As North Carolina lawmakers deliberate allowing commercial casinos, a recent poll of 600 “likely general election voters” found that nearly 76 percent of respondents think a voter referendum should determine the outcome−not the legislature. Only 16 percent said they didn’t want a statewide gaming referendum issue.
Currently, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians operates two casinos in the state and the Catawba Nation operates one. The poll was conducted August 20 and August 21 by Cygnal, a D.C.-based polling and analytical firm.
In addition, 55 percent of poll respondents said they support legalizing casino gambling in the state; only 32 percent said they opposed casino gambling, primarily due to the social and moral concerns. More than 60 percent said they believed casinos would provide additional tax revenue for the state budget or public education and health care.
House Speaker Tim Moore noted a statewide referendum would be “unusual” since the General Assembly has the authority to determine gambling laws without requiring a referendum. Recently, the North Carolina Education Lottery System approved additional online lottery offerings without lawmakers’ authorization.
Currently, a legislative conference committee is considering an appropriations act to allow commercial casinos and video lottery terminals (VLTs). The draft proposal recommends a commercial casino in Rockingham, Anson and Nash counties.
According to reports, however, several local officials in those counties said they have not been included in casino discussions. But in an interview with CBS17-TV, Moore said, “My understanding is all of the legislators who represent those areas are supportive of the measure. But at the end of the day, we haven’t had a definitive proposal laid on the table for caucus members to discuss, for them to weigh in one way or another. It’s all been a conceptual discussion.”
Moore added everyone involved will have the opportunity to express their opinion if the legislature approves commercial casinos.
Meanwhile, according to a recent study by campaign finance analyst Bob Hall, North Carolina lawmakers received more than $500,000 from gambling and cannabis interests in January through June, 2023.
In the report, Hall, an activist and researcher who has been involved in North Carolina campaign finance and government ethics issues for decades, wrote, “All the old reasons about addiction, crime, social decay and victimizing the poor are suddenly no longer very important. It’s now all about the money−the money received and the money to be gained.”
Hall’s report details donations lawmakers received from lobbyists. State Rep. Jason Saine led the list with $42,200 in contributions from lobbyists in the gambling and cannabis industries. Saine was instrumental in moving sport betting legislation through the House, and also is involved in discussions about adding new retail casinos. Saine also received donations from the Cordish Companies, according to the Carolina Public Press.
Hall also reported state Senator Jim Perry, who also supported legalizing mobile sports wagering, received slightly more than $25,000 from gambling and cannabis donors, including casino companies.
In a review of the North Carolina Secretary of State’s records, Hall found “38 gambling-related businesses and associations, including 29 based outside North Carolina, are paying 71 different lobbyists to promote their agenda this year to 170 state legislators.”
Among the companies lobbying legislators are BetMGM, Caesars Entertainment, DraftKings, FanDuel, Fanatics, PENN Entertainment and Underdog Fantasy. Mobile sports betting, set to launch in North Carolina next year, will allow up to 12 operators.
Stakeholders with video poker terminal companies also have donated to North Carolina elected officials in 2023.
