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Gaming NewsGovernor and Legislature will expand gaming in North Carolina with new Cherokee compact25 November 2011RALEIGH, North Carolina -- (PRESS RELEASE) -- A new Cherokee Gaming Compact under consideration by the Governor and State Legislature will expand legal gaming in North Carolina and should open the door for a regulated video sweepstakes industry says Chase Brooks, president of the Internet Based Sweepstakes Organization of North Carolina. "We are pleased to see the Cherokee nation will contribute a percentage of their new 'live-dealer' games to the State of North Carolina," says Brooks. "That will be a windfall for the state's treasury. A new compact will also create new jobs and economic opportunity for western North Carolina. It will also put the Legislature and the Governor on record supporting new gaming rights and regulations," said Brooks. "As the Governor and Legislature looks at new gaming rights for the Cherokee, we want them to take a second look at the video sweepstakes industry. The Internet Based Sweepstakes Organization continues to support legislation that would regulate the industry and provide a new stream of reliable tax revenue to the state of North Carolina," said Brooks. "The IBSO supports new gaming rights for the Cherokee, but we also support a regulated video sweepstakes industry that protects consumers and provides operators a clear-cut regulatory guideline," said Brooks. "It's great the Cherokee will be getting dice games, roulette and live poker dealers, but what about the people who can't afford the $1000 it takes to drive to the mountains, stay in a hotel and go to the casino? What about the consumer who wants to play $20 and have a good time right at home?" Brooks said more than 90 percent of the video sweepstakes industry in North Carolina is now compliant with the new state law passed in 2010. Brooks said the pending State Court of Appeals ruling challenging the new law will be virtually irrelevant because the video industry has changed their software systems to comply with the new elements of the state's 2010 law. "We have taken the steps to meet the letter and the spirit of the new law. We have adapted our software systems and we will be prepared to meet that legal challenge if it comes in the future," said Brooks. "Our message is simple, we will find a way to survive. There is a valid market for this type of gaming and entertainment. We will adopt to the law and we will continue to operate," said Brooks. "We think it is time for the leaders of the state to work with the video entertainment industry to find ways to regulate it and do like they are doing in Cherokee, tax it to generate new revenues with it." The Internet Based Sweepstakes Organization of North Carolina is a statewide advocacy organization promoting the interests of the video sweepstakes operators, employees and businesses. Since 2008, IBSO has been working to advance the causes and concerns of independent business people who make their living working in the video sweepstakes industry. IBSO represents more than 800 video sweepstakes businesses located across the state with more than 5,600 full and part time employees. |