The best online casinos in North Carolina for 2025
Find a top North Carolina online casino here! While real money casinos aren’t yet legal, our experts recommend the best social and sweeps sites for you. Use the list below to find trusted sweepstake casino sites in NC with big bonuses and top games.
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North Carolina online casinos by category
As we said earlier, real money online casinos in North Carolina are not yet legal. Below we've focused on the best social and sweepstakes casinos sites that you can play at instead. Read on for a snapshot of our top North Carolina online casino picks!
McLuck - best for sweepstakes fans
McLuck is a top North Carolina online casino. The brand is a big name in the US and offers well over 500 casino games to play. For sweepstakes fans, McLuck is a great choice. You can try your hand at special features like Hold and Win games or McJackpots on a regular basis. We also like McLuck for its NC casino app, which is super easy to use and well-developed in comparison to other brands.
Read our McLuck casino review
WOW Vegas - best for online slots
If you want to play a wide variety of online slot games for free in North Carolina, WOW Vegas has you covered. With over 800 thrilling slots to choose from, you won't find a much better variety throughout the industry. WOW Vegas also offers a great variety of promotions including regular contests, tournaments, and daily offers. Undeniably, this is a top North Carolina online casino for players in the state.
Read our WOW Vegas casino review
Pulsz Casino - best for all casino games
Pulsz is a sweepstakes casino site with over two decades of experience providing a gaming platform. This NC online casino is hugely popular and has well over 110,000 social media followers across the US. When it comes to games, Pulsz offers nearly 700 slot games from a variety of top providers. For quality casino games, Pulsz is hard to beat!
Read our Pulsz Casino review
High 5 Casino - best for bonuses
High 5 Games launched its online social gaming platform in 2012 and has continued to make waves across the sweepstakes casino industry ever since. The NC online casino offers over 800 games, including exclusive slots just for the platform. Players like High 5 Casino for its free Game Coins that are given on a regular basis, plus its variety of bonuses and promotions.
Read our High 5 Casino review
Fortune Coins - best for prize pools
As far as North Carolina gambling sites go, Fortune Coins is hard to beat. Using an exclusive sweepstakes model, you can earn ‘Fortune Coins’ that you can use on a wide array of games and slots, including progressive jackpots with massive prize pools. Offering secure deposit options and responsive customer service, there’s plenty for North Carolinians to love.
Read our Fortune Coins review
Gambino Slots - best NC casino app
As one of the hottest social casinos, you’ve likely heard of Gambino Slots. Recreating the thrill of the Vegas strip (with none of the risk), new players can enjoy a generous welcome offer plus hundreds of slot games. Plus, Gambino Slots offers a popular NC casino app that works on both iOS and Android devices.
Read our Gambino Slots review
LuckyBird.io - best for crypto fans
As one of The Tar Heel State’s hottest new sweepstake casinos, LuckyBird.io offers exciting slots and arcade titles mixed with anonymous cryptocurrency payments. Play games and participate in promos, and you’ll keep your virtual wallet afloat with GCs and SCs, so your free social gaming entertainment is endless. North Carolina players who build up enough SCs can even exchange them for real-life prizes!
Read our LuckyBird.io review
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North Carolina online casinos to avoid
We only ever recommend the best North Carolina gambling sites. If we think a site isn't worth your time to play at, we add it to our list of casinos to avoid. This includes casinos that might be unsafe, fraudulent, or that simply offer a poor user experience. Take a look below for the North Carolina online casinos to avoid.
