North Carolina residents are gearing up for this year's NCAA men's and women's basketball tournaments with a new twist - legal sports betting. For the first time, people in North Carolina will be able to place bets on the games through their smartphones and computers, joining a growing number of states that have expanded their sports betting laws since the U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way for expansion.

A total of 38 states and the District of Columbia now allow some form of sports betting, with 30 states and the nation's capital permitting online wagering. The rules for sports betting vary by state, with some prohibiting bets on home-state college teams or specific players' performances. Despite living in states where sports betting is legal, some fans may still be blocked from betting on their favorite teams and players due to restrictions.

The American Gaming Association estimates that $2.7 billion will be bet on this year's NCAA men's and women's basketball tournaments through legal sportsbooks, making March Madness one of the biggest events for sports betting. Since the last NCAA tournament, half a dozen states have launched or expanded sports betting, including North Carolina, which began permitting online sports wagering statewide on March 11.

While some states continue to debate and consider legalizing sports betting, residents in states where it is still illegal may cross state lines to place bets. Technology company GeoComply Solutions reported processing over 431,000 location checks from about 40,500 mobile devices in Missouri during the Super Bowl weekend, as residents attempted to access legal sports betting sites in neighboring states.

With the growing popularity and revenue generated from sports betting, the landscape of March Madness and other sporting events continues to evolve. As fans in North Carolina and across the country prepare for the excitement of the NCAA tournaments, the addition of legal sports betting adds a new element to the experience.