North Carolina Bill Allowing Sports Betting at Tribal Casinos Advances

A bill that would permit Indian casinos to offer sports betting and horse racing simulcasts has successfully passed its first vote in the North Carolina General Assembly.

The Senate Committee on Commerce and Insurance endorsed an amended version of Senate Bill 154. This bill, sponsored by Sen. Jim Davis, received backing from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, who operate two casinos in western North Carolina.

These casinos are strategically positioned, with one adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, near the Tennessee border, and the other located in Murphy, close to the Georgia border.

Overview of the Bill

The original version of the bill defined sports betting simply as placing wagers on professional and collegiate sports events.
The committee’s amendment introduced provisions for betting on horse races.
Betting will be restricted to Class III casinos located on tribal grounds.

According to Davis, “Table games, slot machines, and all those other gambling opportunities are already legal in this state. This just expands it to cover sports wagering already deemed to be legal. The Eastern Band has shown great responsibility in managing their finances.”

As of Friday, Davis estimated that sports betting could generate approximately $14 million for the tribe while the state could receive around $1 million in tax revenue.

Within hours of filing the bill, a lobbying group from the Eastern Band, including the tribe’s leadership, visited Raleigh to advocate for its approval. “Once passed, our two casinos will begin offering sports betting,” shared Principal Chief Richard Sneed in a statement accompanying a photo of the delegation.

The bill gained further momentum with support from state leaders like Sen. Phil Berger (R-Eden), who is influential in the Senate as the president pro tempore.

Companion Legislation

In addition to the Senate’s bill, a companion measure has been introduced in the state House of Representatives, referred to as House Bill 302, which encompasses the same provisions as Davis’ proposal.

The House Judiciary Committee has yet to hear the bill, but it has attracted significant support within the chamber. Notable sponsors of the bill include House Majority Leader John Bell (R-Goldsboro) and House Majority Whip Kevin Corbin (R-Franklin), with a total of 20 co-sponsors originating from the 120-member House.

Interestingly, the Tar Heel State could soon see additional developments in tribal gaming, as U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) has introduced a bill allowing the Catawba Nation from South Carolina to establish a $560 million facility in Kings Mountain, close to Charlotte.

Senators Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina) and Richard Burr (R-North Carolina) are also backing Graham’s initiative. Graham stated that the legislation aims to rectify the prolonged delay the Catawba Nation has faced with their application, emphasizing that the tribe has been treated unfairly by the federal government.

Key Facts

This bill’s passage could mark a significant turning point for sports betting in North Carolina.
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians supports and stands to gain financially from the proposed legislation.
Legislative backing from prominent senators enhances the bill’s opportunity for success.

In summary, the advancement of this bill in North Carolina represents a vital step towards expansion in the realm of sports betting, enabling tribal casinos to capitalize on this popular form of gambling while enriching the state’s economy. Legislative support indicates a shared vision among key state figures towards modernizing and enhancing the state’s gaming landscape.