Best Online Casinos in North Carolina: Legal Sites for Real Money Rewards
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Online casinos are illegal in the Tar Heel State. While that may be disappointing, there are still legal options available for residents who want to play casino-style games online.
There are two main alternatives. The first is social and sweepstakes casinos, such as Mega Bonanza and Moonspin. These platforms operate under sweepstakes laws, offering virtual currency that can be used to play games.
Players can redeem winnings for real cash prizes. These sites feature slots, table games, and other casino-style experiences — all within legal guidelines for North Carolina residents.
The second option is offshore casinos, including sites like Planet 7 Casino and Slots of Vegas Casino. Although these platforms accept North Carolina players, they accept direct deposits and withdrawals, meaning they operate illegally in the state.
Our team at Sweepsio has reviewed many of these sites and does not recommend them. They lack state regulation, offer no consumer protections and often make withdrawals difficult or unreliable.
While traditional online casinos remain unavailable in North Carolina, sweepstakes casinos provide a safe and legal alternative. They are regulated, widely used by players in the state and offer real cash rewards without legal risk.
Sweepsio’s review team recommends avoiding these sites because they are unregulated and offer no reliable player protections. Offshore platforms operate in a legal gray area, and if issues occur with your account or withdrawals, you won’t have access to support from New Hampshire authorities.
List of the top online casinos in North Carolina
Some of the most preferred gaming sites for North Carolina players include sweeps casinos like Mega Bonanza, Moonspin, Sportzino, LuckyLand Slots and Chumba Casino.
All of them operate legally under the state's promotional sweepstakes laws, offering a wide range of games and promotional offers for free.
Let us go through their essential features in the sections below.
- Mega Bonanza
- Moonspin
- Sportzino
- LuckyLand Slots
- Chumba Casino
- Top Bonus
No Deposit Bonus
7,500 GC + 2.5 Free SC
Terms & Conditions apply
Click to copy code:No Promo CodeTop Features- Daily Tournaments
- Desktop App
- Quick E-Wallets
First Purchase Discount50,000 GC + 25 SC for $9.99Daily Login Reward1,500 Gold Coins + 0.20 free SCMin Redemption75Payout TimeUp to 3 DaysPayment Methods Available
No Deposit Bonus
60,000 GC + 3 Free SC
Terms & Conditions apply
Click to copy code:No Promo CodeTop Features- Extensive game library with 1,375 titles
- Fast 24-hour redemption
- Unique rakeback system returning up to 10% of fees
First Purchase Discount-Daily Login Reward-Min Redemption100 SCPayout TimeUp to 1 DayPayment Methods Available
No Deposit Bonus
170,000 GC + 7 SC
Terms & Conditions apply
Click to copy code:No Promo CodeTop Features- Mobile App
- Sportsbook
- FunPicks
First Purchase Discount1.35 million GC + 35 SC for $19.99Daily Login Reward20,000 GC + 1 SCMin Redemption$50Payout TimeUp to 5 DaysPayment Methods Available
No Deposit Bonus
7,777 FREE Gold Coins + 10 FREE Sweeps Coins
Terms & Conditions apply
Click to copy code:No Promo CodeTop Features- Generous bonuses for new and existing players
- Simple layout and easy-to-navigate menus
- Frequent slot tournaments
First Purchase Discount50,000 GC + Free 10 SC for $4.99Daily Login Reward400 GC every 4 hours + 0.30 SC dailyMin Redemption$50Payout TimeUp to 7 DaysPayment Methods Available
No Deposit Bonus
2,000,000 GC + 2 SC
Terms & Conditions apply
Click to copy code:No Promo CodeTop Features- Mobile App
- Bingo
- Legal in 38 States
First Purchase Discount10M Gold Coins + 30 SC for $10Daily Login Reward200,000 GC + up to 1 FREE SCMin Redemption100 SCPayout TimeUp to 7 DaysPayment Methods Available
1. Mega Bonanza
You can play with two currencies at Mega Bonanza — Gold Coins for practice play and Sweepstakes Coins that convert to cash prizes.
Once you hit 75 SC (that's $75), you cash out via Visa, Mastercard, bank transfer or gift cards within 48 hours.
Their library runs over 1,000 games split between slots, Slingo titles, jackpot games and 8 live dealer tables like Adventures Beyond Wonderland Live.
Pragmatic Play handles most of the content, alongside 16 other providers including Playson and BGaming. Big Bass Bonanza and Dog House headline the slots, both pushing high volatility with multipliers hitting 6,750x and 2,100x.
