Revenue estimates for sports bets and horse betting are between $1 million and $1.5 million for the state annually. The original wagering bill was passed in April with the approval of the state North Carolina Senate and House of Representatives. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians was the only tribe that agreed to a compact with the state.

The activity of betting on sports is basically trying to predict sports results and make a wager on the outcome of the event. In America, the majority of bets are placed football games, with basketball, baseball, horse racing, and hockey also receiving lots of action.

To a lessor degree, people in America also bet on boxing matches, auto racing, martial arts and cage fights, and golf. Some sports gambling operators also allow wagers called in-play betting. More frequently, operators will allow bets on non-sporting events. But in America the notable exception is that gambling on political elections is illegal.