NC Family Staff | May 30, 2023 | SHARE: 
Earlier today, HB 347—Sports Wagering/Horse Race Wagering was approved by both the Senate Finance Committee and the Senate Rules Committee. This bill, which was approved by the State House at the end of March, would authorize state-sanctioned gambling on amateur, collegiate, electronic, and professional sports, as well as parimutuel wagering on horse racing.
In testimony before the Senate Rules Committee on May 30, NC Family President John L. Rustin inquired of members of the committee: “What is the value of a human life?; What is the value of a marriage?; What is the value of an intact family? What about the job that supports that family and puts food on the table?”
“As I shared in the Senate Finance Committee just moments ago, problem and pathological gambling manifests itself in increases in theft, embezzlement, job loss, personal bankruptcy, substance abuse, domestic violence, child abuse, divorce, and even suicide. This is the certain result for some in our state if this bill is enacted into law.”
If HB 347 is enacted, this bill would impose a massive expansion of legalized gambling on North Carolina, as it would legalize state-sanctioned sports gambling on every computer, tablet, mobile phone and smart TV in the state. It would also flood our state—and especially our children and young adults—with ceaseless advertisements and promotions for gambling on sporting events and parimutuel wagering on horse racing.
“And for what? Rustin asked. “The fiscal note on this bill suggests a net state impact in four years that would equate to one-tenth-of-one-percent of our current state budget.”
House Bill 347 will now proceed to the Senate floor, where it is expected to be voted upon tomorrow.
