Sports Betting Bill Advances in North Carolina Senate – WSOC TV

CHARLOTTE – This week Senate lawmakers introduced legislation to legalize sports betting.

The resolution will be considered in the Senate Finance Committee next week and could soon go to a vote.

[ READ MORE: Bill to legalize sports betting in North Carolina progresses to the Senate ]

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Changes from the Sports Betting Act passed by the House of Representatives include a higher tax on sports bettors and funds for UNC Charlotte, East Carolina University and App State University. Senate lawmakers also amended the bill to allow group betting on horse racing and the placement of money bets in major stadiums. One such venue is the Charlotte Motor Speedway, which is hosting the Coca-Cola 600 this weekend.

If sports betting is legalized, NASCAR fans will be able to place bets on next year’s Coca Cola 600. Sports betting would come into effect on January 8th.

Black Mountain NASCAR fan Lisa Sumey is a supporter of Kyle Busch. She’s competing for him at this year’s Coca Cola 600 and says she’s ready to walk the talk. She hopes North Carolina will legalize sports betting.

“Why not?” She said. “You can go to Vegas and bet, so why not North Carolina?”

Opponents are concerned about the spread of gambling and believe it will do more harm than good.

Rev. Mark Creech of the Christian Action League told Senate lawmakers, “All the money in the world we could win from this bill…can never replace the virtues that will be diminished by its legalization.”

Proponents say North Carolina is missing out on a revenue stream. It has already happened to neighboring countries Tennessee and Virginia.

“I’ve been waiting a long time for sportsbook to come here so you can bet on races,” said fan Jeremy Taylor. “If sports betting comes here, that would be a good thing.”

VIDEO: Mobile Sports Betting in NC: Where Would the Money Go If It Got Legal?

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