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As sports betting becomes legal in NC, here's what you should know before placing a bet

Lawmakers passed a bill legalizing online sports betting, they also allocated money to make sure the state has the resources to help anyone struggling with gambling.

GREENSBORO, N.C. — North Carolina is the latest domino to fall in line with other states across the U.S. to officially make sports betting legal. 

FanDuel, DraftKings, and Fanatics are some of the many apps customers will be able to place their bets on as well as in person betting which will take place at the Greensboro Coliseum and the Sedgefield County Club beginning at noon today. 

There's certainly excitement everywhere for sports betting. We recently spoke with Elon University Associate Professor David Bockino about the buzz of sports betting on college campuses--he said it's all anyone can talk about. 

The required age to sports bet is 21 years of age. 

RELATED: What is sports betting and how does it work?

Bockino explains the extra security measures that'll be in place for those who plan to bet. 

"When you sign up for these apps there's a couple of ways that they can verify your age and who you are. One of it is through the last four digits of your social security number paired with your birthday . They use an online database the same way you might get your credit checked. Other sites if that is not enough, they will require you to take a picture of your driver's license and then take a selfie to basically match your driver's license with your picture," Bockino said. 

Bockino says he doesn't predict any technological issues with the sites once sports betting does go live in our state but cautions those with a gambling addition.

Over 80% of American adults gamble on a yearly basis and out of five gamblers three are struggling with gambling addiction.

With the launch of sports betting happening in our state, those with an addiction problem to gambling are encourage to take caution. 

Fox Radio Betting analyst Jared Lee Smith explains. 

"It's it's new. It's fun. It's like you're getting that new toy on Christmas. But it's also an addiction. And it's something that you definitely should be aware of when you are…when you're going through the highs and the lows. Treat the money like it's already out of your account. And it's already gone. It's entertainment. It's like going to the movies on a Friday night," Smith said. 

When lawmakers passed a bill legalizing online sports betting, they also allocated money to make sure the state has the resources to help anyone struggling with gambling addiction.

RELATED: 'Smooth sailing' expected as NC sports betting launches

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