Caesars Entertainment has announced it will launch mobile sports betting in North Carolina after expanding its relationship with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

The operator is expected to go live when North Carolina launches its online sports betting market on March 11. Ahead of launch, the Caesars Sportsbook app will begin accepting signups and deposits starting March 1st.

On January 24, the North Carolina State Lottery Commission approved the launch date for online sports betting. The market will be live for everyone 21 and older just in time for March Madness. Charlotte, North Carolina, is expected to host some first-round games in the tournament.

Caesars already has two land-based locations with the tribe, with Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort in Cherokee and Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel in Murphy. Under the expanded agreement, Caesars will now have exclusive mobile sports betting rights at these two casinos as well as on the Eastern Band of Cherokee tribal lands in western North Carolina.

Eric Hession, president of Caesars Digital, praised the company’s long relationship with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Hession also expressed excitement about what the expanded deal will bring for both parties.

“Our relationship with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians spans more than two decades,” Hession said.

“Expanding this long-standing partnership allows us to build on the premium sports betting experience of our in-person sportsbooks by offering North Carolinians ages 21 and older across the state a responsible way to enjoy sports on a deeper level.”

Michell Hicks, Chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, added, “We are excited about this new project with Caesars Entertainment and the improvements it will bring to our tribal business.

“We look forward to additional opportunities that will benefit the future of our membership.”

Caesars is the latest to prompt North Carolina to move

The launch of North Carolina’s online sports betting market is now less than two months away. Caesars followed companies like BetMGM and DraftKings in reaching an agreement to make the launch possible.

Operators applying for a permit to conduct sports betting must partner with a sports team, league or venue in North Carolina.

DraftKings announced a partnership with Nascar, becoming the stock car racing company’s exclusive daily fantasy sports partner. BetMGM, meanwhile, inked a market access deal with Charlotte Motor Speedway in early January. The complex, located in Concord, regularly hosts Nascar races.

Additionally, Fanatics Betting and Gaming announced a deal with the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes, while fantasy sports app Underdog will work with McConnell Golf to support its license application.

ESPN Bet signed a deal to become the official betting provider of Quail Hollow Golf Club. As part of the agreement, ESPN Bet became the official betting provider of the Wells Fargo Championship in North Carolina.