N.C. House approves video poker machine phase out

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) -- The state House approved a bill that would ban video poker machines in North Carolina by next summer.

The vote was 114-to-one with Republican Representative John Blust of Guilford County casting the lone vote against the bill. He says he wanted an outright ban.

A retailer now can't have more than three machines. The bill would reduce the maximum to two by October first, one by March first and zero by next July.

The machine owner would be of a felony if convicted of violating the law.

The Senate is scheduled to consider the bill Thursday. Senate Majority Leader Tony Rand of Cumberland County says he expects his colleagues to accept the House proposal.

The state Senate has approved a ban five times since 2000, including this year.

The House for years has resisted a ban on video poker. Speaker Jim Black has been a strong ally of the industry, but has been weakened recently by his link to state election and federal investigations of the industry.

The North Carolina Sheriffs' Association has also supported a ban, while the video poker industry opposes the idea.

The House measure now heads to the Senate.

(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

News Added: 01 June, 2006

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