No mobile app exists, so you're stuck with browser play on your phone. The 18+ age requirement covers North Carolina residents, though they restrict players in 18 other states including neighboring Georgia.
2. Moonspin
Moonspin is a crypto-exclusive Sweeps Coins casino. You can use Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT, Litecoin and 6 other cryptocurrencies for both deposits and redemptions.
You cash out once you reach 100 SC with a 1x wagering requirement, and crypto payouts process within 24 hours.
The platform packs 1,375 games total, with 1,348 slots dominating the selection. Their 8 proprietary Moonspin Original games include Crash and Limbo, while Pragmatic Play and BGaming lead 18 other software providers.
Wild Tiger slots run 97.11% RTP with 3,000x max wins. 7 bingo rooms and 12 instant win games round out the non-slot offerings.
Daily rakeback returns up to 10% of house fees based on your activity level.
3. Sportzino
The social sportsbook and casino, Sportzino, offers you 833 slots plus a full sportsbook covering 37 sports markets. You get daily Mystery Coupons and FunPicks challenges on top of the standard bonuses.
Redemptions start at $50 with a 2x playthrough requirement on all Sweeps Coins, processing through Trustly, ACH transfers or gift cards within 5 days.
Their software lineup features 32 providers, with proprietary games sitting alongside Pragmatic Play, RubyPlay, Evoplay and Relax Gaming titles. Fire Stampede and Aztec Fire 2 lead the slots selection.
9 fishing games and 25 crash/instant titles add variety beyond traditional slots. The sportsbook includes parlay boosts — bigger parlays earn bigger bonuses across football, basketball, soccer, hockey, baseball, MMA and golf.
While they skip native betting apps, their progressive web app runs through any mobile browser. North Carolina residents play legally at 18+, with states such as Idaho, Georgia, Michigan and Washington restricted.
4. LuckyLand Slots
LuckyLand Slots’s lobby features significantly fewer options than competitors with 138 games total.
You redeem prizes starting at 50 SC through ACH transfers or gift cards, with a 1x wagering requirement and 5-day processing times. Trustly and Skrill handle purchases alongside standard credit cards.
Their compact library relies on just 4 providers: proprietary titles plus Relax Gaming, ReelPlay and NetEnt.
Space Miners pushes 50,000x max wins while Twin Spin Megaways delivers 38,000x potential. Twenty-two jackpot slots and one blackjack table (Big Hit Blackjack) represent the non-slot options.
Android users get a dedicated app called Luckyland Slots Casino. The VIP program spans 300 levels across 6 tiers, boosting coin purchase value up to 450% at maximum tier.
5. Chumba Casino
VGW set the stage for online sweepstakes casinos with their Chumba Casino - the industry’s pioneer. The platform is licensed by MGA (Malta Gaming Authority), a precedent among social casinos.
Redemptions start high at $100 for standard methods or $10 for gift cards, processing within 7 days after 1x wagering. They accept more payment methods than most — Trustly, Skrill Paysafecard plus standard cards.
Chumba’s game selection stays modest at around 280 titles but covers more variety: slots, live dealer games, including blackjack and roulette, bingo rooms, Slingo games, table games, instant wins and 15 Chumba Exclusive titles.
Both iOS and Android players get the Chumba Casino Lite app. Their mail-in bonus requires handwritten requests to Portsmouth, NH, following strict formatting rules for 5 SC.
North Carolina online casinos you shouldn't trust
We strongly advise against using Planet 7 Casino, Slots of Vegas Casino or Miami Club Casino.
While sweepstakes casinos operate legally in North Carolina, these offshore real money casinos actively target players from the state despite having zero legal authorization to do so.
Here's why each poses significant risks to your money and personal information.
| Casino Name | Major Issues | Player Risks |
|---|---|---|
| Planet 7 Casino |
- Withdrawals delayed 3–4 weeks or never processed - Accounts locked during payout attempts - Vague bonus terms used to deny winnings - Linked to Ace Revenue Group’s rogue network |
- Funds trapped after withdrawal attempts - Bonus clauses erase payouts - No support after deposits |
| Slots of Vegas Casino |
- Payouts split into small installments months apart - Surprise deposits required before cashouts - Wagering terms changed after wins - Hostile customer service on disputes - Winnings voided by retroactive terms |
- Delays extend for months - Aggressive support deters complaints |
| Miami Club Casino |
- Excessive verification: selfies, passports, utility bills - No licensing or regulatory oversight - Sudden account closures with pending withdrawals - Reports of rigged games and server errors |
- Frozen funds during ID checks - No legal body for player protection - Wins lost due to technical faults |
Is online gambling legal in North Carolina?
