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The NBA playoffs are right around the corner, and while the Charlotte Hornets may not be one of the premier teams in the NBA this season, the addition of legal online sports betting in North Carolina adds a new level of excitement to the action.

Online sports betting in North Carolina is slated to go live on March 11, and basketball fans in the Tar Heel State will soon be able to bet on any NBA game they want, including Hornets games.

But you don’t have to wait until launch day to get in on the action. Multiple legal US sportsbooks are offering new users the chance to claim several pre-launch bonuses in North Carolina.

In total, new users can claim thousands in bonuses by signing up and creating their accounts before March 11.

Charlotte Hornets futures odds

In addition to betting on individual NBA games, sportsbooks coming to North Carolina allow bettors to wager on futures bets. Popular NBA futures include championship winner, conference winner, and division winner. You can also bet on a team to make the playoffs or participate in the play-in tournament.

The Charlotte Hornets are on the outside looking in when it comes to the NBA playoffs. The team has struggled to find the win column all season long, making them a long shot to make a run at the NBA Finals. To make matters worse, star PG LaMelo Ball has missed significant time with multiple injuries this season.

As it stands right now, the Hornets have odds of +5000 to participate in the Eastern Conference play-in tournament on DraftKings. Furthermore, they have odds of +80000 to win the Eastern Conference, and odds of +100000 to win the NBA Finals.

When betting on Hornets futures odds, it’s important to remember that odds can fluctuate throughout the course of the regular season. Odds can change based on a number of factors including trades, injuries, and team performance.

In addition, odds can vary from sportsbook to sportsbook. So, be sure to shop around on different sports betting platforms to make sure you are getting the best number for your bet.

How to sign up for North Carolina pre-launch bonuses

Sports betting platforms coming to North Carolina are exciting players with a wide variety of welcome bonuses. To get started, simply download each sports betting app and enter the required promo code (if needed) to claim your offer when creating your account. Terms and conditions apply.

Here is a quick look at how to sign up and claim them:

DraftKings North Carolina: Claim up to $1,350 in bonuses

DraftKings offers players in North Carolina a multi-layered bonus with a lot to like. First, new users can claim $100 in bonus bets for signing up before launch day. Then, you can get a $50 bonus bet after depositing $5 into your account. After that, bet at least $5 on any market to get $200 in bonus bets win or lose.

New users can also receive a 20% deposit match up to $1,000 on their first deposit.

North Carolina BetMGM bonus code PREPLAYSPORTS: Get $200 in Bonus Bets

Known as the King of Sportsbooks, BetMGM Sportsbook is ready to make all North Carolina bettors feel like kings.

Players who sign up before launch day will get $200 in bonus credits to use anywhere on the BetMGM Sportsbook menu. More specifically, the bonus credits will come in the form of four $50 bonus bets and will be valid for seven days after the official launch of BetMGM Sportsbook in North Carolina.

FanDuel North Carolina: Claim $300 in Bonus Bets

Bettors who register with FanDuel in North Carolina before March 11 will automatically get $100 in bonus bets.

Then, once launch day comes around, FanDuel users will also receive a guaranteed bonus of $200 when they make an initial deposit of at least $5.

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