North Carolina Appeals Court Upholds Video Gambling Machine Ban

Tuesday proved to be a devastating day for gambling operators who thought they could circumvent North Carolina law. A Court of Appeals panel of three judges upheld a state ban on video gambling machines.

The legal battle began when the state banned video gambling machines around the state, but allowed them on an Indian reservation. Superior Court Judge Howard Manning had ruled that the state could not ban the machines, but allow them at tribal casinos.

At the time, it was a victory for gaming operators, but the joy would be short-lived. Manning later stayed his decision, understanding that eventually an appeals court would have to make a decision on the case.

That decision came down on Tuesday, and it overturned Manning's decision. Immediately after the decision, lawmakers were pleased that their decision to ban the video gambling machines was held up.

"This is great news. We worked for so long to try to rid our state of this awful industry," said Senate leader Marc Basnight, as reported by the Charlotte Observer, "I am very pleased that the Court of Appeals decision will uphold the ban passed by the General Assembly."

A similar battle is unfolding in Alabama. Governor Bob Riley has launched an all out attack on video gambling, and several gaming operators have challenged the governor's interpretation of state laws. Riley won the most recent battle in the state Supreme Court, but there are several other cases pending.

December 22, 2009
Posted By Tom Jones
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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