- Video lottery legalization is being discussed in the North Carolina budget negotiations.
- 34,000 VLTs across North Carolina would be placed under the control of the North Carolina lottery commission.
- A portion of North Carolina’s 40% cut will go towards funding for HBCUs, community college, and veteran’s organizations.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – North Carolina lawmakers working towards establishing a budget have been reported to be debating the legalization of video lottery terminals. Video lottery terminals (VLT) are electronic gambling machines that are also referenced as video lottery, video poker, or video slots.
Despite banning video poker 15 years ago, North Carolina lawmakers are aware that residents have access to online poker legally in the state. Lawmakers have debated over legalizing video gambling for years but could potentially take a necessary step with increasing support in budget discussions.
A local news report explains that traction for video lottery legalization has increased through revenue support towards HBCU’s and veterans organizations. The extra revenue earned through video lottery terminals would also offer free community college in the Tarheel State.
These online slots are a controversial topic but lawmakers recognize the impact that neighboring Virginia’s legal video lottery system has on North Carolina.
North Carolina Representative Harry Warren claimed that "To say that it's predatory and we shouldn't be out there doing it, that's fine to say it, but you when you stand up, and you don't vote for something to do something about it, you're condoning it." Warren plans on implementing 34,000 VLTs offering online gambling to North Carolina residents across gas stations or bars.
Video lottery bills such as House Bill 954 are no longer being discussed by North Carolina lawmakers. Reports claim any video lottery legalization will be done through budget negotiations.