In North Carolina, a new poll by Meredith College found 54 percent of respondents approve of casinos on non-tribal land, while 35 percent are opposed.
The proposed casinos would be built in Rockingham, Nash and Anson counties, in addition to a casino to be operated by the Lumbee Tribe. As part of “rural entertainment districts,” the projects also would include hotels, restaurants, shopping and other amenities.
Last year, Senate leader Phil Berger proposed legalizing four additional casinos but dropped the plan under opposition from several House Republicans. However, state Rep. Jason Saine, a supporter of legalizing mobile sports betting, said talks about other legalized gambling options, such as video lottery terminals in bars and restaurants, have continued since the session ended last year.
Saine said, “It will remain a hot topic and certainly one that is marinating. I think VLTs, what we do with video lottery terminals, probably has a little more legs if it’s going to move in the short session. I think both topics could be considered because it hasn’t been that long since we’ve been talking about them and they’re fresh on people’s minds.”
Governor Roy Cooper has said he’s open to discussing bringing additional casinos to the state. In a recent interview, Cooper said, “I’m open to looking at a fair, transparent process, one that is not predetermined. What we’re working on right now is making sure we get sports betting in place.”
