North Carolina sports betting market shrinks year-on-year in April

North Carolina’s Sports Betting Revenue Shows Resilience Amid Decreased Spending in April

In April, North Carolina’s sports betting sector demonstrated a striking month-on-month revenue growth, even as the overall spending on sports betting experienced a decline year-on-year. This resilience underscores the evolving dynamics within the state’s gambling industry.

During April, consumers placed an impressive total of $576.2 million in sports wagers. The paid wagering revenue for the month reached $560.7 million, complemented by $15.5 million in promotional bets.

Despite this strong activity, these figures reflect an 11.2% decrease compared to April 2024, which marked the first full month of legalized sports betting in North Carolina. Additionally, the total was 15.8% lower than the $685 million bet in March 2025, according to data released by the North Carolina State Lottery Commission.

Revenue Decline and Market Insights

The North Carolina State Lottery Commission reported $4.1 million in canceled and voided bets, with players winning a substantial $525.3 million from their wagers. Consequently, the gross wagering revenue for April reached $46.8 million—down 55.6% year-on-year. However, it’s noteworthy that this figure represents a 22.8% increase from March, indicating a rebound in revenue despite reduced consumer spending.

This translated into a statewide hold percentage of 8.12% for sports betting in April, showcasing a significant improvement from the 5.78% hold observed in March. Such fluctuations highlight the volatility inherent in the sports betting market, influenced by factors such as betting patterns and consumer confidence.

While specific performance data for individual operators in North Carolina remains undisclosed, major players such as FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, and Fanatics continue to thrive in this competitive landscape, contributing to the overall dynamics of the state’s gambling environment.

In conclusion, while April presented challenges in terms of year-on-year growth, the month-on-month revenue increase, paired with strategic insights into betting behaviors, offers a promising outlook for North Carolina’s sports betting industry. As the market continues to evolve, ongoing analysis and adaptation will be key for operators looking to capture consumer interest and enhance revenue performance.