Indian Gaming > Column: North Carolina got stuck with gambling

September 22, 2009

Column: North Carolina got stuck with gambling

"Yes, we’ve got trouble right here in Carolina. Trouble that starts with “T” and rhymes with “G” and stands for gambling. Our Music Man impersonation aside, lurking below the radar screen unregulated gambling is quietly and rapidly growing out of control.

make no apology for opposing legalized gambling. It is lousy public policy, an ineffective way to raise tax revenues, morally wrong, and preys on people who can ill afford it. But I uphold your right to spend your cash any way you want, even though your chances of winning the Nobel Peace Prize are greater than winning the Powerball jackpot.

Our current dilemma has three complicating factors. The first is former Governor Jim Hunt’s decision to grant the Cherokee Indians authority to operate a casino on their reservation. Hunt largely desired to improve the economic plight of tribe members and the economic well being of the western part of the state. Both goals were realized but created another huge legal problem.

A recent court ruling says we cannot give the Cherokee special privileges that are not granted all other citizens of our state, making the video poker ban unconstitutional. An appellate court is expected to uphold the lower court, which will result in video poker machines spreading faster than kudzu."

Get the Story:
Tom Campbell: North Carolina's gambling problem (The Asheville CItizen-Times 9/22)

Earlier Stories:
Editorial: Expand gaming for Eastern Cherokees (9/4)
North Carolina governor open to new gaming deal (9/1)