North Carolina has been considering gambling expansion for a while now, with some leaders supporting it while others opposing it. A few weeks ago, local officials in Raleigh voted to ensure residents had the final say about gambling expansion.
Despite these pushbacks, Senate leader Phil Berger of Rockingham and House Speaker Tim Moore (R-Cleveland) have said that gambling expansion should include internet gambling.
Initially, these leaders wanted to add land-based casinos in Rockingham, Nash, and Anson. Now, they want the state to consider online casinos too.
Internet gaming comprises online table games and slot machines. Legalizing iGaming would allow North Carolinians to play casino games online anywhere in the state.
Berger and Moore have good reasons for supporting a casino in Rockingham, Nash, and Anson. For instance, Rockingham borders Virginia, while Anson borders South Carolina. Meanwhile, Rocky Mount in Nash is intersected by Interstate 95.
Virginia legalizes commercial casinos in 2020. The law allowed five cities, including Danville, to have a casino each. This would help fix the state’s deteriorating economy.
Danville is a few miles from the North Carolina and Virginia border. It is the nearest casino destination. In fact, the city is building a $650 million Caesars Entertainment casino resort less than two miles from the North Carolina border.
North Carolina Republicans want to integrate a commercial casino bill into the state’s budget bill. The General Assembly would have closed the session now, but it was extended due to delays brought up by the gaming conversations.
What Are the Odds for Internet Gaming?
Berger and Moore said the state would consider iGaming. However, the two leaders are aware the odds for the Internet gaming bill to pass are low.
The primary reason for supporting commercial land-based casinos was to provide residents with gambling options within the state instead of going to neighboring states. The state would retain the tax money flowing into Virginia. Another reason for supporting physical casinos is to create new jobs for North Carolinians.
According to Berger, land-based casinos are the only form of gambling that would create a significant employment opportunity. He believes internet gaming will not provide as many jobs as brick-and-mortar casinos.
The earlier proposal on land-based casinos would require casino developers in Nash, Anson, and Rockingham counties to create at least 1,750 jobs. The project would leave at least 5250 residents employed, unlike online casinos.
Concerns for Problem Gambling
Moore is concerned about problem gambling. According to the state leader, allowing people to gamble on internet devices could lead to reckless gambling.
The House Speaker is not totally against internet gaming. He says he needs more data to know where he stands on the issue.
Only six states have legal online casino gaming. Rhode Island recently approved internet casinos, which will launch early next year. The other states include New Jersey, Delaware, Michigan, Connecticut, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania.
Michigan could be the perfect subject to study regarding online gaming. The state has around 10 million residents, just like North Carolina.
Michigan generated over $1.4 billion from iGaming in 2022, with the tax revenue hitting over $280 million. The state has commercial casinos in Detroit and 23 tribal casinos across the state.
