Caesars expands Cherokee Indians partnership in North Carolina for mobile sports betting access

Caesars Entertainment has announced the expansion of its partnership with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians to bring the company’s flagship sports wagering platform online in North Carolina, as the state prepares to launch legalized mobile sports betting on March 11.

The agreement grants Caesars Sportsbook with mobile sports betting market access via a license held by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Tribal Casino Gaming Enterprise, subject to all required regulatory approvals.

Caesars Sportsbook intends to go live with mobile sports wagering when North Carolina launches online sports betting on March 11, 2024, the company said. Ahead of the official launch, the mobile app will begin accepting sign-ups and deposits starting on March 1.

The launch builds on the operation of the two in-person Caesars Sportsbook locations at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort in Cherokee and Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel in Murphy, North Carolina. As part of the expanded relationship, Caesars Sportsbook will have exclusive rights to mobile sports wagering at the two casinos and on Eastern Band of Cherokee tribal lands in western North Carolina.

“Our relationship with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians has spanned more than two decades,” said Eric Hession, President of Caesars Digital. “Expanding this longstanding partnership allows us to build on the premier sports wagering experience enjoyed at our in-person sportsbooks by bringing a responsible way to enjoy sports at a deeper level to the hands of North Carolinians 21 and older across the state."

"We’re thankful to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and to the North Carolina State Lottery Commission and its Sports Betting Committee for making this possible and we look forward to the launch of mobile sports betting in the Tar Heel State.”

Today we announced an expansion of our relationship with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians to bring the Company’s flagship sports wagering platform, @CaesarsSports, online in the Tar Heel State for the launch of legalized mobile sports wagering: https://t.co/Uxmm9myjSF pic.twitter.com/smnDqx0u7a

— Caesars Entertainment (@CaesarsEnt) January 30, 2024

“We are excited for this new venture with Caesars Entertainment and the enhancements it provides to our Tribal enterprise,” said Michell Hicks, Principal Chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. “We look forward to the continued opportunities that will benefit the future of our membership.”

Caesars Sportsbook will provide sports bettors 21 and older in North Carolina with a customized online sports wagering experience that emphasizes local sports and showcases the amenities they can enjoy at Harrah's Cherokee and Harrah's Cherokee Valley River through exclusive offers and marketing on the app.

The app also delivers premium rewards via its loyalty program Caesars Rewards, where every wager placed with Caesars Sportsbook earns Tier Credits that contribute to status and Reward Credits redeemable for experiences like discounted getaways at various Caesars destinations across North America, culinary and entertainment experiences, as well as bonus cash in the app and sports experiences.

The decision is a deliberate effort to coincide with the ACC men's basketball tournament, a cherished event in North Carolina, where four ACC schools are located. Legal online sports betting in the state will launch on March 11, a day before the ACC men's basketball tournament's starting date on March 12. NCAA tournament play begins March 19.

Individuals aged 21 or older will gain access to a broad spectrum of sports betting options, encompassing professional, college, and Olympic-style events. While in-person sports gambling at approved sportsbooks and parimutuel betting on horse racing were also authorized by the 2023 law, they will not debut in March. Instead, in-person betting will be introduced on a 'case-by-case basis' as operators fulfill specific requirements.