The best North Carolina online casinos let you enjoy hundreds of slots, virtual table games, and even live dealer-style experiences. While real money online casinos aren't currently legal in the state, you can still sign up and play at licensed social casinos. These platforms offer a fun, risk-free gaming experience where you can earn virtual rewards and share your progress with a lively online community.
If you're unsure how these experiences compare to traditional gambling sites, it's helpful to first understand what is the difference between social casinos and real money casinos—especially when it comes to how they operate, the legal frameworks behind them and what you can win. Read on to explore the best legal social casino options in North Carolina.
North Carolina has never passed any laws that would permit online casino gaming. It only allows three land-based casinos to operate, which are all located in the western part of the state:
Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort in Cherokee
Harrah's Cherokee Valley River Hotel & Casino in Murphy
Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort in Kings Mountain
However, social online casinos are permitted at a federal level, so sites like BetRivers.net are able to accept customers in North Carolina. The minimum age to play at BetRivers.net is 21, but some social casinos accept players aged 18 or older.
The North Carolina Lottery Commission oversees all lottery games in the Tar Heel State. It has also been handed oversight of the legal North Carolina sports betting industry, including retail sportsbooks and online sportsbooks. The Cherokee Tribal Gaming Commission regulates Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort and Harrah's Cherokee Valley River Hotel & Casino, while the Tribal Gaming Commission for the Catawba Indian Nation regulates Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort.
Our experts have reviewed all of the social online casinos that currently accept players based in North Carolina. They decided that BetRivers.net is the best of the bunch, as it offers a vastly superior range of games to its rivals.
BetRivers.net
This North Carolina casino app is run by a Chicago-based company named Rush Street Interactive. It operates Rivers Casino venues in Illinois, New York and Pennsylvania, and it offers real money online casino gaming and sports betting in several states via BetRivers.com in a handful of states.
By contrast, BetRivers.net is a "play for fun" social casino site, which allows you to enjoy hundreds of casino games without risking any of your own money as there are no NC casino online real money sites allowed.
🎉 Welcome Bonus
As your welcome offer, this North Carolina online casino site delivers a daily Spin to Win that can earn up to $1,000 in virtual credits (VC$). You can also earn additional VC$ every four hours when you log into your account. You can also purchase additional VC$ if you want to extend your play.
🎰 Game Selection
You can play more than 650 games at BetRivers.net, giving it a substantially larger range than rival social casino sites. Many of them are the same games featured at its real money casino site in Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, but you can play them with virtual credits. If you're curious about the cost or accessibility of these games, check out are social casino games free to play guide.
There are 33 virtual table games, including blackjack, roulette, poker-style games, craps, and Asian games, along with a few live dealer games and a huge selection of slots from providers such as Pragmatic Play, Greentube, Everi, Konami, Habanero, Boongo, NetEnt, AGS, and Red Tiger.
📲 Design & Interface
The layout is also very similar to BetRivers.com. It is very stylish and accessible, with sections for hot games, new releases, featured games, table games, slots, live dealer, Slingo games and so on.
The games are laid out in a neat grid, broken up into various sub-sections, and you can search for individual titles or browse games by specific suppliers. Pages load quickly and the site is easy-to-use.
A reminder that there are no online casino North Carolina real money sites available, so if you are interested in real-money wagering, you can wager on sports betting apps, as those are 100% legal. If you are interested, these are the top North Carolina sportsbook promos available:
The best North Carolina casinos online share a series of traits:
🟡 Bonuses & Promotions
There are lots of ways to unlock virtual credits at the best North Carolina online casinos. Some offer prize draws for customers too, and an NC casino app with Sweepstakes play, should it become available, will offer discounts and other deals. Missouri online casinos and Texas online casinos are also known for their bonuses and promotions. However, these are both sweepstakes casinos as opposied to social casinos.
🟡 Mobile Play
The top social casinos North Carolina players can access are all optimized for mobile use. Some offer native casino apps, while others offer mobile sites, which you can visit via any browser on your device.
🟡 Device Compatibility
You can play games via a desktop, laptop or a mobile device at the best social casinos. North Carolina players can access them directly from a web browser, but some are available within a social media platform like Facebook, too.
