Top North Carolina senator says chances for approving more sanctioned gambling "better than 50-50"
One of North Carolina’s most powerful legislators is expressing optimism that further expansion of state-sanctioned gambling will be worked out before legislators leave for home later this summer RALEIGH, N.C. -- One of North Carolina's most powerful legislators expressed optimism Thursday that a further expansion of state-sanctioned gambling will be worked out before legislators end this year's regular business later this summer. The General Assembly hasn't adjourned while House and Senate Republicans negotiate sticking points on a two-year state government budget that was supposed to take effect July 1. Chamber leaders also continue to talk about whether they should permit casinos on non-tribal lands, authorize and regulate video gambling machines, or both, Senate leader Phil Berger told reporters. When asked to evaluate the chances that legislation allowing some combination of new gambling would reach Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper's desk this summer within or separ...