While North Carolina Gambling Opponents Rally, Republicans Weigh Whether to Embrace More Casinos
U.S. News & World Report RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) As North Carolina House members met privately over whether to authorize more gambling in the state, social conservatives, business owners and political candidates urged lawmakers on Tuesday to reject efforts to permit more casinos and legalize statewide video gaming machines.
Residents of rural Rockingham, Anson and Nash counties, which have been previously designated by legislators as potential locations for non-tribal casinos as part of entertainment districts" in a proposal by House and Senate Republicans, visited Raleigh to lobby against the idea.
During a news conference outside the Legislative Building, the gambling opponents lamented the lack of public discussion about any gambling proposal. It could end up in the final state budget bill that the General Assembly probably will vote on next week if enough House and Senate Republicans want it there.
Tuesday's rally of about 50 people holding Keep Our Community Great placards contrasted with the gambling interests and their dozens of lobbyists who have been extremely active during this years legislative session.
