Are Skill-Game Apps Legal in North Carolina?
This page covers skill-game apps you play on your phone in North Carolina. Skill machines in North Carolina bars, gas stations and convenience stores are a separate question this page doesn't cover.
Yes, cash play is on in North Carolina. Skillz, operated by Firy Inc. (NYSE: FIRY), runs our cash matches and has not switched it off there. 11 of our 12 games offer cash matches in North Carolina; Carrom has none anywhere yet. All 4 of North Carolina's neighbors have cash play at the Skillz level too. North Carolina taxes personal income, so prizes may also go on your state return.
That status is Skillz's platform decision for North Carolina, not a court ruling, and states use different skill-versus-chance tests.
Which Atay games offer cash play in North Carolina
| Game | Cash play in North Carolina | US App Store listing, checked Sep 24, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Solitaire Real Cash | Available | Lists 7 states, not North Carolina |
| Gin Rummy Cash | Available | Lists 7 states, not North Carolina |
| Ball Pool Cash | Available | Lists 11 states, not North Carolina |
| Sugar Cash | Available | Lists 5 states, not North Carolina |
| Word Money | Available | Lists 5 states, not North Carolina |
| Bingo Prizes | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows North Carolina |
| Block Puzzle | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows North Carolina |
| Bubble Prizes | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows North Carolina |
| Crossword Cash | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows North Carolina |
| Pachinko Cash | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows North Carolina |
| Word Search Cash | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows North Carolina |
| Carrom | Free play only | Cash not yet enabled (open beta) |
Play in North Carolina
Every game plays free first, so North Carolina players can learn one before any entry fee.
Browse the gamesHow prizes are taxed in North Carolina
North Carolina taxes personal income, so prizes may go on your North Carolina return. The North Carolina Department of Revenue decides how North Carolina treats them. Federally, prizes are taxable income for North Carolina players with or without a tax form; see 1099s and Skillz winnings under $2,000.
Cash play in states bordering North Carolina
Every state bordering North Carolina has cash play at the Skillz level. Ball Pool Cash's listing also excludes neighboring South Carolina and Tennessee.
Questions about skill-game apps in North Carolina
Can I play Atay games for cash in North Carolina?
Yes, 11 of our 12 games offer cash matches in North Carolina. Carrom has no cash play yet.
Does it matter where in North Carolina I am?
No. Skillz sets eligibility by state from your phone's location, so Charlotte and Raleigh get the same answer.
Do I need to do anything when I drive from North Carolina into South Carolina?
No. South Carolina also has cash play at the Skillz level, and the app checks your location when you play. One difference: Ball Pool Cash's listing excludes South Carolina.
Does North Carolina tax prizes from skill-game apps?
It can. Prizes are income, and North Carolina has a state income tax; check the North Carolina Department of Revenue's guidance for your situation.
North Carolina status per the Skillz help center (eligibility, cash-disabled areas, skill-game legality) and US App Store listings. General information, not legal advice; Skillz can change cash availability.