🟡 Security & Safety
The leading NC casino sites will keep you safe at all times, using the latest encryption tools to protect your data, as well as following state regulations.
🟡 Banking Methods
You can use popular, trustworthy banking methods such as Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express and PayPal at a North Carolina casino online if you want to buy more virtual credits. Skrill is often available at sites with Sweepstakes play, too.
Note that because social casinos are free to play, there are no deposits technically - but there will be an NC online casino no deposit bonus available. The banking methods are strictly for buying more virtual currency packages or for accessing prizes.
🟡 Customer Support
The best online gambling apps in NC offer attentive customer service via live chat or email. Some offer phone support too, and there is normally an insightful online help center.
🟡 Game Selection
The best NC casino sites offer a broad selection of games. Most stick to slots, but BetRivers.net stands out by offering a series of excellent table games. Betrivers.net is also considered one of the top NY online casinos and California online casinos.
This section highlights the most popular games that you can play at social online casinos in North Carolina.
Online Slots
The best social casino apps offer a wide range of exciting slots. They are often the same games found at real money casino sites in states like New Jersey, West Virginia or at Michigan online casinos. These online slots are similar to the slot machines at land-based casinos, as you can spin the reel and hope to match up symbols. If you're curious about how to win at online slots, understanding the mechanics of these games and the strategies behind them can enhance your gameplay.
🎰 High RTP Slots
Even when playing on a social NC casino app, winning is far more fun than losing. That's why many casual players look for the highest RTP slots. RTP stands for "return to player," which means how much on average out of ever dollar a slot game will typically pay out.
For example, a slot with an RTP of 98% - which is very good - will pay out on average 98 cents for every dollar wagered on it.
🎰 3D slots
These are just like regular slots, but they offer 3D graphics. That makes them more immersive and it often creates an exciting visual experience.
🎰 Classic slots
You can enjoy old-school slots with basic gameplay at North Carolina's top online casinos. These games have a modest range of paylines, and they do not harness the newer features found on the latest releases. Florida online casinos (which are sweepstakes casinos) also offer a large number of classic slots.
🎰 Megaways slots
An Australian studio named Big Time Gaming launched the Megaways feature in 2015, and it transformed slots play. Megaways slots often have more than 100,000 paylines, creating a varied and exciting user experience.
🎰 Jackpot slots
A portion of your bet amount goes into a wider pool when you play progressive jackpot slots at online casinos. The jackpot continues to grow until someone triggers it, and the payouts can be very large.
You cannot cash out a real money prize at North Carolina casino sites, but you can still enjoy these free casino games and share your achievements with the community on social media.
Table Games
Virtual table games are powered by Random Number Generators (RNG), which deliver the results each time a hand is dealt, the wheel is spun or the dice are thrown. The RNG software is tested out at independent labs to ensure fairness and accuracy. These are the main table games at casinos in North Carolina:
♣️ Blackjack
The idea is to get closer to 21 than the dealer, without going bust. You will be dealt two cards, and you can continue to request more until you decide to stick or go bust. There are lots of blackjack variants at the best social North Carolina gambling sites. Learning a solid blackjack strategy can significantly improve your chances of beating the dealer and making smarter decisions at the table.
♣️ Baccarat
This is a very popular, simple table game. You can bet on the banker's bet, the player's bet, or the tie, just like the version at a land-based casino. If you're new to the game, learning how to play baccarat online can help you understand the rules and betting options before you dive in.
♣️ Craps
An exciting dice game, which allows you to wager on the outcome before the dice are thrown down the table. There are lots of different bets, and some of them have high payout rates.
♣️ Poker
You can play poker-style games against the house at the best social casinos in North Carolina. There are table poker games, such as Casino Hold'em and three-card poker, along with video poker and online poker games.
♣️ Roulette
The ball is dropped onto a spinning wheel, and you can bet on which pocket it will land in. You can wager on individual numbers, but most players stick to side bets, such as red/black or odd/even. Many players also explore different types of online roulette strategy to help guide their betting choices and manage risk.
European roulette has a higher payout rate than American roulette, as there is only a single zero on the wheel, whereas the American roulette wheel also has a double zero.
