The North Carolina Legislature passed an extended ban on video gambling Wednesday.
The law plugs an exploited loophole used by cafes and parlor owners to circumvent existing laws.
Gambling supporters had argued that the vice needs to be legalized, regulated and taxed as a source of revenue.
State Rep. Ray Rapp said the bill clarifies that video sweepstakes are illegal.
“It comes down to what I consider playing ‘Whack-a-mole’ with this industry,” the Democrat lawmaker said. “Once we address one (loophole), they (find a way) around the law. When we pass a second law, they find another technicality or pursue another course.”
Bill Brooks, president of the North Carolina Family Policy Council, called it a “huge win” for families, but added that it’s important to be vigilant.
“Despite the fact that the General Assembly on numerous occasions has made it clear that they do not want to have video poker,” he said, “the gambling industry looks for any loopholes where they can continue to bring their machines in and operate them, because they make a lot of money.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Read the research, testimonies and articles from experts on the harms of gambling.
Learn more about the North Carolina Family Policy Council.
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