Last year, a North Carolina sports betting bill fell short by a single vote in the House after the Senate gave its OK. This year, the House passed the bill in March only to see it tied up in the Senate.
But despair not—those in the know believe legislation still has life in it. There is no end date for the 2023 session, even into 2024, according to Legal Sports Report.
“We expect a few changes that didn’t make it in time in the House,” Ches McDowell, a lobbyist working for professional sports teams, told LSR. “I don’t think it will be an issue there.”
One of the issues faced by lawmakers is spending time working to eliminate tenure at University of North Carolina and multiple anti-transgender bills.
And if the Senate adds amendments, it goes back to the House for a revote.
A number of lawmakers want to bring up casino gaming expansion beyond three tribal casinos, according to WRAL. Any expansion would likely include sports betting.
“I think the casino discussion in North Carolina is throwing a wrinkle into the sports betting bill that I didn’t see coming,” an industry source told LSR this month. “Sounds like Senate leadership is at least open to listening.”
Great Carolina worked with Spectrum Gaming Group on a study, which estimates the three casinos could generate $1.6 billion in Anson, Nash and Rockingham counties. The potential proposal would also legalize video lottery terminals in North Carolina.
Rep. Jason Saine, who Introduced the sports betting bill in the House, told WUNC Politics Podcast the attitude on casinos is changing in North Carolina.
“I do think we’ll see something out of the Senate to that effect,” Saine told WUNC regarding potential gaming expansion. “I’ve been with those folks, and we’ve talked about it. It may be the year for that as well.”
The current bill rolled through three House committees and the House floor before slowing down in the Senate. The legislation would create 10 to 12 online sports betting licenses and a 14 percent tax on online sports betting revenue.
