Lawmakers in North Carolina could bring the discussion of possible legalization of video gambling machines back to the table, according to a recent Associated Press report. North Carolina legislators said, “An effort to sanction and regulate video gambling machines could resurface in the spring.”
This is not the first time that video gambling machines have been a top in the state. Last year, the state government considered a proposal that would allow for four more casinos around the state and would legalize gambling machine through North Carolina’s lottery commission.
However, efforts to move the package forward failed last fall, and Senate leader Phil Berger said nothing is set in stone at this time.
Berger told the Associated Press that “he has no plans to pursue casino legislation in the work session that begins in late April.” He went on to note that he has not spoken yet with any member that “leads me to believe that somebody is going to champion moving forward.”
Berger has shown his support for adding casinos to the area.
North Carolina is scheduled to open its regulated sports wagering market March 11 at noon.
Starting March 1, operators around the state can allow players to register for online accounts. The market will first allow players to place wagers on their mobile devices and will later accept in-person betting on a case-by-case basis.
Once the market is established, the Lottery Commission will be permitted to award up to 12 licenses to operators statewide. Players would then have access to online and mobile betting, as well as in-person wagering.
Lobbyists around the state are encouraging legislators to add iGaming to the list of legal gambling options for North Carolina players, which would allow players access to online casino games through their mobile devices.
