KINGS MOUNTAIN, N.C. — The operators of a Kings Mountain Casino are positioning themselves to take advantage of online sports betting.
This announcement comes days after lawmakers in North Carolina sent a bill to Governor Roy Cooper that would legalize mobile sports betting and increase in-person betting.
Catawba Two Kings said it opened a sports lounge last year and they are already talking about adjusting.
The casino spoke with Channel 9′s Ken Lemon about why they have to consider a change.
“We are hopeful the state’s initiative would create new jobs and economic activity for North Carolinians while preserving the jobs of our current and future casino employees. And also protecting our capital investment in the casino,” Corporate Communications Director for Cawaba Two Kings Glen White said.
The American Gaming Association said in the first quarter of 2023, online betting made up 24.7% of the sports betting industry. That’s a total of $4 billion.
The bill, which has passed the general assembly, would allow people to sit in the stand and place bets on their phones.
The operators of Catawba Two Kings said they have to consider following the lead of other major casinos. They said they are looking to create their own app.
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Currently, those in Charlotte would have to drive 44 minutes to Catawba Two Kings to legally place that same bet.
Charles Durham said he makes the trip from Gastonia to the casino about once a week. He said he loves winning and he’s banking on online betting coming to North Carolina.
“Playoff games. Baseball. Football season coming up. It’s going to be awesome. Big Deal, for the revenue. For me too, financial,” Durham told Channel 9.
The bill also offers twelve licenses for online sports books. It would allow patrons to pay up to a million dollars for a bet.
By 2028 online betting in North Carolina is expected to bring in $71 million a year.
VIDEO: NC lawmakers poised for final steps to legalize mobile sports betting
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