WRAL NEWS: Fans head to Backyard Bistro to place bets as sports betting begins

Mobile sports betting operators began taking bets in North Carolina, the culmination of a long legislative process to legalize widespread gambling on sporting events.

Eight operators went live Monday at noon, allowing people located in the state to bet from their own phones through apps. State lawmakers passed a bill last year to legalize mobile betting and Gov. Roy Cooper signed it into law.

The Carolina Hurricanes hosted a launch party at Backyard Bistro alongside fanatics to celebrate the launch. The Hurricanes purchased the restaurant in December to host the team's sportsbook, which Fanatics runs.

One fan said he placed his bet as soon as betting became legal at noon on Monday…