House Tentatively Approves Gambling Expansion

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House Tentatively Approves Gambling Expansion

Special Report - June 1, 2012
Just before 4:00 P.M. Thursday afternoon, North Carolina House members gave tentative approval to a dramatic expansion of gambling in the State. SB 582—Authorize Indian Gaming/Revenue came to the House floor after a last-minute subcommittee hearing on May 29 and committee meeting on May 30 bypassed a hold-up in the Appropriations Committee. Yesterday’s 66-49 vote on the bill came after almost two-hours of debate and saw criss-crossing of the political aisle as both Democrats and Republicans voted for and against it. The House consists of 68 Republican members and 52 Democrat members. Republicans split nearly evenly with 37 opposing the bill and 30 voting in favor. Although Democrats were more united as a group in their support, a dozen opposed the bill, while 36 voted in favor. Five members did not cast a vote on the bill.

House members are scheduled to take a final vote on the measure this Tuesday, June 5. Before that vote, representatives who oppose the bill are expected to offer amendments to limit its impact. Because the House has already made changes to the bill, the Senate will have to vote again to approve the new version of the bill once it receives final approval from the House. The Senate, where the bill originated, sent it to the House after a 33–14 vote on May 16. Governor Perdue (D), who signed the amended Compact with the Cherokee that requires the legislative changes in SB 582 for it to be legal, is expected to sign the bill if it makes it to her desk.

“This new compact with the Cherokee Tribe is unnecessary and is a significant gambling expansion in western North Carolina that will negatively impact the entire state,” said Bill Brooks, President of the North Carolina Family Policy Council. “Representatives have a chance on Tuesday to put the social and economic interests of the vast majority of the State first by defeating this unprecedented and constitutionally flawed attempt to march North Carolina into the depths of Las Vegas-style gambling and all the crime, corruption, addiction, and broken families that come with it.”

Related resources:
Gambling Resources - NCFamily.org
Gambling Bill Constitutionally Flawed - May 25, 2012
Senate Expands Cherokee Gambling - May 17, 2012
Legislators Return To Raleigh - May 15, 2012
Playing To Lose - FNC - Spring 2012
Gambling With Families - FNC Commentary - Winter 2012
Cherokee Gambling Proposal Signed - November 29, 2011
Bringing Las Vegas to North Carolina - FNC - Fall 2011
Cherokee Want Own ABC System - May 4, 2011
Cherokee Casino Wants Expanded Alcohol Sales - November 24, 2009
Governor Considers Expanding Cherokee Casino Gambling Options - December 8, 2005
Cherokee Political Contributions Unreported - October 29, 2007
Cherokee Casino Sees Significant Growth - January 31, 2007
Senator Dole Introduces Lumbee Recognition Act - January 19, 2007
Lumbee Bill Introduced in Congress - January 10, 2007
Lumbee Bill to Get Senate Hearing - July 10, 2006
Cherokee Gambling Negotiations End - April 21, 2006