When listing online sportsbook operators, of both recent origin and well known, the name Underdog Sports doesn’t register as a household name. At least not for the right reasons.
Its name speaks volumes in daily fantasy circles. Underdog has spent much of the last six months getting stomped on for its involvement with controversial pick’em games. Many states have deemed them sports betting in DFS clothing.
But that’s another story for another day. Where Underdog surfaces as the year ends is one of seven applicants for a sports betting license in North Carolina. Underdog is in elite company with bet365, BetMGM, DraftKings, Fanatics, FanDuel, and ESPN BET, according to Bet Carolina.
Underdog aside, Caesars Sportsbook North Carolina applied for a service provider license as it runs two casinos and their sportsbooks in the western part of the state for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
The North Carolina Lottery Commission continues to accept applications, potentially seeking to authorize a dozen mobile operators, says Yogonet Gaming News.
But those that did not file by the December 27 due date may not be guaranteed they can begin when the other applicants collect their first bets. The Lottery Commission, which oversees sports betting, will review the applications over 60 days to decide who deserves a license. Licensees could be ready to take bets by the end of February or early March, in time for the NCAA tournament. In any case, legislation requires bets placed no later than June 15.
“North Carolinians love basketball season and are looking forward to betting to the chance to bet on their favorite teams and players,” commission spokesman Van Denton said in a statement to WRAL. “With all the progress that has been made, the Commission expects to be in a position soon to announce when sports betting can begin in North Carolina.”
The process requires sportsbook operators to sign a designated agreement with pro teams, sporting events or locations. So far, bet365 connected to the Charlotte Hornets, ESPN BET signed up with Quail Hollow Golf Club, Fanatics put its chips in with the Carolina Hurricanes, and FanDuel cozied up to the PGA Tour. Of course, these agreements only work if the sportsbooks receive a license to operate, according to Focus Gaming News.
Meanwhile, Caesars Sportsbook has applied as a service provider in the state rather than an operator. Caesars is expected to launch in partnership with tribal casinos, which currently operate retail sportsbooks in the state.