No, online casino gambling is illegal in the Tar Heel State. While North Carolina legalized online sports betting through House Bill 347 in 2023 (launching January 2024), this expansion specifically excludes online slots, table games and other casino offerings.
Political opposition continues blocking broader gambling expansion. Senator Phil Berger and other key legislators resist commercial casino proposals and online gaming bills.
The state maintains strict gambling regulations, including protections against underage access and problem gambling, but these apply only to tribal retail casinos and sports betting apps - not online casinos.
Your legal gambling options in North Carolina include visiting the three tribal casinos for slots and table games, using approved sports betting apps like FanDuel and DraftKings or playing at online sweepstakes casinos that operate under promotional law rather than gambling statutes.
Can you play in North Carolina online casinos for real money?
You cannot legally play traditional online casinos for real money from North Carolina. The state prohibits all forms of online casino gambling, including slots, blackjack, roulette and poker played for actual cash stakes.
Sweepstakes casinos, however, provide a legal alternative for winning real money prizes. These platforms use dual-currency systems - you play with virtual Gold Coins for entertainment, while Sweeps Coins (obtained free through various promotions) convert to cash prizes.
Payment methods at North Carolina sweepstakes casinos typically include:
- Purchases: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Apple Pay, Google Pay, ACH transfers, Skrill, cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT at select casinos)
- Redemptions: Bank transfers, prepaid cards, gift cards, cryptocurrency withdrawals
You acquire Sweeps Coins through no-deposit bonuses, daily logins, mail-in AMOE requests or as free additions to Gold Coin purchases.
Once you accumulate enough Sweeps Coins (usually 50-100 SC minimum), you redeem them at a 1:1 ratio for USD.
How do you pay taxes on sweepstakes earnings?
To pay taxes on your sweepstakes earnings in North Carolina, report them as taxable income at both the federal and state levels.
Federally, you report your earnings on Form 1040, Schedule 1. The casino issues a Form 1099-MISC if you win more than $600. For winnings over $5,000, a 24% federal withholding automatically applies.
North Carolina taxes sweepstakes winnings at approximately 5.25%. Unlike federal rules, you cannot deduct gambling losses from your winnings. Operators usually don’t withhold state taxes, so you must report and pay them yourself.
What online casino games can you play in North Carolina?
Players from NC can legally play online casino games like slots, live dealers, classic virtual table games, instant wins and fish shooting titles. These games, offered by sweeps casinos, are available to play for cash rewards by earning sweepstakes tokens.
SlotsSlots
SC coin casinos in North Carolina provide legal slots with diverse features- Megaways titles with thousands of paylines, Hold & Win games with sticky symbols, scatter pays mechanics and cascading reels that create multiple wins per spin.
You'll find slot machines from Pragmatic Play like Big Bass Bonanza and Sweet Bonanza, BGaming's Elvis Frog series and NetEnt classics like Starburst.
RTPs typically range from 94% to 97%, with volatility levels clearly marked so you know whether you're playing for frequent small wins or chasing massive multipliers up to 50,000x.
Live Dealer GamesLive Dealer Games
Several North Carolina sweepstakes casino platforms, like Mega Bonanza and Chumba, stream live dealer tables for real money prize play. Evolution Gaming and ICONIC21 powers most offerings, including poker, Gravity Blackjack with unlimited seats, Auto Roulette spinning every 30 seconds and Speed Baccarat.
Pragmatic Play Live adds variety with games like Mega Wheel and Dragon Tiger. These tables run 24/7 with professional dealers, letting you play for real money rewards from home with the authentic casino atmosphere.
Table GamesTable Games
You'll encounter multiple blackjack variants with different rule sets, European and American roulette wheels, baccarat tables and casino poker games like Three Card Poker and Let It Ride. These RNG (Random Number Generator) versions play faster than live tables.
Instant Win GamesInstant Win Games
Crash games, Plinko boards and mine-sweeper style games deliver immediate results with real money rewards. Titles like Aviator let you cash out before the plane crashes, while Plinko drops balls down pegged boards for instant multipliers.
These games typically feature provably fair algorithms, showing exactly how results are generated.
Fishing GamesFishing Games
Arcade-style fishing games blend skill elements with chance for real money prizes. Titles like King Octopus, Thunder Fishing and Big Bass Hunter task you with catching valuable fish using cannons and special weapons.
