this year, but it’s the longevity that has us interested in the comparison with Caesars Sportsbook.

Similar to BetMGM, the Caesars brand name is unmistakable. Whether it’s resorts, casinos, or gaming, Caesars Entertainment has done it all for a long time. Though Caesars Sportsbook can only be as fresh as the overturning of PASPA in 2018, the sports betting app commands great respect at a fair level.

The Caesars NC Promo Code takes the No. 7 spot purely due to its less-than-thrilling pre-launch bonus. However, don’t be confused: Caesars NC Sportsbook’s Bet $1, Get 7 Profit Boosts at 100% is still a worthwhile offer.

Understanding the North Carolina Pre-Registration Period

Far too often, a state’s pre-registration period flies under the radar. Although it’s shocking to those in the industry—due to the net-positive rewards on the table—it happens due to a lack of overall buzz.

When a state’s go-live date is announced, that date then becomes branded in our minds. North Carolina’s legal online sports wagering go-live date is March 11, thus that’s the day a solid chunk of the market waits to take action.

In reality, March 1, 2024, is the real actionable date at hand.

March 1 marked the day when North Carolina sportsbook pre-launch offers were introduced. This means only 10 days are available for interested sports bettors to capitalize on awards that instantly evaporate once the full mobile sports betting platform launches in the Tar Heel State.

DraftKings NC Sportsbook users who don’t pre-register will only have a chance to scoop up a Bet $5, Get $200 Instant Bonus. Those who pre-register, however, are treated to a $300 bonus.

Why wait until March 11 to register? Why do such a thing when you can register just a few days earlier, en route to extra bonus bets to play with in March 2024?

NC Sports Betting Promos: How to Claim a Pre-Launch Bonus

Taking advantage of one of these offers is simple, too. Using DraftKings Sportsbook as an example, just utilize our DraftKings NC Pre-Registration Bonus, create a new DraftKings NC Sportsbook account, and watch your $100 pre-registration bonus come flooding into your app.

Then, once North Carolina online sports betting officially launches, take advantage of the standard DraftKings NC Promo Code that’s dishing out a Bet $5, Get $200 Instant Bonus.

The following is a more organized guideline that can lead every interested NC legal sports wagerer to capitalize on a pre-launch offer:

Select our DraftKings NC Pre-Launch Offer.
Once the offer takes you to the DraftKings NC Sportsbook platform—either the web browser platform or mobile app, depending upon the device you’re using—locate and select the “Sign Me Up” button/link. (Note: Each sportsbook has a unique button/link to indicate promo activation, but all of them are easy to spot.)
Next, create a new DraftKings NC Sportsbook account by providing the necessary information to keep it safe and secure.
While creating your account, confirm that your current location is in North Carolina. This is easily done via DraftKings’ geolocation technology.
Watch as your new account is awarded with a $100 for use on launch day (March 11).

Once the go-live date arrives, take advantage of the standard new-user promo—a Bet $5, Get $200 Instant Bonus. So, no, claiming the pre-registration bonus does not preclude you from also capturing the standard go-live promo.

NC Sports Betting Promos: Final Thoughts

In a certain way, ranking the best NC sports betting promos is as impossible a task as choosing the correct field of 68. Nobody envies the NCAA Men’s Basketball Selection Committee, yet they always draw the fans’ ire.

It’s understandable. Seeking the correct result when taking on a near-impossible task always nets controversial results.

Our North Carolina sportsbook promo code ranking is sort of similar, as each book and pre-launch bonus features unique items that may fit some bettors better than others. As much as we stand by our ranking, we’re not foolish enough to ignore that idea.

Nevertheless, as tough as the task is, it’s obviously true that the North Carolina sportsbook bonus offer market resembles March Madness. Whether it’s the big names like DraftKings and FanDuel that mirror some of the greatest college hoops seasons of all time, or it’s the upstarts like bet365 and ESPN Bet that cannot help but force fans to think of the most emotional Cinderella stories, the quality is endless in the Tar Heel State.

Yes, we choose the bet365 NC Promo Code as the best North Carolina sportsbook bonus in the land. Then again, our ESPN Bet Promo Code is tremendous, while DraftKings Sportsbook and FanDuel Sportsbook will also receive plenty of attention.

Hey, in the end, enough options exist for everybody to get in on the action. In that regard, we pair the entirety of the North Carolina sportsbook promo code market with the fictional yet glorious story that is the 1951-52 Hickory Huskers.

Let’s spread the wealth, shall we? After all, those who refuse to make five passes before shooting are set to hit the bench in record time.