Senate Waits on Video Poker Bill
The state Senate pulled back a bill Monday approved last week that would ban video poker statewide after some members questioned whether it would permit more types of gambling at the Cherokee casino. Senators agreed unanimously to reconsider the measure before it was sent to the House while the effect of a provision added last week could be examined "in an abundance of caution," Sen. Tony Rand, D-Cumberland, head of the Senate Rules Committee.
The Senate scheduled another final vote on the bill Wednesday. The chamber has voted four previous times to ban video poker since 2000. The House has not voted on a ban since then. The Senate bill would prohibit video poker everywhere in North Carolina except for the Harrah's casino of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. But some senators are worried the added provision would allow the casino to offer any table games -- such as live poker or blackjack -- played on other Indian reservations recognized by the federal government.
Video poker machines are now legal but cannot pay cash prizes. County sheriffs are responsible for enforcing the law.
May 18, 2006
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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