Given NASCAR’s long and storied history in North Carolina, it was only a matter of time before the group partnered with a sports betting operator in the state.

On Friday, NASCAR announced it would work with DraftKings in the state pending regulatory approval from the NC Lottery.

“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, 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.”

In addition to North Carolina access, the deal also includes Authorized Gaming Operator status for DraftKings and an exclusive deal making DraftKings the official daily fantasy sports partner of NASCAR. Last April, NASCAR signed a deal with PrizePicks as a daily fantasy sports partner.

This deal, along with BetMGM’s Friday announcement it will be working with Charlotte Motor Speedway leaves only Underdog on the initial list of applicants for sports betting licenses without a partner.

“DraftKings has a proven track record of enhancing the fan experience across sports,” said NASCAR Managing Director of Sports Betting Joe Solosky. “We are thrilled to continue working with DraftKings to deliver NASCAR fans more engagement opportunities and bring its leading mobile sportsbook to North Carolina.”

North Carolina will be the next launch for DraftKings after the Jan. 11 debut of the operator in Vermont and brings the total number of states in the DraftKings portfolio to 27.

https://sbcamericas.com/2024/01/06/nascar-draftkings-north-carolina/