North Carolina approves gambling—with a huge catch

Casinos are now legal in North Carolina—kind of, sort of, with a huge caveat. In what has traditionally been a conservative state on the U.S. “Bible Belt,” North Carolina is easing up a little bit, taking a baby step into the gambling world. However, casino operators don’t need to start frothing at the mouth.

Last Friday, Governor Roy Cooper signed a bill that authorizes “casino nights” that can be organized by charitable organizations. Previously, the activity was controlled on a county level, with some county district attorneys prosecuting entities that held casino nights for charity, while others turned a blind eye.

The new law will allow games such as blackjack, roulette, poker and other table games, provided the money is destined for charity. It also allows something that most thought would never be possible in North Carolina—alcohol.

There are some other limitations, as well. Any area west of where Interstate 26 runs through the state—just south of Asheville to Pisgah National Forest—is still off-limits. This area is too close to two Harrah’s Casinos that are run by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, which has an exclusive agreement with the state to operate gambling activity.