Will NC expand gambling? Lawmakers to consider sports betting, video lottery terminals

North Carolina lawmakers are expected to consider this week at least two bills to dramatically expand gambling in the state by allowing sports wagering on mobile devices and permitting up to 10 video gaming terminals in bars and restaurants.

Legalization could bring in hundreds of millions to the state, according to the legislative researchers, with the bills allocating revenue for support of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), community college loans, outdoor youth programs and to attract major sporting events.

The push comes at a time when dozens of other states have allowed sports wagering, and as Virginia has allowed the construction of casinos along the North Carolina border.

"Unless you have some moral reason why you would not support gambling, you're looking around at everybody else doing it and so they feel like they're getting left out," said Rep. John Sauls, a Lee County Republican. "That's money they could have for North Carolina."

Sauls, a pastor who served in the House from 2003 to 2007 before returning in 2017, is opposed to gambling.

Within five years there could be 20,000 terminals in bars, restaurants or other businesses with an ABC permit across the state, according to an analysis by the legislature's Fiscal Research Division. Those machines could generate more than $1 billion in net income by 2027-28 with the state receiving $438 million, according to the analysis.

Rep. Harry Warren, a Rowan County Republican, is the lone sponsor of the bill.

"I think we're going to see some expansion of gaming," said Rep. Stephen Ross, an Alamance County Republican and co-chair of the commerce committee. "Whether it's the video terminals when it all shakes out in the end, what that is, I don't know."

Ross said he is "on the fence" on HB 512 and wants to see more of the bill, including a deeper look at the financial impact.

Sauls, co-chair of the committee, said his preference is to allow legislation to be heard.

"I don't call balls and strikes," he said. "I let the chips fall where they may."

But he won't support the bill.

"I'm more than a definite no," he said.