Survey USA, a professional polling firm, was contracted by WRAL News to see how consumers in North Carolina feel about Las Vegas-style casino resorts. As it turns out, the people in the state, who just received online betting, are strongly supportive of the potential legalization of commercial casino resorts.
Survey USA polled 850 adults and learned that 55% of them support the creation of casinos in rural parts of North Carolina. For comparison, only 28% of the respondents remained strongly or somewhat opposed to casino gaming. The rest of the respondents remained neutral.
The survey also understood that adult men were slightly more likely to support casino gaming. Survey USA pointed out that 61% of the male respondents and 65% of the respondents aged 35-49 supported Vegas-style gaming.
Survey USA’s poll echoes the results of a recent survey by Meredith Poll from the private women’s liberal arts college in Raleigh, which found that 57% of voters support commercial casinos.
Not All Lawmakers Approve of Casino Gaming
Casino supporters in North Carolina have been trying to get casino gaming legalized for a while. While the local constitution does not prohibit gambling and therefore no constitutional changes are needed, casinos remain a point of contention.
For reference, North Carolina currently boasts three tribal casinos. The state recently launched online sports betting, expanding its gaming industry.
In 2023, Senator Phil Berger tried to get casino gaming launched, envisioning three commercial properties in Anson, Nash and Rockingham. His effort had attracted the interest of The Cordish Companies but ultimately failed.
Berger argues that casino resorts are more than mere gaming properties. He refers to them as entertainment districts, arguing that they go beyond gambling.
Republican lawmakers critiqued Berger’s effort, saying that gaming expansion should be considered separately and not as a part of the state’s budget plan.
In the meantime, supporters of Vegas-style gaming will have another shot at getting commercial casinos legalized as the 2024 legislative session looms. While many argue that casino resorts would provide a strong boost to rural economies, some influential lawmakers argue that the state should focus on other initiatives to develop the rural ecosystems instead.