‘Hard feelings’ on casinos could hinder gambling expansion in North Carolina

House Speaker Tim Moore (R-Cleveland) says “hard feelings” from last year’s casino debate may stand in the way of the legislature approving any additional legalized gambling options this year.

Moore’s comments came amid discussions about whether to approve video lottery terminals in places like bars and restaurants, as Republicans weigh changes to the state budget.

“I do think that the conversation last year as it related to casinos has put a shadow over the discussion about updates to the lottery with VLTs and so forth,” Moore said.

Non-partisan estimates by staff in the legislature show that legalizing video lottery terminals could generate about $1 billion annually in revenue for the state.