WRAL Documentary examines impact of sports betting in North Carolina in 'The Gamble'

RALEIGH, NC - North Carolinians have wagered more than $13 billion on sports since mobile betting launched in the state in 2024. A new WRAL investigative documentary, The Gamble: Sports Betting in North Carolina, examines the rapid rise of the industry and the growing concerns about its impact. 

The documentary, premiering on March 18, explores how legalized sports betting quickly became a major source of revenue for North Carolina. The state has collected tens of millions of dollars in tax revenue, far exceeding early projections, with funds supporting state programs, college athletics and initiatives aimed at addressing gambling addiction. 

But The Gamble also investigates the risks and unintended consequences of the rapidly expanding industry. Research shows roughly one in 10 young men show signs of problem gambling, and nearly 60 percent of North Carolina college students report gambling in the past year. 

Through interviews with lawmakers, researchers, former professional athletes and individuals who have struggled with addiction, the documentary examines the broader question facing states across the country: whether the financial benefits of legalized sports betting outweigh the social costs. 

“Sports betting has generated enormous revenue for North Carolina, but the money only tells part of the story,” said Cristin Severance, WRAL investigative reporter and documentary producer. “We wanted to look at the impact of sports betting on college athletes, young people and families.” 

The documentary also explores how North Carolina came to legalize sports betting, the political debate that led to the law’s passage, and the new betting markets emerging across the country that could expand wagering even further. 

• How mobile sports betting quickly grew into a multi-billion-dollar industry in North Carolina 

• The political debate and legislative process that led to legalization in the state 

• The financial impact of sports betting revenue on state programs and college athletics 

• Trends on problem gambling among young men and college students 

• How individuals and families are affected by gambling addiction 

• What’s ahead for sports betting from lawmakers, researchers and former professional athletes  

The Gamble: Sports Betting in North Carolina premieres March 18 at 7:30 p.m. on WRAL-TV. 

Viewers can watch live or on demand through multiple platforms: 

• WRAL-TV over-the-air with an antenna 

• WRAL digital platforms, including WRAL.com and the WRAL News app 

• Connected TV apps, including Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV and Android TV via the WRAL app 

• Streaming TV services, including YouTube TV 

The Gamble: Sports Betting in North Carolina is produced by the award-winning WRAL Documentary Unit, one of the only dedicated local television documentary teams in the country. Investigative reporter Cristin Severance and photojournalist Dwayne Myers produce in-depth documentaries examining major issues affecting North Carolina, including foster care reform, youth vaping, hurricane recovery and the rise of early-onset cancer. 

About Capitol Broadcasting Company 

Capitol Broadcasting Company, Inc. is a diversified communications leader which owns and/or operates WRAL-TV, WRAZ-TV, WRAL News+ (WNGT-CD), WRAL-FM, WRAL-HD2, WCMC-FM, WCMC-HD1, WDNC-AM, WCMC-HD2, WCMC-HD3, WCMC-HD4, Microspace Communications, and Capitol B Creative in Raleigh, NC; WILM-TV, WILT-LD and Sunrise Broadcasting in Wilmington, NC; The Durham Bulls Baseball Club, Bull City Hospitality, and the Coastal Plain League in Durham, NC; The Holly Springs Salamanders in Holly Springs, NC; the Zebulon Devil Dogz in Zebulon, NC; the American Underground startup hub and workspace in Durham, NC; and real estate interests including the American Tobacco Historic District in Durham, NC, and Rocky Mount Mills in Rocky Mount, NC.