- Why you should avoid
- Unprofessional customer support
- Site operators linked to questionable practices
- Not paid players their winnings
- Why you should avoid
- Reports of players not receiving winnings
- Misleading claims of licensing
- Unresponsive to customer complaints
- Why you should avoid
- 18+ months for withdrawal
- Locked-out accounts
- Slow response times
How we rate the best North Carolina casino sites
If you’re searching for the best casino in North Carolina, knowing exactly what to look out for can help you make the most informed decision when gambling online. Our dedicated casino experts have shared our strict review process to show you just what to pay attention to:
Security and fairness
We only recommend safe, secure, and legal online casinos. We do a full background check for each and every gambling site. Plus, all of our recommended sites offer sophisticated security systems. We look for up-to-date SSL encryption software to ensure your personal and financial data is safe at any North Carolina casino.Bonuses
We expect top North Carolina casinos to reward both new and loyal players with generous perks and prizes. Any online site should offer attractive welcome bonuses and generous coin packages. In particular, we look for at least 250-500 coins in any welcome package, plus regular rewards on a daily or weekly basis.Game selection
As standard, we look for a minimum of 250 casino games at any North Carolina casino site. However, the best casinos will offer well over 700 unique games to play. We look for a range of slot games from top developers as well as other gambling games like poker, roulette, baccarat, blackjack, and more.Mobile and app casinos
It goes without saying, but any gaming site needs to be optimized for mobile. We only recommend casinos that have responsive sites that work in a mobile browser. Plus, we look for at least 90% of desktop games to be available on mobile. Bonus points go to casinos that have dedicated North Carolina casino apps!Banking methods
Sites that offer flexible banking options rank highly on our list. North Carolina players can expect to find popular and secure options like bank cards, prepaid cards, and e-wallets. We look for a minimum of 10 reputable and trusted payment options at any gaming site.Customer support
Speed, efficiency, and availability are things we assess with a casino’s customer support services. Our team of experts looks for 24/7 customer support, extensive FAQ pages, and knowledgeable staff. We test each casino and send genuine queries to assess just how trustworthy they really are.
3 steps to join a North Carolina casino
Choose a casino available to North Carolina players from our top-rated sites.
Make sure to opt-in for a bonus for a boost on your first coin package purchases.
You are now ready to play top casino games at your new casino.
North Carolina gambling laws
North Carolina has three land-based casinos, the first of which opened in the late 1990s. After two decades of brick-and-mortar casino betting, the first retail sportsbooks were introduced to North Carolina’s prominent tribal casinos. Now, NC lawmakers are divided over whether the Tar Heel State is ready to go virtual.
Online gambling’s legal status in North Carolina
Online gambling is not 100% legal in North Carolina. Real money online casinos are not permitted, though online betting is a different story. North Carolina was the 30th state in the US to offer legal online sports betting. In June 2023, Gov. Roy Cooper signed HB 347 which means up to 12 interactive sports wagering licenses can be granted in the state.Below is a quick snapshot of the legal status of gambling in NC. All information is up to date at the time of writing, though be sure to check your local legislation for the latest news.| Type of gambling | Legal status |
|---|---|
| Tribal casinos | ✅ |
| Online casinos | ❌ |
| Land based sports betting | ✅ |
| Online sports betting | ✅ |
| Daily Fantasy Sports | ✅ |
| Lottery | ✅ |
What is the legal gambling age in North Carolina?
Players must be 21 or over to gamble at a land-based casino or sportsbook. Anyone 18 or above can legally wager on the state lottery and participate in raffles or bingo games. Most states allow pari-mutuel horse wagering from 18, but since all horse betting occurs within the state’s tribal casinos, the minimum age in North Carolina is 21.Are there taxes on gambling winnings?
Any money earned from an NC casino or sportsbook is subject to tax. All gambling winnings will be taxed at a flat rate of 24%. If the profit from a wager is more than 300x the bet or has been won in a sweepstake, lottery, or wagering pool, it will be subject to income tax withholding.How is gambling in North Carolina regulated?
The casinos on tribal reservations are regulated independently of the state by the Cherokee Tribal Gaming Commission (TGC). The TGC was established in 1993 to implement the laws and protocols of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (1988) as part of the tribal-state gaming compacts that allow retail casinos.Free social and sweepstake casinos are legal to play at since they don’t allow real money gambling. Because they operate across the whole of the US they do not hold individual state licenses. Instead, they are independently audited by testing agencies like eCOGRA for fairness and security.The future of online casinos in North Carolina
"Online sports betting is legal in North Carolina, but there has been much less movement for online casino gambling. Though industry experts believe it would be a highly profitable move for the state, it's unlikely that real-money online casinos will be available soon. The state could take time to assess how the online sports betting market develops before considering another gambling expansion, but nothing has been confirmed."
