Introduction to North Carolina Slot Machine Casino Gambling 2018
North Carolina slot machine casino gambling consists entirely of two American Indian tribal casinos, established by negotiated state-tribal gaming compacts subsequently approved by the U.S. Department of the Interior.
Tribal casinos in North Carolina are not required to provide payback return percentages to the state, but must maintain a payback return on all video machines to be between 83% and 98%. Further, video games are required to be games of “skill or dexterity”, so slot machines in North Carolina operate differently than might otherwise be generally expected.
This post continues the weekly blog series “Slot Machine Casino Gambling, State-By-State“, a year-long online resource project dedicated to guiding slot machine gambling enthusiasts to success.
Relevant Legal Statutes on Gambling in North Carolina*
The minimum legal age for gambling in North Carolina is 21.
North Carolina has a single federally recognized American Indian tribe, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The tribe has built two casinos on its Qualla Boundary lands located in the Great Smoky Mountains. The tribe also operates a high-stakes bingo hall.
Video poker machines were once widespread in the state, but in 2000 state regulations were enacted which limited video poker machines to three per location as well as banning the installation of any new machines. After nearly a half dozen attempts, state legislature finally completely banned commercially-owned video poker machines and video gaming machines in 2007.
The state-tribal gaming compact between the state of North Carolina and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, which allows video games of skill or dexterity, is available online. In part, it defines Video Game as an approved Class III game, where it is defined as:
“”Video Game” means any electronic video game or amusement device that allows a player to play a game of amusement involving the use of skill or dexterity as allowed under N.C.F.S Sections 14-306 and 14-306.1A or as subsequently amended by the North Carolina General Assembly.”
*The purpose of this section is to inform the public of state gambling laws and how the laws apply to various forms of gambling. This information is not intended to provide legal advice.
Slot Machine Private Ownership in North Carolina
It is legal to privately own a slot machine in the state of North Carolina if it is 25 years old or older.
Gaming Control Board in North Carolina
North Carolina does not have a state gaming commission.
Casinos in North Carolina
North Carolina’s two casinos, both tribal casino establishments, have types of “skill or dexterity” based video slot machines.
These two casinos in North Carolina are:
- Harrah’s Cherokee Casino
- Cherokee, NC
- A tribal casino operated by Harrah’s.
- Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel
- Murphy, NC
- A tribal casino operated by Harrah’s.
Summary of North Carolina Slot Machine Casino Gambling 2018
North Carolina has long resisted expansion of gambling. North Carolina slot machine casino gambling consists of two American Indian tribal casinos. Both tribal casinos are operated by Caesars Entertainment, but wholly owned by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians through use of the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988.
Tribal casinos in North Carolina are not required to provide payback returns to the state, but are required to provide payback return percentages of at least 83% to 98%. Further, North Carolina slot machines are legally required to be video games of skill or dexterity.
Other State-By-State Articles from Professor Slots
- Main: Slot Machine Casino Gambling, State-By-State
- Previous: New York Slot Machine Casino Gambling 2018 – New York slot machine casino gambling currently consists of 23 casinos. Video Lottery Terminals slot machines at Class III tribal casinos are required to have a minimum payout return of 92%. Actual payout returns for slot machines at commercial casinos and racinos are publicly reported for each 4-month fiscal quarter.
- Next: North Dakota Slot Machine Casino Gambling 2018 – North Dakota slot machine casino gambling consists of 5 tribal casinos. Slot machines are required to have a minimum payout return of 80% or 83% for video games of skill. Maximum bets are $25. There are Charitable Gaming sites, 2 pari-mutuel facilities, and OTB sites. Slot machines are not allowed at these locations.
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