On Wednesday, June 24th, 2020, North Carolina lawmakers passed a bill that would allow sports and horse-race gambling in the state. The bill, which was approved by the House and Senate, now awaits the approval of Governor Roy Cooper. If approved, North Carolina would become the seventh state to legalize sports betting.
The bill would allow for sports betting to be conducted at two tribal casinos in the state, as well as online and through mobile apps. Horse-race betting would also be allowed at the two tribal casinos. The bill also includes provisions to protect consumers, such as requiring operators to submit to regular audits and to provide consumer protection services.
The bill is seen as a major victory for the state’s economy, as it could potentially bring in millions of dollars in revenue. It is estimated that the state could generate up to $200 million in taxes from sports betting alone. This money could be used to fund education, health care, and other public services.
The bill has been met with mixed reactions from the public. Some are concerned that it could lead to an increase in problem gambling and other social ills. Others are worried that it could lead to corruption and match-fixing. However, supporters of the bill argue that these concerns are overblown, and that the bill will bring much-needed revenue to the state.
It remains to be seen whether Governor Cooper will sign the bill into law. If he does, North Carolina will join a growing list of states that have legalized sports betting. It will be interesting to see how this new law affects the state’s economy and society in the coming years.
