Could North Carolina Legalize Commercial Casinos? Senate Leader Gives 50% Chances
The Senate Pro Tempore of North Carolina, Phil Berger (R-Rockingham), is feeling optimistic about the possibility of commercial casino gambling being legalized in his state. Earlier this year, the state passed its largest expansion of gaming since the authorization of the state lottery in 2005. This gaming measure, House Bill 347, was signed into law by Governor Roy Cooper (D) last month.
HB347 creates up to 12 licenses for online sportsbooks with a one-time $1 million fee and a renewal fee of another $1 million after five years. These licensed sportsbooks are required to send 18% of their gross revenues to the state. Additionally, eight professional sports stadiums and venues are allowed to offer on-site sports betting.
Traditionally, North Carolina has had a negative stance on commercial gambling, with the state lottery being the only exception. However, with lawmakers agreeing to allow sports gambling, Berger believes there might be more gambling opportunities in the future.
Strong Odds for More Gaming Expansion
The North Carolina General Assembly is currently debating a budget bill for the state's government funding from June 2025. In response to media inquiries about potential gaming expansion in the state, Berger provided some strong odds on this topic.
The state houses three tribal casinos operated by two of its federally recognized tribes - Harrah's Cherokee, Harrah's Cherokee Valley River, and Catawba Two Kings Casino. These casinos are located in the western part of the state.
Berger sees the recent opening of Las Vegas-style casinos in neighboring Virginia as a reason for considering similar gaming properties in North Carolina. Caesars Entertainment recently opened a temporary casino in Danville, Va., just a few miles from the North Carolina-Virginia border. The casino giant is spending $650 million to construct a permanent integrated casino resort called Caesars Virginia, scheduled to open late next year.
Berger, after visiting the Danville casino, shared his observation that about 80% of the vehicles in the parking lot had North Carolina license plates.
When asked about the possibility of a commercial casino bill being passed this year, Berger gave odds "better than 50-50".
"It's a serious discussion," he stated.
A Potential Bargaining Chip
The General Assembly is currently struggling to find a consensus on how to lower income taxes. The Republican-controlled Senate and House of Representatives both want lower taxes for residents, but they disagree on how to rework the state's fiscal strategy.
Berger believes legalizing commercial casinos could generate new tax revenue that would make cutting taxes easier. He also claims this would create thousands of new jobs and boost local economic activity.
Rep. Jason Saine (R-Lincoln) stated that it's easier to pass tax breaks when there's a potential new revenue stream in place. However, others argue that casinos prey on vulnerable people and lead to more societal problems.
"[Casinos would] just exacerbate all of the social problems that come along with gambling," commented John Rustin, CEO of the North Carolina Family Policy Council, a Judeo-Christian-based public policy group opposed to commercial gambling.
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Source: www.casino.org
