Governor Phil Scott has signed a bill legalizing sports betting in the state of Vermont, while Governor Roy Cooper has signed to legalize online wagering in North Carolina. According to the American Gaming Association, Vermont has become the 38th state to sign sports betting into law, while North Carolina is the 28th to legalize online sports wagers.
Scott released a statement on behalf of the gubernatorial office of Vermont saying, “I first proposed Vermont legalize sports betting several years ago and I’m happy the Legislature has come to an agreement, as well.
“We know many Vermonters already participate in the marketplace and bringing it above board provides important resources and consumer protections.”
Between two and six operators will be permitted to operate via contracts with the Vermont Department of Liquor and Lottery. All operators will be required to provide yearly responsible gaming plans and resources for bettors who may experience problem gambling.
North Carolina’s Governor Cooper also released a statement about the positive impact that legalization of sports betting will have in his state. He said, “This legislation will help North Carolina compete, make sure taxpayers receive a share, create many good-paying jobs and foster strong economic opportunity.
“As we move forward, we should work to make sure more of the revenue is used to invest in our public schools, teachers and students."
The bill will allow for regulated, online betting on both professional and college-level sports, as well as grant players legal access to fantasy sports. Due to North Carolina’s interest in sports and population of 11 million adults, legislatures have forecast over $100m in tax revenue a year, within five years of sports betting’s launch.
Gambling.com Group’s Co-Founders, Charles Gillespie and Kevin McCrystle, are North Carolina natives who commented about being able to bring their business home. CEO Gillespie, said, “Kevin and I started our journey to build an online gambling affiliate operator in 2006 from an idea that formed in a dorm room in Chapel Hill, which quickly led us abroad to find regulated markets.
“Our journey has now come full circle with the legalization of online sports betting in North Carolina. I applaud and congratulate the state’s General Assembly leaders and Governor Cooper for making regulated online sports betting a reality. The next generation of North Carolina entrepreneurs will be able to dive straight into opportunities in this exciting industry.”
