More taxes on sports betting? NC lawmakers discuss the possibility as industry pushes back

RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina lawmakers — who have been looking for ways to pay for a forthcoming budget that includes big raises for state employees — have been considering proposals that seek to squeeze more money out of games of chance. 

People familiar with state budget negotiations tell WRAL that lawmakers have discussed recommendations to increase taxes paid by sports betting companies and an additional tax to lottery sales and individual sports bets. The people spoke on the condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorized to publicly discuss the behind-the-scenes negotiations. 

The state’s eight legal sports betting operators pay an 18% tax on gross wagering revenue. Since the launch of legal sports betting in March 2024, the companies have paid more than $287 million in taxes. North Carolina doesn’t currently tax individual sports bets or lottery sales, which reached more than $6.58 billion in 2025.

Click here to read more from WRAL.

If you are concerned about your gambling or worried about a friend, you can call the NC Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-877-718-5543. You can also contact the National Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.