Senate Bill 523 Summary

• Establishes the North Carolina Casino Gaming Act to authorize slot machine gaming in Tier 1 counties that border another state and contain an Interstate highway, regulated by the North Carolina State Lottery Commission.

• Creates a permitting and licensing system requiring applicants to demonstrate good character, financial fitness, and business experience; charges a one-time $50,000,000 slot machine license fee per facility.

• Imposes a 34% daily tax on gross terminal revenue from slot machines plus a 5% assessment to the Gaming Economic Development and Tourism Fund, with revenues directed to the State Lottery Fund and public education.

• Establishes the Alcohol Law Enforcement Division as enforcement authority with powers to inspect facilities, investigate violations, and conduct background investigations on applicants, licensees, and employees.

• Permits operation of up to 3,000 slot machines per licensed facility with a minimum of 1,500 machines within one year; requires all machines to link to a state-controlled central computer system for monitoring and auditing.