Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Video poker might be returning to North Carolina

Rep. Earl Jones doesn’t say he’s arguing for the return of video poker to North Carolina. After all, the Greensboro Democrat points out, a form of the game is spreading even after the state voted twice in five years to outlaw that type of gambling.
“As we speak, throughout this state, there is a proliferation of video (sweepstakes) machines that’s coming into North Carolina from various companies and manufacturers,” Jones said.
Jones argues that legislation he has sponsored could bring $500 million into state coffers while regulating and reining in an industry that is virtually uncontrolled.
That money is tempting for lawmakers, who are struggling to bridge what Democratic leaders describe as a $4 billion gap in the overdue budget. Lawmakers are stuck on how to raise an additional $1 billion in new taxes they say is needed.
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As reported Monday, both the State Employees Association of North Carolina and the N.C. Legislative Black Caucus back the effort to bring video poker back to the state.
Video Poker has a particular history here in North Carolina. Investigations into video poker helped bring down former House Speaker Jim Black. Although he was charged in connection with bribes from chiropractors, it was activity surrounding video poker interests that got federal authorities interested in his activities. Black is now service federal and state prison sentences

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