Lawmakers in North Carolina have sent a bill to Governor Roy Cooper that would legalize mobile sports betting and increase in-person betting.

On Wednesday, the North Carolina House passed the bill on its third reading in a 69-44 vote. 

Legalized sports gambling in North Carolina cleared one of its last legislative hurdles Tuesday as the House accepted changes made by the Senate that include adding horse racing to the betting mix and raising the state’s cut of wagering revenues.

The North Carolina Lottery Commission will issue up to 12 interactive sports wagering licenses to entities that would be subject to robust background checks and $1 million application fees. While betting could begin as early as January, the commission would have until June 2024 to open the betting lines.

Adults with wagering accounts could bet online through computers or mobile phones. But proposed sportsbooks offered at or near pro sports venues, race tracks and golf courses could take cash bets from anyone over 21. Horse-race betting would be allowed through separate gambling operators.