Which NC online casinos could be available in the future?
The situation around North Carolina gambling sites is always in flux. Though there's no sign of state legislation changing soon, there are lots of theories about what could happen. When it comes to online casinos, there are a few brands that players believe would be interested in operating in North Carolina. The biggest bets are around the most well-known and respected names that are already operating in other US states. Though nothing has been confirmed, some of the most likely real money North Carolina casino sites could include:- BetMGM
- BetRivers
- Betway
- FanDuel
- Caesars Palace Online Casino
- DraftKings Casino
Where are online casinos and sports betting sites legal in the US?
Key
- Legal
- Pending
- Sweepstakes & Social casino
Which online casino games are available in North Carolina?
While you can’t bet on casino games online, North Carolinians can still join the online action by playing at social and sweepstakes casinos. You won’t win any real money prizes, but you can still enjoy all of the best casino games, like those listed below.
Slots
In North Carolina, slots are hugely popular. Slot games make up the majority of games you’ll find at online social casinos. In fact, some online casinos in North Carolina consist of slots alone. Though you can’t win real money on them, you can find several of the latest and greatest slot games from top providers like NetEnt and Pragmatic Play at NC social casinos.
Learn more in our online slots casinos guide.
Blackjack
An age-old casino classic, blackjack has the lowest house edge of any table game. With simple rules and wide betting limits, it is an excellent option for both casual and high-rolling players. As one of the most popular online casino games, you can find multiple variations of online blackjack.
Learn more in our online blackjack casinos guide.
Roulette
Another popular table game at casinos, roulette also comes in multiple variations. Its most common forms are American, French, and European. With the scope to wager on specific numbers or to hedge your bets 50/50, this game of chance is perfect for every type of player.
Learn more in our online roulette casinos guide.
Poker
Online poker is not yet legal in North Carolina, but you can play for real money in land-based poker rooms at the state’s tribal casinos. In the meantime, you can put your poker face into practice at free online social casinos, where you can find games like Texas Hold’em and 3-Card Stud.
Learn more in our real money online poker guide.
Video poker
Video poker combines the strategy of poker with the fun of online slots. Most social casinos will offer a variety of video poker games and you'll also find them at brick-and-mortar casinos. Look out for top picks like Joker Poker, Bonus Poker, Double Joker Poker, and more.
Learn more in our video poker casinos guide.
Live casino games
Live dealer games let you recreate the buzz of the casino floor when playing online. Whether you prefer roulette, blackjack, poker, or baccarat, you can play in real time and with a real dealer. Most real-money online casinos will offer a live casino library separate from their video games, and some social casinos are beginning to offer them too.
Learn more in our live dealer online casino guide.
Sports betting
Retail and online sports betting is live and legal in the Tar Heel State. Caesars Sportsbooks are available at both Harrah’s Cherokee casino sites for professional and collegiate sports betting, alongside pari-mutuel horse wagering.
Fantasy sports
Fantasy sports betting is very popular in North Carolina. There are many ways to play DFS. Online, you can wager and create teams at DFS sites like DraftKings and FanDuel.
State lotteries & bingo
Launched in 2005, North Carolina’s state lottery is the fourth youngest of the 45 available in the US. While you can buy lottery tickets online, you can’t play bingo online. Non-tribal bingo games are legal when organized by charitable organizations, and low-stakes ‘beach bingo’ games (with prizes under $10) are legal to play at licensed facilities. You can play high-stakes bingo at Cherokee Tribal Bingo.
Getting the best online casino bonuses in North Carolina
Like real-money casinos, social and sweepstake sites will often reward new players with casino bonuses and promotions. North Carolina casino sites have plenty of generous offers to enhance your free casino experience, and we’ve listed the most common types of bonuses below.
- Welcome bonuses
- Welcome bonuses
- Sign up bonuses, or welcome offers, are common at North Carolina casinos. Upon signing up, you may receive a coin package with millions of gold coins. Additional packages may offer extra coins or free spins at a discount, exclusively for new players.
- No deposit bonuses
- No deposit bonuses
- No deposit bonuses are not available at social online casinos, but you can still claim a bonus without buying. You can get free coin rewards from social media contests, referrals, or even birthday bonuses.
