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Charlotte Hornets Land bet365 as Official Sports Betting Partner

Davis Isabela

Updated on November 18, 2023 at 4:22 PM EST • Read time: 1 min 50 sec. Find more information on Twitter and Google News.

bet365 has partnered with the Charlotte Hornets to become the team's official sports betting app.
LaMelo Ball of the Charlotte Hornets reacts after shooting a three-pointer against the Washington Wizards. Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images via AFP.

Although North Carolina sports betting apps have not yet been officially released, a professional sports team in the state has already revealed an exclusive long-term partnership with a sports wagering provider.

The Charlotte Hornets of the NBA have formed a partnership with bet365, making them the official mobile sports betting partner of the team.

“We are thrilled to announce our partnership with bet365,” stated Jacob Gallagher, chief revenue officer of Hornets Sports & Entertainment. “Ever since Governor Cooper signed sports wagering into law at Spectrum Center in June, we have been searching for a partner to enhance our fans’ engagement with their favorite sports teams. We believe that bet365 is the perfect fit for our organization and will help us achieve that goal.”

The agreement with bet365 makes the Hornets the first professional team in North Carolina to have a sportsbook partnership. Additionally, the Hornets are now the fifth professional team in North America to join forces with bet365 as a wagering partner.

The Hornets are now part of the NFL’s Washington Commanders, MLB’s Colorado Rockies and Cleveland Guardians, and the NBA’s San Antonio Spurs.

More on the deal

The agreement will give bet365 significant visibility in the upcoming North Carolina market. The company will gain exposure through Hornets media partners such as Hornets.com, the Hornets’ social media channels, the Hornets App, as well as the team’s TV and radio broadcasts, resulting in valuable marketing opportunities.

The bet365 signage will now be prominently displayed at the Spectrum Center, home of the Charlotte Hornets. The signage made its debut during the Nov. 17 NBA In-Season Tournament game against the Milwaukee Bucks.

The Hornets have secured a valuable partnership with a global sports betting brand, positioning themselves at the forefront of the North Carolina market before legal sports betting is even launched.

The team will see advantages from the “fan enhancement” opportunities that accompany a sportsbook partnership. Hornets fans will receive exclusive promotions and bonuses tailored to the team and North Carolina from bet365 once it is launched.

North Carolina legal sports betting launch

The North Carolina Lottery Commission has been actively working on creating guidelines for future bettors and vendors in the state. During their recent meeting, the commission approved their initial set of rules, which are not particularly innovative.

Although the licensing process has not started in the state yet, it is likely that bet365, due to its partnership with the Hornets, will be one of the sportsbooks licensed in the state.

Altogether, eight North Carolina sports venues, including the Spectrum Center, are set to receive their own official sports betting licenses.

The North Carolina sports betting launch was originally planned for Jan. 8, but recent reports indicate that this timeline may be overly optimistic due to the amount of work that still needs to be completed.

North Carolina legislators set a deadline of June 15, 2024 for their launch, but it is expected that they will go live closer to the target date of January 8. Regulators are likely to aim for the Super Bowl in February and March Madness to maximize their opportunities.

Written By:
Davis Isabela
Davis Isabela is the Editor-in-Chief of Underscoreg Review. He has been a writer, reporter and editor for more than 20 years, and his work has appeared in more than 200 publications across North America. His first book, “100 Greatest Canadian Sports Moments”, was a hardcover best-seller in Canada in 2008. He has written more than 50 sportsbook reviews and dozens of other sportsbook-related content articles. James has also been quoted as a sports betting expert in USA Today and Sports Illustrated.