In the final days of state budget negotiations, there was a pressurized hush around the legislative complex as lawmakers feuded over the sudden addition of legalizing four casinos to the nearly $30 billion state budget.
The proposed addition was described as a rural incentive development program, outlining a $1.5 billion state investment and opening of three privately run casinos. The Lumbee Tribe would potentially run a fourth in Robeson County. The Department of Commerce would oversee it with licenses issued by the NC Lottery Commission.
The issue had not been through legislative committee but instead was proposed to appear in the state budget.
