GREENSBORO, N.C. — Online sports betting is live in North Carolina, meaning sports fans across the state no longer have to cross state borders to put money down on their favorite teams.
Since the games are now legal, they can be taxed, and most of the proceeds go toward youth and college athletics.
For starters, 13 universities across the state will receive $300,000 annually. According to the online sports betting bill, the money will go towards collegiate athletics.
Three of the 13 are in the Triad. This includes Winston-Salem State University, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and North Carolina A&T State University.
"Yes, even though it's being legal in the state, it's still impermissible per NCAA rules and regulations. Moving forward we'll continue to enhance our educational efforts around that and then also hopefully incorporate some harm prevention activities and educational resources as well as making them available to our student-athlete population," said NC A&T Assistant Athletic Director, Curtis Canty.
One million dollars will also go towards the NC Youth Outdoor Engagement Commission which will fuel more grant money to help youth athletic teams.
The money will be divided into two parts. Five thousand will be allocated to each county to support team travel for programs that apply. The second part will be separated into $25,000 grants for sports tournaments.
"We're just pleased that we're able to take these tax revenues and put them to good use, to get kids outdoors, to keep kids away from electronic devices, and to keep kids doing things that are good for their physical and mental health. This is, I think, one of the positive impacts across the state for our youth," said NC Youth Outdoor Engagement Commission's Justin Burr.
Sports betters should be mindful that gambling is addictive. According to the bill, two million dollars a year will go to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services for gambling addiction, education, and treatment programs.
The state said it's important to be proactive regarding prevention.
"Having the conversation early and often especially with young children about the risks associated with gambling and checking in on your friends. One of the best responsible gambling practices you can do with sports betting is not do it alone, do it with people, check in, ensure that you're balancing your time with other activities that you enjoy," said NC Problem Gambling Program Administrator, Amanda Winters.
The state offers free treatment, support specialists, and motivational text messages.