North Carolinians are projected to legally wager nearly $77 million on Super Bowl LX over the weekend, according to an analysis by Sports Betting Alliance.
Wagers on who's winning the game between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks will compete for bettors' attention with parlays, prop bets and novelty bets, such as which team wins the coin toss and the jersey number of the first player to score a touchdown.
Super Bowl LX represents the second time that North Carolinians can bet on the NFL championship game since legal sports wagering debuted in March 2024.
There was $543.5 million bet for all of February 2025 in N.C., according to the N.C. Lottery Commission. The record monthly wagering amount is just under $814 million in November 2025.
The Legal Sports Report-Sports Betting Alliance forecast projects a record-breaking $1.71 billion being wagered altogether.
Industry analysts project that overall monthly betting totals are likely to fluctuate with the annual sports calendar, particularly from November to December.
"This is a trend we see throughout the years across the legal states," according to BetCarolina.com.
"While we can't guarantee exactly why it drops, it is most likely a combined factor of external factors, such as holiday shopping and a slightly lighter sports calendar with college football having a more minimal presence in December."
"Even with December cooling off after a record November, North Carolinians still wagered $665.9 million in a single month," said Christopher Boan, an analyst at BetCarolina.com.
Boan said NFL playoffs action revitalizes bettors' interest in wagering "as the games are more intense than regular season."
Since the start of legalized mobile sports wagering, state residents have won $11.3 billion through Dec. 31.
Meanwhile, bettors have spent $12.5 billion on wagers, also through Dec. 31.
The eight sportsbooks operating in N.C. are: Betfair Interactive; BetMGM; Crown NC Gaming; FBG Enterprises Opco; Hillside (North Carolina); Penn Sports Interactive doing business as ESPN Bet; Tribal Casino Gaming Enterprise, an enterprise of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians; and Underdog Sports Wagering.
Major events on tap
Last Wednesday's NASCAR Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium was listed as one of the Major Events, Games and Attractions set for N.C. in 2026 that was made possible in part by sports wagering funds.
North Carolina has committed $13.5 million in event support for the 2026 events through the Major Events, Games and Attractions Fund.
A $2 million grant was provided to Winston-Salem toward hosting expenses.
“NASCAR events like this showcase the passion of our fans worldwide and deliver real economic benefits to the local communities that welcome us," said Ben Kennedy, a NASCAR executive vice president and Chief Events & Venues officer.
Funds can be used to recruit sports and cultural attractions that are held just annually in North Carolina.
To qualify for a grant, the event must be held at a sports facility that is home to a major professional franchise or hosts a NASCAR or PGA event.
About 30% of the excess state tax revenue from sports wagering is dedicated to the N.C. Major Events Games and Attractions Fund, compared with 60% to the state's General Fund.
One example is the Charlotte Sports Foundation and other local partners received in July a $2.03 million grant from the fund that was used to successfully recruit the 2026 MLS All-Star Game to Bank of America Stadium on July 29.
The other event set for the Triad to benefit from the funds is the Nov. 8 HBCU Battle of the Bands at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro.
“HBCU cultural events serve as powerful engines for economic impact, tourism, and community engagement while celebrating the rich legacy of Black excellence and tradition,” said Alvin Davis, chief executive of the HBCU Legacy Organization.
“Support from the N.C. Commerce Department and our local partners allows us to deliver world-class experiences that attract visitors from across the region, create meaningful opportunities for students and artists, and leave a lasting impact on the communities we serve.”
Other highlighted events include:
• April 3-4: NASCAR Race the Rock, Rockingham Speedway in Richmond County.
• May 27-June 3: The Soccer Tournament 7v7, Wake Med Soccer Park in Cary.
The tournament has received a $6.9 million grant from the fund to keep it in Cary through 2029.
The 2025 event achieved a record attendance of 51,730 with nearly 2,000 men's and women's players representing 34 countries competing.
• May 31: World Cup Soccer Sendoff Game, Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte.
• Sept. 17-20: Biltmore Championship Asheville and The Cliffs at Walnut Cove in Arden.
• Sept. 25-27: NHRA Nationals, Rockingham Dragway, Richmond County .
“North Carolina is a state full of opportunity, and these events bring communities together while supporting our economy and workforce,” Gov. Josh Stein said in a statement.
“From motorsports to music festivals, from soccer to golf, these gatherings not only entertain, but also create jobs, drive tourism and strengthen the local businesses that help our state thrive.
"Let’s make sure everyone knows North Carolina is the place for world-class sports, music and fun.”