You do not need to risk any of your own money when you play at social online casinos in North Carolina. However, some players decide to purchase additional virtual coins to extend the fun.
Some sites will reward you for doing so by issuing free SC coins, which can be converted to withdrawable cash if you successfully complete a playthrough requirement.
BetRivers.net accepts credit cards and debit cards. You can use Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express if you want to buy more coins. E-wallets are also accepted considering BetRivers.net is one of the top PayPal casinos available in the US. It is not a sweepstakes casino, but sites that offer Sweepstakes play will often pay you out via a gift card, a bank transfer or Skrill, if you complete the wagering requirement on your Sweeps Coins.
North Carolina has legalized online sports betting and pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing, so NC online casinos could be next.
If real money casinos in North Carolina are permitted in the future, these are the most likely operators to launch:
BetMGM Casino
BetMGM is the most popular online casino in the United States. It offers a huge array of real money games, including lots of exclusives, and the online casino lobby is very stylish. The BetMGM Casino bonus code typically delivers a small no-deposit bonus plus a bonus match. There are plenty of recurring promos, too.
Meanwhile, the BetMGM NC bonus code is one of the most popular in the sports betting sites state - and usually one of the biggest offers (which you can see above in this guide).
Caesars Palace Online Casino
Caesars offers one of the best online casinos in the country. It includes a simple user interface, excellent customer service, broad betting limits and a great loyalty program. The Caesars Palace Online Casino bonus code typically unlocks one of the industry's best offers.
DraftKings is primarily renowned for its popular online sportsbook and its Daily Fantasy Sports contests, but it also hosts an excellent online casino in five states.
There are more than 1,000 games to choose from, including plenty of exclusives, and there are some terrific bonuses, too. It features an appealing offer in Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and West Virginia via the DraftKings Casino promo code.
DraftKings is live in North Carolina for sports betting and typically offers guaranteed bonus bets with a small wager via the DraftKings NC promo code offer.
FanDuel Casino
FanDuel is the country's No. 1 online gambling brand, offering sports betting, pari-mutuel horse racing, casino gaming and DFS contests.
Its online casino features a smaller range of games than BetMGM and DraftKings, but it is very accessible, and it has a superb live dealer section. You can also benefit from rapid withdrawals and lots of recurring bonuses.
Bettors in North Carolina do have access to its terrific betting site and app, and the FanDuel NC promo code is typically one of the best despite stiff competition in the state.
Fanatics Casino
Fanatics is best known for its presence in the sports merchandise world, but it has recently expanded into online gaming with the launch of Fanatics Casino in select states.
The platform offers a growing collection of online casino games, including slots, table games, and exclusive titles. Fanatics Casino pairs a sleek, user-friendly interface with competitive promotions to appeal to both new and experienced players.
It is currently available in Michigan, with more states expected to follow. Players can unlock a generous welcome bonus through the Fanatics Casino promo code when signing up in eligible states.
Fanatics is also live for online sports betting in states like North Carolina, where players can claim bonus bets with a qualifying wager using the Fanatics Sportsbook NC promo.
A legislative effort seeking to authorize commercial casino resorts in North Carolina is officially underway. There is a great deal of support for this bill, so we could soon see commercial land-based casinos launching in the Tar Heel State, joining the existing tribal casinos. However, we are unlikely to see online casinos launch any time soon. Only a handful of states currently permit online real money casino gaming, and no lawmakers in North Carolina have introduced similar legislation yet.
In the meantime, playing at social casinos is your best. For more information on this type of playing experience, you can dig into our guide on how social casino apps work.
While the prospect of online casinos in North Carolina remains on the horizon, it's crucial to acknowledge the potential risks associated with gambling and emphasize responsible gaming practices. Whether engaging in social casinos or anticipating future regulated online platforms, prioritizing player well-being is paramount.
Responsible Gambling Tools and Practices
When online casinos become legal in North Carolina, reputable platforms will offer tools to help players manage their gambling habits. These may include:
Deposit limits: Setting maximum deposit amounts within a specific timeframe.
Loss limits: Setting maximum loss amounts within a specific timeframe.
Session limits: Setting time limits for gambling sessions.
Self-exclusion: Temporarily or permanently barring oneself from accessing gambling platforms.
