Ricky Dimon
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It’s March, which means it’s the best time of year for college basketball – March Madness. It also means that online sports betting has been legalized in North Carolina, with a full launch at every major sportsbook on March 11.
Although football season may be over, there are plenty of options with which to begin your betting experience in North Carolina. You can’t find a more intriguing state when it comes to college basketball, with the North Carolina Tar Heels and Duke Blue Devils leading the way. In the NHL, the Carolina Hurricanes are Stanley Cup contenders. You also have the Charlotte Hornets roaming the NBA hardwood.
If you want to get in the game now and wager on any of the above teams (or on any other available markets), here are some of the best sportsbooks at which to do so – and their accompanying NC pre-launch offers:
- DraftKings Sportsbook: Pre-register for $100 in bonus bets + $200 in bonus bets for placing a $5+ bet
- FanDuel Sportsbook: Receive $300 in bonus bets – $100 for pre-registering and $200 for wagering at least $5
- Caesars Sportsbook: Earn seven 100% profit boosts for pre-registering and betting at least $1 on anything using the Caesars NC promo code PICKSWISEDBL
- BetMGM Sportsbook: Claim $200 worth of bonus bets for signing up before North Carolina goes live on March 11
- Bet365 Sportsbook: Sign up before North Carolina Launch Day and deposit $10+ to receive $100 worth of bonus bets
Now let’s dive into my North-Carolina based parlay for Saturday’s sports schedule.
Hurricanes -1.5 (+180)
NC State vs North Carolina Over 153 (-110)
Virginia +9 (-108)
North Carolina Parlay odds: +929
Carolina Hurricanes -1.5 over Winnipeg Jets (+180)
These are 2 teams that have been in fine form of late, but the Hurricanes look better than the Jets. For the past month and a half, the ‘Canes have been more consistent. They are clicking at the right time as playoff pushes are being made. The Jets have enjoyed a successful last couple of weeks, but they have done so at the expense of weaker teams. The Hurricanes are 6-1-1 in their last 8 games and have won 4 out of their last 5 at home. The Jets played an opponent currently in playoff position for the first time in 6 games on Thursday and they promptly got handled by Dallas 4-1. I think Carolina can win this one by multiple goals.
NC State Wolfpack vs North Carolina Tar Heels Over 153 (-110)
The spread for Saturday’s matchup between Carolina and State is a lofty 10.5 points. It’s a tough call on either side, but the over looks like the best play. If it does turn into the blowout that it is basically expected to be, that could lead to less than max efforts on the defensive ends of the floor in the final minutes. Regardless, points should not be too hard to come by in this one. With R.J. Davis running the show, the Tar Heels boast one of the nation’s most prolific and fast-paced offenses. N.C. State averages 76.2 points per game and is coming off a ridiculous 90-83 shootout loss at Florida State on Tuesday.
Virginia Cavaliers +9 over Duke Blue Devils (-108)
While it is generally fun to back the teams you root for, it may not always be the wisest decision. One of the keys to sports betting is making wagers with a clear mind, leaving any bias out of the equation. Even if you are a fan of Duke, it probably isn’t wise to tail this team against the spread when it is giving 9 points to Virginia. These are 2 of the 3 best teams in the ACC as we come down the stretch of the regular season; Saturday’s showdown at Cameron Indoor Stadium has all the makings of a competitive contest. Led by Reece Beekman (2.1 steals per game), the Wahoos have a good enough defense to keep this game low scoring and close the whole way.
