Can I Travel to North Carolina & Bet on the NCAA Tournament in Charlotte Today?

The first and second rounds of the NCAA Tournament are coming to Charlotte, which means college basketball fans from Texas, New Jersey, Tennessee, Mississippi, New Jersey and beyond are in the Queen City. And with North Carolina betting apps legal and offering huge offers, they might be wondering: Can I travel to North Carolina and legally bet on the NCAA Tournament while I’m here, too?

This is especially true for fans from states where they can’t bet on sports – hello Texas Longhorns! – or they can’t bet in in-state schools – we’re looking at you St. Peter’s Peacocks backers. The answer to that question: a resounding, "Yes!" You don’t have to be a resident to legally wager with — you only have to be physically within the state and at least 21 years old. 

That means you can set up an account, deposit funds, claim bonus bets with North Carolina sportsbook promos and experience the thrill of sports betting just like anyone else there.

So, no matter if you’re coming to Charlotte to see the Texas, St. Peter’s Mississippi State or anyone else, you’ll be able to legally bet on sports as soon as you enter North Carolina. We’ll walk you through the process – it takes just minutes, and you can claim thousands in welcome offers.

How to Place a Bet with North Carolina Betting Apps

So, you are new to betting and wondering how to place a bet in North Carolina. The first step to wagering and enjoying North Carolina sports betting is registering with online sportsbooks, as they provide welcome offers unavailable at physical sportsbooks and give you the ability to bet from the convenience of your mobile phone. In fact, you can even sign up with your phone! Most sites follow this basic process:

1. Tap on BET NOW next to the offer you like on this page (you can select more than one!)
2. This will take you to the operator’s landing page. Click the “Sign Up” button.
3. Enter an email address and choose a password to set up your account.
4. Enter information to confirm your age, identity and location. You may need to scan your driver’s license or government-issued ID.
5. Opt into the sportsbook’s promo code offer, which sometimes requires entering a promo code. Typically tapping our BET NOW will trigger the offer automatically, but make sure you see the promo code (such as USATODAYNC for ESPN BET) displayed in the promo code box.
6. Make an initial deposit. Most sites have a $10 minimum deposit, even if the first bet required to trigger a “Bet & Get” offer is just $5 (such as with BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel and bet365).

You’re ready to go! Now, which sportsbooks in North Carolina offer the best promo code deals for new customers? Take a look at these five, which come from some of the most established and trusted betting apps in the U.S.

Top Offers If You Travel to North Carolina & Want to Bet on NCAA Tournament

ESPN BET: The ESPN BET North Carolina promo code offers new users $225 in bonus bets within 72 hours of making an initial wager of at least $10. The bonus bets will be awarded in nine wagers of $25 each, and the offer is unlocked by the bonus code USATODAYNC. You also get a 200% deposit match up to $500 that converts to withdrawable cash at a rate of 5% of real money wagers for 30 days.

BetMGM: The BetMGM North Carolina bonus code awards new users $150 in bonus bets after an initial wager of at least $5. The bonus bets will be awarded as six wagers of $25 each, and the bonus code USATODAY unlocks the deal. Users must also make an initial deposit of at least $10.

FanDuel: The FanDuel North Carolina promo code offers new users $250 in site credits after an initial wager of at least $5. Make a first-time deposit of at least $10 or more and place a first real-money wager on any available bet at FanDuel. You’ll receive the site credit within 72 hours of your initial wager, and the bonus amount can be wagered in any denomination between $5 and $250.

bet365: The bet365 North Carolina bonus code offers new users a choice of two deals — get $200 in bonus bets after an initial wager of at least $5 or receive a first-bet safety net up to $1,000, which reimburses a lost first wager in bonus bets up to the maximum amount. The bonus code SBWIRENC unlocks either offer.

DraftKings: The DraftKings North Carolina promo code  offer earns new users $250 in bonus bets after an initial $5 wager. The bonus bet amount will be issued as 10 wagers worth $25 apiece.

Schedule & Results of NCAA Tournament Games in Charlotte

Saturday Schedule

• West Region: No. 1 North Carolina (28-7) vs. No. 9 Michigan State (20-14)
• Midwest Region: No. 2 Tennessee (25-8) vs. No. 7 Texas (21-12), 8 p.m.

Thursday Results

• West Region: Michigan State 69, Mississippi 51
• West Region: UNC 90, Wagner 62
• Midwest Region: Texas 56, Colorado State 44
• Midwest Region: Tennessee 83, Saint Peter's 49