Political infighting could keep the topic of casino legalization off the table
After unsuccessfully passing casino legislation in 2023, Republicans are still at a stalemate and could keep gambling discussions off the agenda during the current legislative session that runs through July. According to House Speaker Tim Moore, the end of discussions to legalize commercial casinos could thwart future efforts to pass legislation.
During recent discussions in the House regarding a video lottery terminal bill to permit the machines in bars and restaurants, Moore stated that “hard feelings” about the result of Berger’s casino initiative could diminish approval of additional gaming bills.
“I think the conversation last year as it related to casinos could overshadow the discussion about updates to the lottery with VLTs,” said Moore.
Moore previously supported Senate President Phil Berger’s (R-Rockingham) efforts to amend the 2023-25 budget to include casinos. He later recanted his support for the bill that would award gaming licenses in Anson, Nash, and Rockingham counties due to resistance from House Republicans in the affected communities.
North Carolina residents indicated their support for casinos in a recent opinion poll. Still, House Republicans were put off after Berger apparently made an unauthorized agreement with a Maryland casino company when drafting the budget bill.
After the bill’s defeat in the legislature and threats from supporters to finance a challenger for his seat in the upcoming election, Berger abandoned his efforts to legalize casinos.
The Senate leader says he won’t try to pass future casino legislation, leaving it up to the House to initiate future gaming bills. “If there are folks who decide it’s something they want to pick up and move with, we’ll see,” said Berger last February. “But I am certainly not intent on moving [a casino bill].”
Moore is running for US Congress in the new 14th District against Democrat Pamela Genant.
