With both handle and hold figures showing year‑over‑year growth, the market appears poised for further gains as major sporting events unfold this summer.
May 2025 Results
In May, North Carolina reported $65.2 million in NC sports betting revenue, marking a solid gain for the state. Bettors placed wagers at a statewide hold of 11.65%, meaning the state kept just over eleven cents on every dollar wagered. This figure shows that the market is settling into a consistent pattern of growth.
Total wagering handle in May reached $562.2 million, with $547.8 million from paid bets and $14.4 million from promotional offers. While promotional credits help bring new players in, the bulk of money came from standard bets. This broad interest helped push the overall total above last year’s mark.
Compared with May 2024, revenue rose by 3.33%. At the same time, the May handle grew by 7% over the same month last year. However, both numbers fell short of April’s figures, with May’s wagers dipping 2.4% from April 2025. These shifts remind us that sports schedules and big events can strongly affect betting trends.
Tax income generated from May’s sports bets was $11.7 million, the highest in four months. This tax haul comes close behind January’s $13.4 million peak. Such funds support state programs and show how gambling can boost public revenue when managed well.
Market Trends and Outlook
Despite May’s strong showing, revenue still trails the record $105.3 million achieved in April 2024, the first full month after legal online betting launched. That initial surge set a lofty benchmark for the new market, and it may take more major events to match it again.
On the handle side, March 2025 holds the record of $695 million in total wagers. That peak was driven by high-profile matchups in basketball and baseball. Summer sports and the lead-up to the fall football season could help push future handles back toward that level.
The statewide hold rose from 8.12% in April to 11.65% in May, though it remains just below last May’s 12.01%. This movement shows operators are refining their odds and promotions to balance player appeal with profit. A hold above ten percent generally indicates healthy margins for sportsbooks.
Major operators have set up shop in North Carolina. FanDuel NC and DraftKings NC lead in market share, while BetMGM and Fanatics also compete fiercely. Although the state lottery commission does not publish exact operator numbers, these brands drive much of the online action.
Looking ahead, the summer sports calendar could shape the next revenue stage. Major golf tournaments, baseball playoffs, and the start of college football betting may draw new bettors. If promotional campaigns continue, North Carolina could see even stronger revenue and handle growth in the coming months.
May’s results highlight a maturing market that balances steady growth with familiar seasonal swings. As more data comes in, regulators and operators will watch closely to ensure that treatment of gamblers stays fair and the state’s tax benefits remain strong.
