By L.A. Williams Christian Action League August 1, 2024 A huge bust of a cockfighting ring in Granville County on July 27 has organizations across the state and in Washington, D.C., calling for stronger laws to combat the cruel practice and the laundry list of crimes so often connected to it. “The recent operation in […]
Gambling
Proactive Measures to Tackle Gambling Addiction in North Carolina
By L.A. Williams Christian Action League July 19, 2024 Just months after the launch of online sports betting in North Carolina, the state’s Department of Health and Human Services’ Problem Gambling Program has teamed up with East Carolina University’s Gambling Research and Policy Initiative (GRPI) and Birches Health to offer new treatments and resources to […]
Christian Action League Urges Lawmakers to Reject Any New Gambling Proposals
By L.A. Williams Christian Action League May 29, 2024 More legalized gambling in North Carolina? Senate leader Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) says the odds are against additional casinos being approved this legislative session, but video lottery terminals might be a safer bet. “Senator Berger’s decision not to push for more casinos this year is a step […]
Will an Allegory Help Open Lawmaker’s Eyes?
By L.A. Williams Christian Action League May 31, 2024 Statistics on gambling addiction — 7 million people across the U.S. are problem gamblers, and an estimated 5.5 percent of North Carolina adults are at risk — should give Tar Heel lawmakers pause as they consider opening the door to video lottery terminals and perhaps even […]
North Carolina’s Betting Blitz: Billions Wagered, Lives Shattered
By L.A. Williams Christian Action League May 24, 2024 Two months after sports betting became legal in North Carolina, the numbers are jaw-dropping: more than $1 billion wagered between March 11 and April 30 ($1.3 billion if you include incentives offered by the industry to lure people in); $105 million lost by gamblers in April […]
Two State Lawmakers Act to Curb Gambling’s Negative Pressures on Athletes
By L.A. Williams Christian Action League May 10, 2024 “Sports betting issues are on the rise across the country with prop bets continuing to threaten the integrity and competition and leading to student athletes and professional athletes getting harassed,” NCAA President Charlie Baker posted on social media March 27. At least two Tar Heel lawmakers […]
No Horse Racing Operators, ‘We’ve Got a Barrier to Entry with the High Fee,’ says Rep. Jason Saine
By L.A. Williams Christian Action League April 26, 2024 Less than two months after mobile sports betting became legal in North Carolina, gambling proponents are already pushing to make it easier to get in the game. Disappointed that no horse racing operators applied for a license prior to the May 4 Kentucky Derby, some lawmakers […]
Hotlines Dedicated to Helping Gambling Addicts Witnessing Surge in Callers
By Hunter Hines Christian Action League April 12, 2024 As states continue to legalize sports betting, the Christian Action League is sounding the alarm over a concerning uptick in gambling addiction cases. Hotlines dedicated to addressing gambling addiction are witnessing a surge in callers, particularly among younger demographics, with men in their 20s and 30s […]
Game On or Game Fixed? Suspicious Betting Casts Doubt Over NCAA Tournament
By L.A. Williams Christian Action League March 22, 2023 After North Carolina lawmakers voted to legalize online sports gambling last year, the push was on to make sure that bets could be placed in time for March Madness 2024, which got underway on Tuesday. But the run-up to the popular NCAA tournament has already been […]
Another Try at Casinos? Not Likely. Video Lottery Terminals? There’s Interest.
By Peyton Majors Christian Action League February 23, 2024 One year after a coalition of Republicans and Democrats came together to defeat a casino bill in North Carolina, the issue of gambling appears to be re-emerging for the Short Session in the Spring, but in a slightly different form. House Speaker Tim Moore and Senate […]