North Carolina’s gambling world is at a fascinating and transitional moment. While state-based online casinos remain off the legal map, recent developments in tribal gaming and regulatory conversations show that gaming expansion is far from dormant.
For many residents eager to play online slots, table games, or other casino staples from their phones or computers, the absence of state-regulated online casinos leaves a gap that offshore platforms continue to fill. At the same time, tribal nations in the state are actively shaping the future of land-based gaming, most notably through strategic land purchases and long-term casino plans.
The push for new gaming options gained fresh attention when the Lumbee Tribe purchased hundreds of acres off Interstate 95 in Robeson County with an eye toward potential casino development, possibly bringing the first large-scale casino east of Charlotte.
Meanwhile, North Carolina continues to navigate a legal landscape that allows sports betting and tribal casinos but not full-scale iGaming.
Filling The Void
Because North Carolina has not legalized real-money online casino gaming, many residents choose to play at offshore casino sites that accept U.S. players, including those from NC.
Online casinos for North Carolina players are typically licensed in international jurisdictions and operate outside North Carolina regulators’ authority. While they are not regulated by the state, there is currently no North Carolina law that specifically criminalizes individual players for accessing online gambling sites.
Digital gambling sites often stand out for the depth of their online casino games. Players can usually access hundreds of slot titles, multiple variations of blackjack and roulette, live dealer tables streamed in real time, video poker, specialty games, and even international offerings like baccarat and Sic Bo.
Many platforms also support cryptocurrency payments alongside traditional banking methods and frequently offer sizable welcome bonuses, reload offers, and VIP rewards programs.
Tribal Casinos in NC
Tribal gaming has long been the backbone of casino gambling in North Carolina. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians operates major destinations like Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort and Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River, which have become staples for gaming and tourism in the western region of the state. These casinos offer thousands of slot machines, table games, and integrated resort amenities, playing a key role in regional economies.
Another prominent tribal operator is the Catawba Indian Nation, which runs the Catawba Two Kings Casino in Kings Mountain. This facility has grown from a temporary gaming venue into a more established casino offering slots, table games, and sports wagering, serving residents of the Charlotte area and beyond.
In early 2026, a new chapter began for tribal gaming in the state with the Lumbee Tribe’s strategic land acquisition off Interstate 95 in Robeson County. The tribe, recently granted federal recognition after a long pursuit, purchased about 240 acres of land that could serve as the site for a future casino and entertainment complex, the first of its kind in eastern North Carolina. Tribal leaders have indicated that this move could spark economic growth, including jobs, tourism, and ancillary development, though specific plans and timelines have not yet been finalized.