NC H326

Requires owners of seized illegal gaming machines to pay reasonable storage and disposal costs to law enforcement agencies, either upon court order for destruction or following guilty plea in criminal proceedings.

Authorizes seizure of motor vehicles used to transport illegal video gaming machines prohibited under G.S. 14-306 or G.S. 14-306.1A, or electronic sweepstakes machines.

Expands definition of video gaming machines to include machines played in conjunction with sweepstakes entries or prize drawings, and clarifies that machines with paper coupons redeemable for prizes up to $10.00 are prohibited unless operated under federally approved tribal compacts.

Increases penalties for possessing five or more prohibited gaming machines to Class G felony and adds mandatory $1,000 fine per machine or device for convictions involving devices prohibited under G.S. 14-306 or G.S. 14-306.1A.

Becomes effective December 1, 2021, and applies to offenses committed and seizures occurring on or after that date.