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North Carolina lawmakers weigh higher sports betting taxes

May 15, 2026 · 2:28pm ET | 11:28am PT
Photo: Shutterstock
  • Brian Murphy, WRAL

Lawmakers have weighed increasing tax rates on sports betting operators and an additional tax on lottery sales and individual sports bets, sources tell WRAL. No decisions have been made. And the proposals could pose enormous hurdles — and industry opposition.

North Carolina lawmakers — who have been looking for ways to pay for a forthcoming budget that includes big raises for state employees — have been considering proposals that seek to squeeze more money out of games of chance.

People familiar with state budget negotiations tell WRAL that lawmakers have discussed recommendations to increase taxes paid by sports betting companies and an additional tax to lottery sales and individual sports bets.

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