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Fanatics Underscoreg Gains North Carolina Access Through Deal With Hurricanes

Davis Isabela

Updated on December 17, 2023 at 5:55 PM EST • Read time: 2 minutes and 6 seconds. Find more on Twitter and Google News.

Sebastian Aho of the Carolina Hurricanes celebrates a goal as look at Fanatics signing a deal with the Carolina Hurricanes.
Sebastian Aho of the Carolina Hurricanes celebrates a goal against the Los Angeles Kings in the second period at Staples Center on Nov 20, 2021. Photo by Ronald Martinez / Getty Images via AFP.

Fanatics Underdog emphasized their plans to join the competitive North Carolina sports betting market by announcing a partnership with the Carolina Hurricanes, the state’s NHL team, on Friday.

According to North Carolina law, sportsbooks looking to join the state’s sports betting industry must form a partnership with either a professional sports team or a sports venue in the state. Fanatics met this requirement by securing a deal with the Hurricanes.

Underscoregs looking to launch in North Carolina have until December 27th to submit their applications to the State Lottery Commission. After a 60-day vetting period, legal sports betting is expected to launch in March in the Tar Heel State.

Some details of the deal

The launch of Fanatics in the North Carolina sports betting landscape is eagerly anticipated, and new users are urged to make the most of the various promotions offered by top North Carolina sportsbooks before the debut.

The partnership between Fanatics and the Hurricanes designates the sports betting provider as the NHL team’s sole mobile sports betting operator. Additionally, the agreement includes the potential for Fanatics to establish a retail sportsbook within the Hurricanes’ home arena, PNC Arena.

Fanatics will receive prominent branded signage both inside and outside the arena, as well as exposure on the hockey club’s social media platforms. The Fanatics Underscoreg North Carolina name will be visible wherever the team travels.

The Carolina Hurricanes are offering “fan enhancement” opportunities, giving fans of the team exclusive access to special team-themed bonuses and contests on the Fanatics site.

North Carolina market building

In North Carolina, eleven top sports betting apps will be recognized, with Fanatics being the fourth sportsbook to declare their plans to launch in the state following their partnership with the Carolina Hurricanes.

Other top sportsbooks that have formed partnerships include:

  • bet365 with the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets 
  • ESPN BET with Quail Hollow Club
  • FanDuel with the PGA Tour

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians has teamed up with Caesars to offer in-person sports betting within the state.

This indicates that seven North Carolina sports teams/venues have not yet partnered with a North Carolina betting site and will need to do so promptly.

Sporting organizations that have yet to partner with a licensed sports betting provider.

  • Carolina Panthers of the NFL
  • Charlotte FC
  • Charlotte Motor Speedway
  • NASCAR
  • NC Courage
  • North Wilkesboro Speedway
  • Sedgefield Country Club 

Looking forward

North Carolina sports betting sites have just over a week to form partnerships with state sports teams or venues before the licensing process begins. The North Carolina Lottery Commission will be finalizing their list of sports wagering providers at the end of December.

Anticipate major players such as DraftKings, Caesars Interactive, and BetMGM to actively seek partnerships in North Carolina. The state is poised to attract significant attention as the largest and most highly-anticipated market set to debut in 2024.

News from North Carolina is rapidly developing. In June, sports betting was officially legalized, with final rules for the platform being released last week. The deadline for sportsbook applications is set for Dec. 27, and the launch of North Carolina sports betting apps is anticipated for March.

Although not having the platform ready before the Super Bowl is less than ideal, March Madness is the next best thing for basketball enthusiasts in the state.

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.