North Carolina Casino Expansion Yet to Gain Traction

Earlier this year, North Carolina legalized mobile sports betting. While the activity is expected to launch as planned, at some point by mid-2024, further efforts for the expansion of gambling activities were also seen recently. One such effort calls for the legalization of new casinos through the state budget.

A gambling proposal that is a part of the state budget, supported by Senate leader Phil Berger, seeks to authorize new casinos across North Carolina. Although the proposal may gain traction, considering that it is a part of the budget, it may also reach a dead end. Earlier this week, House Speaker Tim Moore addressed the gambling proposal that is a part of the state budget.

He explained that the way this proposal is pushed forward makes it “doomed.” Moore revealed that while it makes sense to legalize more casinos, just like the state’s plan for sports betting, the gambling proposal is unlikely to lift off. This is primarily because there were no details released before the state budget was made public, making it difficult for some lawmakers to support it.

Additionally, considering the way the budget is voted on, there can be no amendments made. According to Moore, this is precisely why the gambling proposal is unlikely to progress this year. He said that while a proposal to expand gambling might have gained traction as a separate bill, it is unlikely for the current one to progress.

“There were people (legislators) who probably would have supported it as a standalone bill who just felt like the way it was being done and not having any input in it, didn’t work.“

House Speaker Tim Moore

Efforts for Casino Expansion to Continue in 2024

While the future of casino expansion remains uncertain this year, Moore predicted that efforts may resume next year as well. Still, according to him, lawmakers that support the expansion would need to work on its promotion across North Carolina. This would be crucial for the success of the gambling expansion, added Moore, explaining that he himself won’t be “carrying the water on.”

The expansion of casino gambling in North Carolina is expected to introduce four new venues. Three venues are expected to be established in Anson, Rockingham and Nash counties. The fourth location is expected to be a tribal casino.

If North Carolina expands its gambling options, it is expected to benefit from fresh tax revenue. At the same time, new casinos would help boost tourism and visitations, while creating temporary and permanent jobs that are likely to positively impact communities.