Posted on: October 13, 2023, 01:34h.
Last updated on: October 13, 2023, 01:35h.
Commercial casinos aren’t in the cards for North Carolina just yet. However, recent conversations surrounding the legalization of slot machines and table games in the capital city of Raleigh have sparked debates among local governments and boards. These discussions have prompted various regions to express their opinions on the controversial subject.
North Carolina Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) has been leading the charge for expanded gambling. Berger proposed adding a casino provision to the state’s 2023-25 budget bill, which would allow the establishment of a commercial casino in the counties of Rockingham, Anson, and Nash.
Unfortunately, Berger’s efforts faced opposition from local officials in the targeted counties. These officials criticized Berger and other top Republicans for allegedly forcing the casino agenda onto communities that might not desire it. Berger, alongside House Speaker Tim Moore (R-Cleveland), plans to introduce a standalone gaming bill during the state’s 2024 legislative session.
Their intention is to create commercial casinos on the Virginia border, where neighboring states are opening their casinos, and potentially near major interstates like I-95. The aim is to keep gaming revenue within North Carolina.
County Stakeholders Show Interest
While county boards in the three targeted counties expressed their opposition to Berger and Moore’s casino proposals, officials from another North Carolina county have shown openness to considering a gaming development if authorized by state legislation.
According to RRSpin, an online local news source covering Roanoke Rapids, Weldon, and Halifax County, four economic development, tourism, and infrastructure boards in the area recently passed resolutions in support of considering a casino. These boards include the Halifax County Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Halifax County Economic Development Commission, Halifax County Business Horizons, and the Roanoke Rapids Sanitary District.
The resolutions express support for Halifax County to explore the possibility of a casino development in Roanoke Rapids.
Halifax County, situated just north of Rocky Mount in Nash County along I-95, was one of the locations initially considered by Berger and Moore for a potential casino. The county encompasses a stretch of I-95, one of the busiest highways in the US.
Demographically, the county is highly diverse, with over 50% of its residents being Black, and whites accounting for 39% based on the 2020 US census.
County Commissioners Divided
Despite the support shown by the four local boards for a casino review, the Halifax County Board of Commissioners remains split on whether gambling could have beneficial impacts on the region. In September, the commissioners voted 3-3 on a proposed resolution expressing their endorsement for Roanoke Rapids to pursue a casino.
Commissioners Carolyn Johnson, John Smith, and Sammy Webb voted against the resolution due to concerns about potential increases in crime and addiction associated with a casino. Meanwhile, Commission Chair Vernon Bryant, Linda Brewer, and Chenoa Richardson Davis voted in favor of the resolution.
“I support it even though I don’t gamble because it’s the biggest opportunity economically for the city of Roanoke Rapids and also the county,” said Webb.
Smith expressed concerns about a casino attracting county residents who may not be able to afford financial losses from gambling. He stated, “The way I look at it — okay, if I’m a gambler, maybe I’ll go to Danville [Virginia] on the weekends. Now, traveling to Roanoke Rapids I can go every night and still be able to get up and go to work the next morning. Now I have afforded them an easier way to continue to become addicted,” to RRSpin.