Currently in North Carolina, gamblers can play raffles or charitable bingo or visit the state’s three tribal casinos. Two of those, operated by the
Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, are the only locations where sports betting is legal.
But North Carolina Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger recently said online sports betting could be legalized in the state in the new legislative session which started January 25. Last June, the state Senate passed a sports betting bill but it failed 51-50 in the House.
Berger said, “It is something I believe has the support of the majority of both chambers. It is something the public overall supports. If you have a telephone, you already have access to it. You’re not supposed to, but it’s there.”
State Senator Sarah Crawford added, “Sports betting in North Carolina is already a $1.7 billion industry. It’s really time that we regulate that and make sure it’s safe for consumers, and also ensure that North Carolina can benefit from the revenue that would be gained from that.”
Crawford added, “We are leaving just a ton of money on the table,” noting illegal betting in the state totals an estimated $1.7 billion annually. Governor Roy Cooper has stated support for sports betting.
A 2020 report by Spectrum Gaming Group, commissioned by the North Carolina State Lottery, examined “gaming activities currently authorized by the state and the feasibility of the General Assembly authorizing new gaming activities.” It indicated expanded gambling in North Carolina, including sports betting and horserace betting, would generate $422.6 million in state taxes by the third year.
The Spectrum report also stated North Carolina could support up to nine casinos: three in Charlotte, two in Raleigh-Durham and one each in Asheville, Wilmington, Winston-Salem and Pinehurst. Each would offer about 19,000 slots and 648 table games.
The Spectrum report said Las Vegas-style casinos also would boost tourism, create new jobs and help local businesses.
Still, gambling expansion opponents cite an increase in problem gambling as a real concern. The National Council on Problem Gambling has noted the rate of problem gambling rises when sports betting is involved. The Council said online sports wagering raises the risks of problem gambling even more.
