North Carolina is getting closer to online sports betting, and DraftKings announced a partnership with NASCAR in the state. The popular sportsbook also became the official DFS partner of NASCAR, and after Michigan captured the final four-team college football playoff, the Wolverines aren’t the favorite to repeat. In other news, Rob Gronkowski is following in the footsteps of Rocky Balboa and Happy Gilmore.
Sports Betting News: Online Betting Is Live In North Carolina… Kind Of; DraftKings Partners with NASCAR and more
North Carolina passed a bill last summer, and it came into effect on Monday, Jan. 8. However, the state has yet to grant licenses to any sportsbook operators. The state announced that BetMGM, DraftKings, ESPN Bet, Fanatics, bet365, and FanDuel have all applied for licenses. Underdog Sports Wagering has also applied for a license. Underdog Sports is more known for fantasy sports but does have sportsbook technology thanks to a 2021 acquisition of Goat Gaming.
The original bill allows for up to 12 online sportsbooks and eight in-person sportsbooks to operate at professional sports venues in the state. It’s unclear at this time when the licenses will be granted by officials.
Until then, fans can continue to place bets at three tribal casinos in the state.
DraftKings Partners With NASCAR in North Carolina
Last week, DraftKings and NASCAR announced that they agreed to terms on a written designation agreement, paving the way for the digital sports entertainment and gaming company to operate in the state of North Carolina, pending licensure and regulatory approvals.
The announcement comes after bet365 partnered with the Charlotte Hornets, and FanDuel announced a deal with the PGA Tour last year. BetMGM (Charlotte Motor Speedway), Fanatics (Carolina Panthers), and ESPN Bet (Quail Hallow Golf Club) also have partners. Underdog Sports has yet to find a partner.
“DraftKings and NASCAR have collaborated closely with each other over the years, sharing a like-minded commitment to enhancing the fan experience,” said Matt Kalish, President of DraftKings North America. “We look forward to the next chapter in our journey together and offering our leading mobile sportsbook to fans in the state of North Carolina.”
Once live, North Carolina would mark the 27th state in which DraftKings Sportsbook operates.
DraftKings Also Becomes Exclusive DFS Partner of NASCAR
A leading daily fantasy provider, DraftKings has also been named the exclusive DFS partner of NASCAR in the United States and Canada.
“DraftKings has a proven track record of enhancing the fan experience across sports,” said Joe Solosky, NASCAR managing director of sports betting, “We are thrilled to continue working with DraftKings to deliver NASCAR fans more engagement opportunities and bring its leading mobile sportsbook to North Carolina.”
The deal also includes DraftKings as an Authorized Gaming Operator of NASCAR. The sportsbook will receive additional sponsorship benefits within the NASCAR ecosystem nationally.
2024-25 College Football Playoff Odds; Hoops Odds
Now that the final four-team college football playoffs are over let’s look ahead to next year when 12 teams will make the playoffs. The odds for the winner next year are already out, and Georgia is the early favorite at +350.
Alabama (+550) and Ohio State (+800) round out the top three favorites. Meanwhile, the reigning champs, Michigan and Texas, each come in at +900, and Oregon is at +1000.
A couple of notables: Notre Dame is at +2500, while Deion Sanders’ Colorado squad is at +20,000.
Now with college football behind us, many fans start to turn their attention to the college hardwood. For those of us who haven’t been paying attention, Purdue is the favorite to win the NCAA Tournament at +800.
Arizona and Houston are the second favorites at +1100. Kansas (+1400), Connecticut (+1500), and Marquette (+1800) round out the sub +2000 favorites.
FanDuel’s Kick Of Destiny Is Back
FanDuel announced on Tuesday that Rob Gronkowski will again try a field goal to give fans an opportunity at a share of $10 million. Using the FanDuel app, customers can pick if Gronk will make or miss the kick.
The correct side will win a share of the prize in bonus bets. Gronkowski missed a 25-yard field goal last year in the first Kick of Destiny.
This year’s kick will take place in Las Vegas in front of a live audience before Super Bowl LVIII, with FanDuel personality Kay Adams serving as the commentator during the commercial.
“I can’t lie when I missed the Kick of Destiny during last year’s Super Bowl, it was devastating. I told the team at FanDuel I knew I could do better and needed a shot at redemption this year,” said Rob Gronkowski in a FanDuel press release.
“I’m going to show America I can make that kick, even with all the pressure of doing it live in front of the entire country. No wind is going to stop me, and we’re going through the uprights this year for everyone who picks that I’m going to make the kick.”
Cena and Weathers Join the Ad Campaign
The TV ad campaign will feature John Cena and Carl Weathers. Cena will be the antagonist, while Weathers will serve as Gronkowski’s kicking coach.
Despite Gronkowski missing last year’s kick, the buzz the ad campaign drew served as proof that FanDuel should go with the sequel.
“Last year’s Kick of Destiny campaign saw tremendous engagement from our customers as they were captivated with what would happen during our live Super Bowl commercial,” said FanDuel Executive Vice President of Marketing Andrew Sneyd.
“With the introduction of the Make or Miss free pick function and Rob’s desire for redemption, this year will be even more exciting for FanDuel customers. Rob is an authentic embodiment of the FanDuel fan – passionate, entertaining, and trailblazing – and we’re ready to make history…again.”
Fans can view the first ad spot now on YouTube and track Gronkowski’s journey to redemption by following @FanDuel and @FDSportsbook on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, subscribing on YouTube at YouTube.com/FanDuel, and following #KickofDestiny on Twitter for the latest updates.
New and existing FanDuel customers can make their free Make or Miss pick in the Sportsbook app ahead of the Super Bowl. More information can be found at www.FanDuel.com/kickofdestiny.