Mark Binker of the News & Record has done an excellent job tracking the progress of these devices that have come to replace video poker machines around the state. It appears as if Senate Bill 180 is going to close the loop hole that allows these machines to operate in North Carolina in the next few days.
Personal Note: While I have not played these machines, I have benefited from the winnings.
As far as I can tell, these are unregulated gambling machines, playing games extremely similar to those found where gambling is legal. I have no problems with gambling as I know that just like the lottery – everybody looses. Pandora’s Box was opened with the State Lottery, it’s too late to close the door. Let’s go ahead and make these machines legal and regulated. At least, then you can see a real payout table.