NC Governor Confident in Mobile Sports Betting Regulation

• Governor Roy Cooper (D) is a supporter of the legalization of mobile sports betting.
• A similar bill failed last year by only one vote.
• North Carolina currently has multiple in-person sports betting locations.

RALEIGH, N.C. – North Carolina lawmakers are expected to pass a bill that would allow for the legalization of mobile sports betting in North Carolina. The bill includes both professional and collegiate mobile sports betting.

Governor Roy Cooper is confident in the bill and told reporters that he expects it to pass.

In an interview with WRAL News, State Representative Jason Saine and Lobbyist Ches McDowell both agreed that the bill simply needed time to “marinate” with lawmakers to develop a better understanding of the benefits it would bring to the state of North Carolina.

A similar bill fell short by one vote in the House last year. When asked if last year’s failed vote made the bill further away from passing, Ches McDowell responded:

“I absolutely think that we have the votes… We’ve had a lot of productive conversations. A lot of folks that misunderstood the issues or a lot of folks that didn’t get the whole picture when you’re trying to pass a bill with a short amount of time…”

A major convincing point for bringing legal sports betting to North Carolina is money. Analyses by sponsors of the bill believe it could bring nearly $50 million.

With neighboring states of Virginia and Tennessee having regulated mobile sports betting, lawmakers have realized that North Carolina residents are still gambling, but not within their licensing.

Ches Dowell went on to say that “I believe that a lot of folks know that we left a lot of money on the table that went to other states.

The recognition of lost funds is a great sign for hopeful North Carolinians that mobile sportsbooks in North Carolina will soon become a reality.

News tags: Ches McDowell | House | Jason Saine | North Carolina | Roy Cooper