Underdog Partners with McConnell Golf for North Carolina Sports Betting

Underdog Sports has made a strategic move to strengthen its presence in the sports betting market by teaming up with McConnell Golf for a North Carolina sports betting license. The partnership entails Underdog hosting, managing, operating, and supporting online gambling services alongside McConnell Golf's Sedgefield Country Club, located in Greensboro, North Carolina.

In the pursuit of a sports betting license in North Carolina, it is crucial for operators to align themselves with a sports team, league, or venue within the state. Underdog's partnership with McConnell Golf serves this purpose, setting the stage for legal sports betting in North Carolina.

Traditionally known for its daily fantasy sports offerings, Underdog has ventured into the world of sports betting. Despite already securing a sports betting license in Ohio in late 2022, the operator has yet to launch wagering services.

Jeremy Levine, co-CEO and founder of Underdog, expressed excitement about the opportunity, stating, "We've spent the last four years building our own technology so we can give sports fans in America new and different ways to enjoy the sports they love. We're excited to be able to offer that to North Carolinians and look forward to evolving the experience with them."

McConnell Golf's COO, Christian Anastasiadis, welcomed the partnership, highlighting the importance of providing a unique approach to sports competitions and tournaments. He emphasized the innovation behind the Underdog Fantasy app and its potential to enhance the overall sports experience.

Anastasiadis said, "This partnership was conceived with fans in mind. We're looking forward to working with McConnell Golf to bring people together to experience their premier club properties."

North Carolina has seen interest from multiple operators seeking sports betting licenses, with nine applications submitted in total. While the exact launch date remains undisclosed, there is hope that legal betting will commence by March of this year.

The North Carolina State Lottery Commission is overseeing the licensing process, with the timeline contingent on the duration of the application process. This process began in December after Governor Roy Cooper signed House Bill 347 into law in June 2023.

As the sports betting market in North Carolina unfolds, several prominent players are vying for a slice of the action. BetMGM has partnered with Charlotte Motor Speedway, DraftKings is working closely with Nascar, and Fanatics Betting and Gaming is entering the market with the NHL's Carolina Hurricanes. These partnerships signify the growing interest and potential within North Carolina's emerging sports betting industry.