RALEIGH, NC — A bill introduced last week in Raleigh legalizing online sports betting appears to have bipartisan support in the General Assembly.
“There’s no reason for North Carolina to stay away, especially in such a sports-rich and growing state,” said bill sponsor Zach Hawkins, state rep. of Durham.
Proponents of the bill acknowledge that sports betting currently takes place behind closed doors, but say regulating it would make it safer and bring money into state coffers.
RELATED: New Bill Filed to Legalize Online Sports Betting in North Carolina
“Our job is to make sure we bring it out of the dark and into the light. Make it legal. Give it to them for consumer protection,” Hawkins said.
House Bill 347 allows betting on professional, college, electronic and Olympic sports. It allows a dozen operators to acquire renewable licenses of 1 million dollars over five years to take bets. Sports betting would be taxed at 14%.
If you are concerned about your gambling or worried about a friend, you can call the NC Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-877-718-5543. You can also contact the National Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.
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