CHARLOTTE, N.C. — With online sports betting now in full swing in North Carolina, it’s proving to be big business for the state. But it’s not just about the money; it's also taking over everyday conversations. That includes barbershops in the Charlotte area.
TVs and the buzzes of clippers aren’t the only sounds making waves inside Bennett's Barbershop in north Charlotte. Mikal Sklaroff has gone to Bennett's for his haircut for years and has seen the changes with sports talk.
“No matter where you come from, no matter what you do, sports is a universal link," he said, "which then all guys can talk about.”
Terrance Hicks is a barber with the shop and said sports talk is still a big topic, just with a new look thanks to the added layer of sports betting.
“It brings more conversation, because now you get to know who likes who you see, we got football teams all over the wall, stuff like that," he said.
It’s more than just Bennett's that’s banking on a winner. According to the North Carolina State Lottery Commission, more than $198.1 million had been wagered through the first week the books opened, with $141.6 million paid out to winners.
“Betting has made it into people who are only marginally invested in sports, are now taking interest," Sklaroff added.
But a lot of bettors just took a hit too. According to BetMGM, just under half of all bets on March Madness were banking on the Tarheels to win it all in the first 24 hours since the launch.
So who are fans betting on now during March Madness?
"You still got North Carolina State left, you got a lot of Duke fans, all of them in the same area," said Hicks, "and some Clemson fans, people excited about Clemson because that's something different.”
The Tigers may not be the first option for Hicks, but the team's still a good choice to help fans bring home the bacon.
"That's just a way of getting people excited," he said, "you can see just naturally how much money is generated.”
If you are concerned about your gambling or worried about a friend, you can call the NC Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-877-718-5543. You can also contact the National Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.
Contact Myles Harris at mharris5@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.