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. WATCH | Triangle residents flock to new Virginia casino 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. 'I would anticipate that if at the point in time when we get a budget done, we will have made a decision about (gambling) as well,' Berger said. Roy Cooper's vetoes - now are not likely to happen until at least early August, the lawmakers said. Votes on any outstanding legislation from this year's work session - including any budget agreement and overrides of Democratic Gov. The negotiations appear intertwined with extended talks over a final two-year state budget that was supposed to be enacted by July 1.

House Speaker Tim Moore and Senate leader Phil Berger told reporters separately about the ideas, which they said have yet to reach the level of formal legislation to be voted upon.īut details about those ideas and some potential bill language are being exchanged among lawmakers, the Republican leaders said, reflecting an upgrade in negotiations that have waited in the wings for months during this year's legislative session. As many as four new casinos as well as video gambling machines could be authorized in North Carolina under proposals now being discussed by legislators, the top General Assembly leaders said on Thursday.

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