Bigger fish carry higher multipliers, with boss battles offering jackpot-level payouts. These games attract NC players seeking something different from traditional slots while still playing for cash rewards.
What are the best local casinos in North Carolina?
There are 3 retail casinos in the Tar Heel State, including Harrah's Cherokee Casino, Catawba Two Kings Casino and Harrah's Cherokee Valley River Casino, all offering quality amenities and entertainment.
We have covered them in the following sections.
Harrah's Cherokee Casino
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians owns this resort, with Caesars Entertainment handling operations since its 1997 opening as North Carolina's first casino. The property spans 150,000 square feet of gaming space housing 3,800 slot machines and 158 table games.
You'll find every major table game here - multiple blackjack variants, craps, roulette, Three Card Poker, Let It Ride and Mississippi Stud.
The Caesars Sportsbook marked North Carolina's first legal sports betting venue. Three hotel towers provide 1,800 rooms, while the 3,000-seat event center hosts major concerts and shows.
The UltraStar Multi-tainment Center adds 24 bowling lanes and a massive arcade. Twelve restaurants range from casual dining to upscale steakhouses, plus the 18,000-square-foot Mandara Spa offers full wellness services.
- Address: 777 Casino Drive, Cherokee, NC 28719
- Phone: 828-497-7777
Catawba Two Kings Casino
The Catawba Indian Nation gained full ownership in 2024, taking control from their Sky Boat partnership. Currently operating from a temporary facility at 538 Kings Mountain Blvd in Kings Mountain (704-750-7777), they're constructing a $273 million permanent resort targeting 2026 completion.
The 24/7 casino floor features 1,000+ slot machines ranging from penny slots to $25 high-limit games. Electronic table games include 50 stadium-style gaming pods offering craps, blackjack, roulette, mini baccarat, Mississippi Stud and Three Card Poker - no live dealers yet.
A retail sportsbook accepts wagers on major leagues and events. The permanent facility promises expanded gaming, a hotel, event center, spa, pool complex and multiple restaurants.
- Address: 538 Kings Mountain Blvd, Kings Mountain, NC 28086
- Phone: 704-750-7777
Harrah's Cherokee Valley River Casino
Another Eastern Band of Cherokee property operated by Caesars, this Murphy location opened in 2015 at 777 Casino Parkway (828-422-7777). The 50,000-square-foot gaming floor houses 1,000+ slots and 70+ live table games including blackjack, craps, roulette, mini baccarat and specialty poker variants.
The 7-story hotel offers 300 non-smoking rooms. Dining options include The Landing Café and a food court featuring Earl of Sandwich, Nathan's Famous, Moe's Southwest Grill, Panda Express and Starbucks. Like its Cherokee sibling, this location includes an UltraStar center with 16 bowling lanes and arcade games. Recent expansions added gaming capacity, hotel rooms, a spa, rooftop restaurant and enhanced parking.
- Address: 777 Casino Parkway, Murphy, NC 28906
- Phone: (828) 422-7777
Responsible gambling in North Carolina
North Carolina provides extensive resources for maintaining healthy gaming habits whether you're visiting tribal casinos or playing sweepstakes games online,
Licensed operators integrate responsible gaming tools directly into their platforms. Self-exclusion options let you block access for set periods or permanently. Reality checks pop up showing how long you've played and how much you've wagered. Every legitimate platform displays helpline contacts prominently.
The North Carolina Problem Gambling Program operates a dedicated helpline at 877-718-5543, with comprehensive resources at morethanagame.nc.gov. They connect you with counseling services, support groups, and treatment programs throughout the state. The National Council on Problem Gambling provides 24/7 confidential support at 1-800-GAMBLER, including online chat for immediate assistance.
Are sweepstakes casinos legal in North Carolina?
Yes, sweepstakes casinos are legal in North Carolina. These platforms operate legally through promotional sweepstakes laws rather than gambling statutes, using virtual currencies and free-play mechanics to distinguish themselves from prohibited online casinos.
However, recent court rulings challenge this model. In 2025, the North Carolina Court of Appeals ruled against certain sweepstakes operators, finding their games violated state law because chance predominantly determined outcomes rather than skill. This decision reversed earlier injunctions allowing operation and sent cases back to trial courts.
North Carolina's anti-gambling laws date to 1937, with reinforcements in 2006 specifically targeting video poker and slot-style games. Courts consistently rule against sweepstakes models when games primarily rely on chance, regardless of promotional frameworks or skill elements operators claim.
Currently, while some sweepstakes casinos continue operating and serving North Carolina players, their legal status remains contested.