Hundreds of Internet cafe's have popped up across North Carolina in recent years, with many at risk of being shut down by the law that was passed last week and signed by Governor Perdue. The future of video poker in the state remains murky, but lawmakers have not ruled out regulation.
"Millions of dollars could be generated in North Carolina if legislators regulated video poker," said Gaming Analyst Steve Schwartz. "With the potential of billions of dollars in budget deficit over the next year, it would make sense for lawmakers to at least explore the possibility of regulation."
Poker has been banned in North Carolina for four years now, but the online casino landscape across the US has changed drastically in that time. Casinos are popping up all across the country, and millions of dollars in revenue is going to government's in these states.
Budget deficits have been enormous in the aftermath of the economic recession. Poker, slots, and lottery expansion have been at the forefront of helping bridge some of these budget gaps. Video gaming is as popular in the US as it ever has been.
Those opposed to gambling in North Carolina were thrilled with the law Perdue signed last week, and it now looks as though another round of debates may be brewing. Anti-gambling groups have pointed to potential for increased crime and problem online casino games as reasons why the state should continue along its path of keeping video poker out.
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