Mobile sports betting: Wednesday marks important deadline for companies

Fans on Wednesday are one step closer to being able to use mobile sports betting websites in North Carolina, but it still will be months before wagering goes live.

December 27 is the North Carolina Lottery Commission's deadline for mobile betting operators to submit applications for licenses that make them eligible to launch on the state's "go-live" date.

The commission has not yet announced a date for when mobile sports betting will begin, but it will not be before the Feb. 11 Super Bowl.

The first allowable date for sports wagers is January 8.

June 15 is the deadline to launch sports betting according to North Carolina's sports betting law.

The commission has 60 days to review submitted applications for licenses, the latest step in its process for setting up rules and guidelines around mobile sports wagering.

"If progress continues at the pace it is now, an earlier start date than June 15 should be achievable," NC Lottery Commission Van Denton told WRAL in a statement. "North Carolinians love basketball season and are looking forward to the chance to bet on their favorite teams and players.

"With all the progress that's been made, the commission expects to be in a position soon to announce when sports betting can begin in North Carolina."

The commission's sports betting committee has scheduled another meeting for Jan. 4. The full commission will meet Jan. 10.

What operators are expected?

Operators must have an agreement with certain professional teams, leagues or venues to get a license in North Carolina — a change to the original law that was slipped into the state budget.The Carolina Hurricanes have partners with Fanatics Sportsbook.

Sports Business Journal first reported the Hurricanes' deal with Fanatics. The Hurricanes confirmed the agreement to WRAL but offered few details at this time.

The Hurricanes are purchasing Backyard Bistro, a restaurant located near PNC Arena. It will host the team's in-person sportsbook, through the team has not yet released details.

ESPN Bet will have access to North Carolina's market through a deal with Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte. The golf club hosts an annual PGA Tour event.

The Charlotte Hornets announced a deal with operator bet365. FanDuel is partnering with the PGA Tour for North Carolina access.

The law allows up to 12 operators to obtain licenses to accept mobile sports bets in the state.

Other professional teams, leagues and venues in North Carolina that can sign written designation agreement with operators include: NC Courage, Carolina Panthers, Carolina FC, Charlotte Motor Speedway, North Wilkesboro Speedway, NASCAR and Sedgefield County Club in Greensboro.