Reality checks: Receiving regular reminders of time and money spent gambling.
Additional Resources for North Carolina Responsible Gaming
Whether you're betting on your favorite sports or playing on the best social casinos in North Carolina, these resources can provide support and guidance:
North Carolina Problem Gambling Program (NCPGP): This state-funded program, operated by the North Carolina Division of Mental Health, offers prevention, education, outreach, and treatment services. They provide confidential support through a 24/7 helpline and online resources. Helpline: 1-877-718-5543.
North Carolina Council on Problem Gambling (NCCPG): The NCCPG is a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for individuals and families affected by problem gambling. They offer support, education, and resources to promote responsible gaming.Phone number: 1-336-681-8516.
Gamblers Anonymous (GA): GA is a fellowship of individuals who share their experiences and support each other in recovering from problem gambling. They offer regular meetings throughout North Carolina.
National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG): The NCPG provides a national help network. National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER.
We hope to see real money online North Carolina casinos launched within the next few years. In the meantime, you can enjoy hundreds of great slots for fun at social North Carolina casino sites like BetRivers.net. You can also play virtual table games, which will help you hone your strategy before playing for real money at a land-based venue. Follow the link on this page to get started with BetRivers.net and grab your haul of virtual credits today.
You cannot play at traditional legal online casinos for real money in North Carolina. However, social casinos are available in North Carolina, which replicate the experience, allowing you to play slots and table games for fun, without risking your own money. Some NC casino sites offer Sweepstakes play, too, whereby you can potentially cash out profits.
Can you gamble on your phone in NC?
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You can bet on sports with your phone in NC but not on casino games, as North Carolina casino apps that involve real money are not legal in the state. Should online casino NC sites launch that offer gambling, we will detail all the information on this page.
Are online casinos legal in North Carolina?
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No, online casinos for real money are not currently permitted in North Carolina, so you need to use social North Carolina gambling sites. These North Carolina casinos allow you to play slots and various table games for fun, and you can share your achievements with the community, but you cannot play online casino games for real money yet in NC. However, a number of providers in other states offer great free online casino games.
What gambling is legal in North Carolina?
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Various forms of online gambling are legal in North Carolina. For example, you can buy lottery tickets online. In 2023, North Carolina passed a law to permit online sports betting and horse racing betting, and the first online sportsbooks and racebooks launched on March 11, 2024.
What is the best North Carolina Online Casino?
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The best North Carolina online casino site is BetRivers.net, which allows you to play hundreds of slots and table games for fun. There are no real money North Carolina casinos online, and we highly recommend avoiding unlicensed offshore online casinos, so you need to stick to social casino sites like BetRivers.net when seeking the best online casinos in North Carolina.
Are there casinos in North Carolina?
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There are casinos in North Carolina, but they are social casinos, not real money online casinos. For now, the options for players are social casinos like BetRivers.net or land-based locations.
Is BetRivers in North Carolina?
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Yes, BetRivers is in North Carolina. It offers a popular social casino site to NC players. It is the best online casino North Carolina players can access right now, as it offers a huge variety of games.
Who will launch online casinos in North Carolina?
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If the state passes a law permitting North Carolina online casino sites, Caesars Entertainment will likely be among the first operators to launch. It runs two tribal casinos – Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort in Cherokee and Harrah's Cherokee Valley River Hotel & Casino in Murphy – and it would likely launch an online casino for North Carolina, along with rival BetMGM.
What casino games are available in North Carolina?
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You can play slots, virtual table games and even a few live dealer games at online social casinos in North Carolina. The best NC online casinos allow you to play hundreds of slots for fun, and some online casino North Carolina operators offer games like blackjack and roulette too.
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Mark Strotman is a veteran sports journalist who has covered the Chicago Bulls and the NBA for NBC Sports Chicago for about 8 years. His work has also appeared on ESPN.com, FoxSports.com, The Chicago Tribune, Yahoo Sports and NBC Sports. He covered the NBA Playoffs in 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2017 as well as Team USA Basketball in 2014 and 2016. He has also covered high school football and was nominated for a Midwest Emmy in 2016 for his work on a documentary featuring local Chicago product and NFL prospect Miles Boykin.