- Daily bonuses
- Daily bonuses
- A unique but rewarding concept at social casinos is the possibility to earn free coins every day just by logging in. Gold and sweeps coins will automatically be added to your balance with each first login of the day.
- Free spins
- Free spins
- Free spins are essential casino bonuses, providing slot gameplay without using real money. Social casinos in North Carolina offer in-game currency or free spins to start, with varying restrictions on game selection.
Top bonus in North Carolina
Making deposits and withdrawals for NC online gambling
Social casinos are free to play at, but bettors who want to pad out their virtual bankroll can do so by making a real money deposit. Most social casinos in North Carolina offer many popular casino payment methods. These include:
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
- Bank transfers
- Prepaid cards
- e-Wallets
- Bitcoin
Local casinos in North Carolina
The only brick-and-mortar casinos allowed to operate in the state are those run on tribal reservations. You can see more detail on these venues below.
Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort
Opened in 1997, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians runs this 150,000-square-foot tribal casino. It boasts over 3,000 slots and 160 table games, a dedicated Asian gaming suite, a WSOP Poker room, and a retail Caesars Sportsbook (complete with a 90-foot screen). Visit the Multi-tournament Center for fun, and wind down at the 1,800-room Smoky Mountain hotel. This luxury resort has a spa, two pools, golf courses, and 24/7 operating hours.
- Address: 777 Casino Dr, Cherokee, NC 28719
- Phone Number: (828) 497-7777
Harrah's Cherokee Valley River
Another casino run by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, the Valley River Casino is a 60,000-square-foot facility located in Murphy. Opened in 2015, the casino houses over 1,000 slot machines and a variety of live blackjack, craps, roulette, and poker tables. Wager on professional and collegiate sports at Caesars Sportsbook, or fit in a round of golf at one of three courses nestled among the Great Smoky Mountains.
- Address: 777 Casino Pkwy, Murphy, NC 28906
- Phone Number: (828) 422-7777
Similar casinos with online live dealers
Catawba Two Kings Casino
A third casino is currently under construction in Kings Mountain. The $273 million resort is set to hold up to 1,800 slots and a retail sportsbook. In the meantime, the Catawba Nation has opened a temporary, round-the-clock casino facility on a 17-acre plot of land 30 minutes west of Charlotte. The casino holds 1,000 slot machines and will remain open until the Two Kings Casino is complete.
- Address: 538 Kings Mountain Blvd, Kings Mountain, NC 28086
- Phone Number: (704) 750-7777
Similar casinos with online live dealers
Responsible gambling in North Carolina
For most gamblers, wagering at a casino or sportsbook is an exciting pastime. However, some bettors may develop harmful gambling habits that result in addiction. Every reputable online casino will offer tools and resources that players can implement to maintain responsible betting habits. Below, we’ve listed some additional resources available to bettors in North Carolina, or you can also head to our US responsible gambling hub.
North Carolina Council on Problem Gambling
North Carolina Council on Problem Gambling is service that educates, supports, and advocates for people suffering from gambling addiction, as well as supporting family and friends of someone suffering.North Carolina Problem Gambling Helpline
A 24-hour freephone service that is available to those suffering from problem gambling. You can contact them on 877-718-5543.North Carolina Division of Mental Health
The North Carolina Division of Mental Health runs the NC Problem Gambling Program to provide prevention, education, outreach, and treatment services across NC.Gamblers Anonymous
Gamblers Anonymous is a fellowship of people who share their experiences to help others that are battling their addictions.
FAQs
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Alexander Korsager has been immersed in online casinos and iGaming for over 10 years, making him a dynamic Chief Gaming Officer at Casino.org. He uses his vast knowledge of the industry to create content across key global markets.
Scott Roeben checked all US casino details on this page. Scott established Vital Vegas in 2013. It's the foremost authority on Las Vegas news and insight. Scott's recognized by numerous national and international media outlets as the leading authority on all things Las Vegas. He previously authored the Pulse of Vegas Blog for Caesars Entertainment, the world's largest gaming company. He also had a stint on the team at LasVegas.com for several years.
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