In November 2025, North Carolina achieved a new sports betting handle record for the second consecutive month, with sportsbooks processing $814 million in bets. This figure edged out the previous record of $811.4 million set in October 2025, marking a 23.8% increase compared to November of the previous year. The North Carolina State Lottery Commission’s data shows that $791.7 million of this total was “paid wagering revenue,” while $22.3 million came from promotional wagering revenue.
The commission also noted that $3.5 million worth of bets were voided and reported $717.6 million in player winnings for the month. As a result, the gross wagering revenue for November stood at $92.9 million, making it the second-highest monthly total on record, trailing only the $105.3 million set in April 2024. November’s figures surpassed those from the same month in 2024 by 19% and exceeded October’s numbers by the same margin.
Tax revenue from sports betting for November reached $16.7 million, providing a significant boost to the state’s coffers. The year’s handle up to the end of November totaled $3.16 billion, encompassing $3.06 billion in paid wagers and $105 million in promotional bets. During this period, $19 million in bets were canceled, and players were paid back $2.83 billion, resulting in a gross wagering revenue of $314.6 million from July to November and generating $56.6 million in taxes.
FanDuel, DraftKings, Fanatics, ESPN Bet, Bet365, and BetMGM are some of the operators that contribute to North Carolina’s burgeoning sports betting market. Despite the lack of individual operator data from the state regulator, the competitive landscape is fierce, with each platform vying to capture the state’s growing betting audience.
The record-breaking performance in November is indicative of a robust sports betting market that shows no signs of slowing down. Industry analysts note that the consistent increase in betting handle underscores North Carolina’s rising prominence in the sports betting industry. “The numbers reflect a market that’s maturing at an impressive rate,” said an industry observer, highlighting the state’s potential as a major player in the national sports betting scene.
While the current figures are impressive, some stakeholders caution against an overly optimistic outlook. They point out that the market’s growth could face headwinds from potential regulatory changes or shifts in consumer behavior. Moreover, as more states legalize and expand their own betting markets, North Carolina will need to innovate continually to maintain its competitive edge.
Nevertheless, the state’s sports betting market is thriving, with substantial economic benefits flowing into public finances. The ongoing investments from major operators signal confidence in the market’s future growth. As North Carolina continues to break records, it sets a benchmark for other states aspiring to capitalize on the lucrative sports betting industry.
In light of these developments, stakeholders remain keenly interested in how North Carolina will navigate its next phase of growth. The state’s success story could serve as a blueprint for others looking to maximize the potential of legalized sports betting. While challenges remain, the momentum in North Carolina’s sports betting market suggests a promising outlook as the state cements its status as a leader in the industry.
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