North Carolina Gambling Laws

Code Section

North Carolina’s Gambling Laws can be found in North Carolina General Statutes Article 37: Lotteries, Gaming, Bingo and Raffles.

Gambling Defined

Operating a game of chance or playing at or betting on any game of chance at which money, property, or other thing of value is bet, whether the same be in stake or not.

Dog Racing/Off-Track Betting

Greyhound racing prohibited.

Other Types of Gambling Related Activities that are Banned

Casinos Allowed

The following gambling-related activities are banned by state law:

• Pyramid and chain schemes (section 14-291.2);
• Allowing gambling in houses of public entertainment (section 14-293);
• Faro banks and tables (section 14-294);
• Possession and operation of gaming tables, punchboards, slot machines (sections 14-295 through 14-297).

Other Kinds of Gambling-Related Activities Allowed

Casinos are allowed on Indian reservations only and must be operated in compliance with the Tribal-State Gaming Compact.

• Bingo games: Exempt nonprofit and charitable organizations, as defined by the Internal Revenue Service and state law, may operate bingo games. The organizations must be licensed to operate the bingo game and the maximum prize that may be offered is $500 per game ($1,500 total per session or $2,500 if there is only one session per week). Licensed bingo operators may hold up to two sessions per week. 
• Raffles: Nonprofit and charitable organizations may also sponsor raffles. The organizations may not, however, offer the raffles in conjunction with bingo games. Raffles are limited to two per nonprofit per year. Maximum prizes are $10,000 in cash or $50,000 of merchandise.
• State lottery: North Carolina permits a state lottery to raise money for education.