Gambling Landscape in North Carolina: Past, Present, and Potential Future
Potential Expansion of Casinos in North Carolina: legislators consider approving up to nine gaming establishments
North Carolina's gambling scene has a limited scope for residents, primarily offering raffles, charitable bingo, and casino games confined to three Indian casinos on tribal land. Sports wagering is also available, but only in a retail setting.
However, a recent report suggests that a statewide gambling expansion, potentially including online sports betting, might pave the way for additional casino ventures across the state. According to the General Assembly report, as many as nine new gambling establishments may be erected, with one proposed for Asheville. The Asheville Watchdog revealed these plans [1].
The Prospect of Online Sports Betting and Casino Expansion
Presently, North Carolina's tribal casinos pay a 6% tax on their gaming revenues. The three casino locations are Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort, Harrah's Cherokee Valley River, and Catawba Two Kings Casino. If a statewide gambling expansion materializes, it could lead to substantial returns. A report by Spectrum Gaming Group projected that, should Asheville house a casino, the gambling sector could generate around $113 million annually [2].
Extending gambling opportunities, including horse racing betting, across the state could yield over $2 billion in revenues, as per the Spectrum report. It also predicts the proliferation of nine gambling venues, boasting nearly 19,000 slot machines and 648 table games, potentially generating more than $420 million in tax revenue for the state by the third year [2].
Weighing the Pros and Cons of Expanded Gambling
Proponents of the gambling expansion argue that it could result in significant economic stimulation for the state. The Spectrum report indicates that along with tax revenue, large-scale gambling venues can boost tourism, create new jobs, and positively impact local businesses [2]. Furthermore, a statewide gambling and online betting expansion may help diminish the black market [3].
On the contrary, opponents express concerns about an increase in gambling addictions. They emphasize that when sports betting is involved, the risk of problem gambling escalates [3]. If online sports betting becomes a common practice, the problem gambling rate may jump further [3].
With the legislative season commencing, online sports betting proposals are likely to be discussed by lawmakers. However, whether such a proposal will come to fruition remains uncertain as the activity faces support and resistance from both parties, potentially delaying a statewide gambling expansion [3].
References
[1] Asheville Watchdog. (N/D). Retrieved from https://avlwatchdog.org/
[2] Spectrum Gaming Group. (2023). North Carolina Gaming Study. Retrieved from https://www.spectrumgaming.com/
[3] National Council on Problem Gambling. (N/D). Retrieved from https://www.ncpgambling.org/
[4] NC Gov. Roy Cooper signs sports wagering legislation into law (June 30, 2023). Retrieved from http://www.wlof.com/
[5] CNN. (N/D). North Carolina Online Sports Betting Market Guide. Retrieved from cnnbrasil.com.br/
Enrichment Data:
Even though we are discussing the potential expansion of online sports betting and casino gambling in North Carolina, it's worth noting that, as of May 2025, the state already has a fully legal and regulated online sports betting market. Governor Roy Cooper signed HB 347 into law in June 2023, enabling up to 12 online sportsbooks. Even though eight active online sportsbooks are currently operating, there is still the potential for up to four more to enter the market [6][7].
Although online casino gaming remains a nascent concept in North Carolina, it is crucial to highlight that five states currently allow legal online casino gaming, and North Carolina is not among them [7].
References
[6] North Carolina Lottery Commission. (N/D). Retrieved from https://www.nclottery.com/
[7] North Carolina’s Online Sports Betting Market (May 2025). Retrieved from https://www.gambling-compliance.com/
- In North Carolina, residents have limited gambling options, primarily consisting of raffles, charitable bingo, and casino games available at three Indian casinos on tribal land, with sports wagering only available in a retail setting.
- A recent report suggests a potential statewide gambling expansion could include online sports betting and lead to numerous casino ventures across North Carolina, with one proposed for Asheville.
- The three existing tribal casinos pay a 6% tax on their revenues, but with expanded gambling, substantial returns could be realized, with projections of over $113 million annually from a single casino in Asheville.
- Expanding gambling opportunities, such as horse racing betting, could generate over $2 billion in revenues, and potentially generate more than $420 million in tax revenue for the state by the third year, with nearly 19,000 slot machines and 648 table games.
- Proponents argue that expanded gambling could lead to economic stimulation, tourism growth, job creation, and a positive impact on local businesses, while also potentially diminishing the black market.
- Conversely, opponents cite an increase in gambling addictions as a major concern, especially with the introduction of online sports betting, which may further elevate the problem gambling rate.
- As online sports betting proposals are likely to be discussed during the upcoming legislative season, the success of such a proposal remains uncertain due to support and resistance from both parties, potentially delaying a statewide gambling expansion.
