Panthers face new realities with NC legalizing sports betting

PHOTO | TROY HULL

A new North Carolina law legalizes sports gambling starting next year, but not for NFL games, the most lucrative sports league in the world.

With North Carolina lawmakers on the verge of legalizing sports betting, Panthers offensive tackle Ikem Ekwonu was asked following an organized team activity June 8 if he had a stance on the hot-button issue that already has left several NFL players suspended for a series of games next season or without a job.

Speaking to reporters on the practice fields behind Bank of America Stadium, the 22-year-old flashed a wide grin and shook his head.

“Sports betting?” Ekwonu asked. “No opinion on that. No, sir.”

To Panthers coach Frank Reich, sports betting is no laughing matter.

Panthers players have been warned of gambling issues

The pros and cons of mobile wagering are well documented, especially now since North Carolina became the 28th state to legalize the modern vice after Gov. Roy Cooper signed House Bill 347 into law June 14 at Spectrum Center. The legislation takes effect in January 2024.

Reich didn’t laugh at a similar inquiry but was firm with his position.

“No stance,” he said sternly before turning his attention to other football-related questions.

Regardless of their opinions, sports betting will continue to be a noteworthy issue as sportsbooks begin appearing at sporting venues across the state.

During OTAs, the Panthers booked an NFL representative to speak to players, coaches and team personnel about the do’s and don’ts of online wagering.

Among the league regulations, the NFL stresses anyone associated with a team is not permitted to place a bet anywhere on franchise premises.

Not everyone understands the rules.

Just ask the Detroit Lions. On April 21, four players – Jameson Williams, Quintez Cephus, Stanley Berryhill and C.J. Moore – were busted for gambling on company grounds. Williams, a 2022 first-round draft pick, received a six-game suspension starting next season. Moore and Quintez were immediately released.

“They are cracking down on it,” said Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen, a 10-year veteran. “I think it’s something that has become a lot more accessible, right? Pull out your phone now and in most states you can gamble. On one hand, you’re allowed to gamble, but on the other hand, you’re not allowed to gamble inside the facility. So, there’s a weird kind of thing sometimes you don’t know. Am I allowed? Am I not allowed?

“It just needs to be talked about. [League officials] are trying to protect the integrity of the game.”

‘I’d rather keep my money’

That’s the rub. Since its inception in 1920, NFL games have attracted bettors. The foundational success of the sport is rooted in wagers, legal and illegal.

“We get that,” Thielen said following the Panthers’ June 13 minicamp practice. “The league is sponsored by gambling companies. They are making a lot of money off gambling companies. We all understand that and continue to talk about it and be informed about it and try not to get in trouble.”

The key word in Thielen’s statement was “try.”

Supporters of HB 347 point to the potential bounty of tax revenue the state may receive, and additional jobs gambling will create. By establishing an 18% tax on gross wagering revenue minus winnings, industry analysts suggest the state potentially could rake in approximately $100 million annually.

Panthers owner David Tepper, through a TSE spokesperson, said: “We appreciate the tireless efforts of members of the NC House and Senate and are grateful for their support. This will offer a great entertainment option for fans.”

But it’s not for everyone. D.J. Chark, a former Lions wide receiver who signed as a free agent with the Panthers, prefers to keep his money in the bank.

“Obviously, it comes up every week now, but I’ve never been fond of losing money,” he said. “I’d just rather not bet. When you bet, you can’t control the outcome. So, I’d rather keep my money because it’s for sure in my account.”

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