It appears the North Carolina legislature is going to authorize more casinos to be built in the state.
North Carolina currently has three casinos, all on Indian tribal lands outside the jurisdiction of state government.
However, both state House Speaker Tim Moore (R-Cleveland) and President Pro Tem of the state Senate Sen. Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) have spoken in favor of allowing more casinos to operate in the state.
As far as casino legislation goes, the supporters are keeping their cards pretty close to their vests. Some reports are that the authorization to build casinos in Rockingham, Anson and Nash counties will be part of the budget bill that is expected to be passed in August.
There are other reports that a casino bill will be stand alone.
One of the factors driving the legalization of casino gambling in North Carolina is the temporary casino operated by Caesars that opened in Danville, Virginia, in May.
Legislators have reportedly visited the casino in Danville and noted that a majority of the cars in the parking lot had North Carolina license plates.
According to Casino.org, in its first full month of operation the temporary Danville Casino generated gross gaming revenue of $18.9 million, and that’s a lot of money for the state to tax.
Caesars Entertainment has stated that it plans to invest $650 million in building the Danville casino complex.
It’s worth noting that one of the three counties that is on the list for legalized casino gambling in North Carolina is Rockingham, which is right across the state line from Virginia.
While no bill legalizing casino gambling in North Carolina has been introduced, if legalizing casino gambling in the state is included in the state budget bill, then a separate bill would not have to be introduced.
Also, if legalizing casino gambling is included in the state budget bill, it allows legislators to play both sides of the fence. Legislators can vote for the budget but say that they were not in favor of the casino gambling portion of the bill, but the overall budget was so good they couldn’t vote against it.
Those who claim to have a handle on what is going on in Raleigh say that the votes are there to legalize casino gambling whether it is part of the budget or a stand-alone bill.
It will take the wisdom of Solomon to sort this out. Politicians are hungry for revenue, many people are already taking North Carolina dollars to Danville and western Carolina tribal casinos, and many others have witnessed or experienced the affects of drug and alcohol addiction coupled with a gambling addiction.
Not an easy decision. Even a voter driven referendum will not be easy as many will be influenced by dollars spent by corporations and politicians. God help us all.
If casinos are allowed to operate on Indian tribal lands within the state, then it’s only fair that they be allowed to operate elsewhere within the state. And why should all the money flow into the casino in Virginia? Let’s face it, people who want to gamble will find an outlet.
Don’t forget the Casino in Cherokee NC.
That’s an Indian casino
We need a casino in every section of the city. Greensboro will be rolling in the money. Lower property tax for ALL citizens and maybe lower food prices. Anything to bring in more money. Let us get it together and PARTY!!!!
Legislators ought to look at the tags at supermarkets, sam’s club and gas stations as well. Lower gas prices. No tax on groceries are some of the many reasons north Carolinians flock to VA