North Carolina Casino Legalization Faces Uphill Battle

The progress towards establishing legal sports betting in North Carolina, along with the emergence of top sports betting websites, has come to a halt as casino gaming legislation is no longer being considered, at least temporarily.

This suggests that the state will not see legalized real money online casinos this year or possibly next. As a result, iCasino players may need to travel to Virginia, where mobile casinos are becoming increasingly prevalent.

The reason behind State House Speaker Tim Moore’s change of heart on the legal commercial casino platform proposed by Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger is unclear. Moore, who was initially supportive of the legislation, has now reversed his stance and is opposing it.

The original idea was to include a casino amendment in the 2024-2025 state budget, which would have permitted residents to use mobile casino apps. However, this proposal sparked backlash from Senate Republicans and ultimately came to a standstill without any hearings or discussions taking place.

In the end, lingering animosity from previous debates may have dashed hopes for passing a legal commercial gaming bill in the state any time soon.

Spillover hurdle

The potential growth of North Carolina’s legal gambling industry has been driven by public polling, a few legislators, and the increasing popularity of sports betting apps in the state.

Nevertheless, the discussions surrounding the potential introduction of iCasinos and Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs) in bars and restaurants in the state have not been well-received by many. This negative reception could pose obstacles to any progress on the matter during the 2024 legislative session, which ends in July.

The controversy revolves around Senate President Phil Berger allegedly making an agreement with The Cordish Companies for gaming licenses connected to several state casinos. The deal, often referred to as a “back-room deal,” was intended to keep revenue within North Carolina but was criticized for lacking transparency and input from lawmakers and the public.

House Speaker Tim Moore warns that lingering resentments could jeopardize the possibility of legal gambling expansion in the state this year.

Moore believes that last year’s focus on casinos may have distracted from discussions about updates to the lottery with VLTs.

Results of that spillover

Despite the overwhelming success of the North Carolina sports betting scene, support for expanding the legal gambling industry has begun to wane.

Tim Moore, a lawmaker who previously backed and advocated for a gaming plan, has now decided to retract his support following criticism from his Republican colleagues.

Senate Republicans object to the lack of public or legislative consultation that has taken place thus far.

In the North Carolina market, people are not feeling heard, which is a problem.

Not dead yet?

It appears highly unlikely that North Carolina’s legal gambling platform will be expanded this year, if not completely impossible.

Phil Berger has not ruled out the possibility of further discussion on the topic, stating, “If there are individuals who are interested in pursuing this further, we will consider it.” However, he also noted that progress on legalization has been minimal and momentum has slowed.

Lawmakers in North Carolina have until the end of July to pass legislation bringing iCasino gambling to the state. Despite low optimism among iGaming proponents, there is still a possibility for progress before the current legislative session concludes.