When online sports betting officially goes live next month, it’s expected that eight North Carolina betting apps will be available to customers. A ninth operator could join the state’s online sports betting market shortly after the March 11 launch.

Catawba Two Kings Casino is among the entities to apply for mobile licensure through the state lottery, but the casino is taking its time finding an online operator partner. The casino and a to-be-determined partner are not expected to be ready for the North Carolina sports betting mobile launch, although the casino already offers legal in-person sports betting.

“Currently, we are in the process of vetting and choosing a partner for mobile sports betting,” Tylee Tracer-Anderson, director of communications for the Catawba Indian Nation, told Sports Handle.