New Online Gambling Coming to North Carolina
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The North Carolina Education Lottery Commission has voted to introduce digital instant games to the state later this year. These games, similar to digital scratch-off tickets, will be available online starting from November 15th.
In addition to online instant games, North Carolina lawmakers have also approved online sports betting, which is expected to launch in early January or as late as mid-June. The lottery commission will oversee the online sports betting as well. Furthermore, there are ongoing discussions among lawmakers about the possibility of allowing additional casinos in certain counties and legalizing video lottery terminals.
Several other states, such as Virginia and Georgia, already offer digital instant games, according to the commission. Currently, the North Carolina lottery sells tickets online for its draw games including Mega Millions, Powerball, Pick 3, and Pick 4.
The introduction of digital instant games is seen as a necessary measure to maintain and potentially increase the lottery’s sales. The commission expressed concerns that sales could decline or stagnate unless new offerings are introduced. Sales have been slower in recent years during large jackpot events in multi-state lotteries.
Despite concerns from retailers about potential impact on their sales, a presentation to the commission showed that states with digital instant games had higher retail sales compared to states without such offerings.
To regulate online gambling, the commission has proposed limiting the amount players can wager digitally to $505 per day, $2,000 per week, and $4,000 per month. Projections by the commission suggest that digital instant games could generate over $416 million in revenue within five years.
The commission has approved the addition of nine new positions to administer the digital instant game program. However, some commissioners expressed reservations about introducing new games while other gambling options are still being debated in Raleigh. They believe that a better understanding of the authorized games in North Carolina should be established before moving forward.
The commission argues that it has the authority to offer these games, citing North Carolina statute, although the previous Attorney General, Josh Stein, had questioned the commission’s ability to do so.
Despite the ongoing debates and uncertainties, North Carolina is set to embrace the world of online gambling with the introduction of digital instant games and online sports betting in the near future.
