The state would get a cut equal to a portion of net machine revenues. That measure would direct the state Lottery Commission to regulate the machines, allowing them in places with alcohol beverage licenses. The legalization of video gambling machines statewide could follow a House bill that received a hearing in May.

Moore and Berger also mention the jobs that would be created.Ī development company that has connections to a casino developer is already seeking to rezone some Rockingham County land. The tribe could provide gambling through a state licensing process instead, Moore said.Ī study by a gambling research group estimated commercial casinos built in Nash, Anson and Rockingham counties could generate almost $1.7 billion in gross wagering revenue annually and hundreds of millions in taxes. The Lumbees, which are concentrated in Robeson County, haven’t been able to operate their own casino because they’ve lacked the extent of federal tribal recognition necessary to do so. Allowing the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina to run a casino in eastern North Carolina is also being discussed, they said. Proposals would permit casinos that are part of “entertainment districts” - that could include hotels and restaurants as well as residential and commercial development - in Anson, Nash and Rockingham counties, Moore and Berger said. One just opened in Danville, Virginia, about 25 miles (40 kilometers) from where Berger lives in Rockingham County. But legislators - Berger among others - have become worried about state and local governments losing revenue to other states that are opening non-tribal casinos, particularly Virginia on its southern border. The state currently has three casinos, operated by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians or the Catawba Indian Nation.

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