Online sporting betting could become legal in North Carolina this year, with both the Democratic governor and a key Republican lawmaker optimistic on Friday ahead of a big weekend in North Carolina sports.

A new bill is expected to be filed this coming week in the General Assembly.

“You know, I think it’s going to pass, from what I hear,” Gov. Roy Cooper told reporters on Friday after cranking the siren kicking off the Carolina Hurricanes hockey team’s downtown Fan Fest. The Canes play an outdoor NHL game against the Washington Capitals at Carter-Finley Stadium on Saturday. The N.C. State vs. UNC men’s basketball game is on Sunday in Raleigh.