Legalizing more casino gambling in the state is a hot topic in Raleigh these days.
But according to a recent survey of Republican and unaffiliated voters, the way the legislature is considering expanding casino gambling is not popular with those likely to vote in the Republican primary.
A draft of a bill to legalize casino gambling in three counties – Rockingham, Anson and Nash – and select one company to run the new casinos, is making the rounds. However, the bill has not been introduced and it appears the current plan is to approve the legislation in the draft bill as part of the budget.
Not introducing the bill to expand legalized casino gambling in the state as a stand-alone bill would result in no committee meetings where the public can comment on the issue and no separate vote. Legislators would have the choice of voting for the budget that included expanding legalized casino gambling in the state or voting against the entire budget that includes raises for state employees, including teachers and everything else in the $30 billion budget.
According to the survey done by political consultant Andy Yates, 33 percent of those surveyed were in favor of legislation to expand and legalize gambling with four new casinos that would “offer Las Vegas-style gambling” and 53 percent were opposed.
Allowing only one company to operate the new casinos dropped the number of those in favor to 13 percent and increased those opposed to the legislation to 67 percent.
Not having committee hearings and not allowing for public input on the move to expand legalized gambling in the state resulted in 18 percent in favor and 64 percent opposed.
A question asked, that may have resonance with the legislators in Raleigh, is if those being surveyed would be more likely to support or more likely to oppose a candidate who favors expanding gambling across North Carolina.
Of those surveyed, 27 percent said they would be more likely to favor a candidate that favored expanding gambling and 49 percent said they would be more likely to oppose such a candidate.
The way the world is going these days what on earth does it make any difference. These is no one to look out for the caring citizens of Greensboro or any other location. We, the people, need help and no help is coming to save our minds and souls. All the hope that we have is to protect ourselves for as long as possible. It does not matter!
Seems like this super majority is screwing everyone. Bet it was fun when it was just Dems now your going to get your rural life destroyed by gambling and drugs. Welp at least the Burger’s get rich
Phil Berger is the leader of the Republicans in the Senate and is the one trying to pass this bill. He needs to remember that actual conservatives are against casinos. Actual liberals are also against them. It’s the corporate Republicans and corporate Democrats that are for them (just like the lottery). This needs to be a referendum on the ballot for the people to vote. But Phil and his son are trying to pass this as shady as possible.
John,
I can’t believe it but we again have an ‘agree to disagree’ moment.
Please correct me if I’m wrong but the only form of legal casino gambling in the State of North Carolina is the Indian (oh, I’m sorry liberals…Native American) casinos.
Did you read the article? Laws are changed by the legislator. Some NC legislators are proposing Changing The Law. Duh.
Did you read the article chris?
“Legalizing more casino gambling in the state is a hot topic in Raleigh these days.”
“more” implies there are other casinos outside of the current Indian (sorry, Native American) ones that have existed. Once more an example of you talking out of your fourth point of contact (a paratrooper euphemism, something you will never understand).
I’ll see your Duh and raise you a Dipstick.
I apologize to everyone else for bringing myself down to his/her level.
The opposition is right. A voluntary tax on the addicted; profits to the Casino, developers, and the State.
You lead by example. Governments don’t want you gambling; except that it is just fine as long as they get a cut. NC is booming, we don’t need more taxes, just less of them.
Ref taxation, our Federal govt is spending all of us into economic slavery. And it won’t be long.
Speaking of gambling, the published odds on winning the Big One @Powerball is one in 292,000,000+. MegaMillion, one in 302,000,000+. Play the same number every week, the odds are the same. Buy two tickets for the same drawing, only a teeny tiny bit less, not 1/2 as you might think.
As the payout goes up, more players jump in. That’s what they want.
But, for a few bucks, you get a lot of entertainment by just thinking of how you might spend it all.
Well, what the “people” want shouldn’t matter; giving the people what they want is a danger to democracy!!
Giving people what they want is business 101.
“Well, what the “people” want shouldn’t matter; giving the people what they want is a danger to democracy!!”
Not meant to be insulting or rude Dave, but the whole statement makes no sense. The only part that makes it so is the word “democracy” It should be replaced by “totalitarianism/communism”
What people don’t want casinos in NC? No one asked me and I’m part of the people. I’ve lived in NC for 77 years and I think my opinion is just as important as some politician who is just trying to find a way to fill their pockets.
It amazes me how a few people wield their position and power to control what is “good for the people”. It seems the power brokers in Greensboro don’t want anything that will bring people to the area, like tourism. I remember many years ago when Duke Power (now Duke Energy) was looking at Greensboro, as a place for its proposed amusement park. GSO wanted no part of it. Well, as usual, the people in Charlotte thought it was a great idea. Carowinds is doing well and has been since day one.
I also remember when the State was discussing placing the NC Zoo in Guilford County. Again, the “powers that be” wanted no part of a zoo. Their reason was, It would bring too many people into the area. Well look at Greensboro today, our Mayor is running around looking for new ways to take more money from Greensboro citizens by taxing our restaurant meals even more.
I say, our Mayor and other leaders should be trying to find a way to have them build a casino in Greensboro or Guilford County. The millions of dollars that are already going to Danville, VA could be coming to this area.
They are trying to figure out how to get their share before they do hERSHEL. Remember who you’re talking about.