As the debate over the potential development of a casino in Nash County continues, Rocky Mount Mayor Sandy Roberson recently discussed whether a voter referendum should be held on the issue.
Roberson answered questions about the development efforts northwest of the city during a luncheon at the Rocky Mount Rotary Club. His replies provided insight into the city’s stance on bringing a North Carolina casino to the area.
Casino expansion efforts reach a plateau
In 2023, the idea of anchoring an entertainment district with a casino in Nash County gained traction. It was part of a statewide effort to construct casino-related districts in three counties to boost local economies, with the potential to also increase residential property values.
The movement to add more casinos also includes a provision to give a gambling venue to the Lumbee tribe in southeast North Carolina.
However, efforts in the state legislature to expand gambling have faltered, never advancing to a vote. In the most recent legislative session, they were put on the back burner due to a backlash in the counties designated to house new casinos. Anson and Rockingham counties are also in the conversation for gambling expansion.
As of now, commercial casinos are still illegal in North Carolina, and the three that exist are on tribal land:
- Harrah’s Cherokee in Cherokee;
- Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River in Murphy; and
- Catawba Two Kings Casino in Kings Mountain.
City sees casino’s economic benefits as a selling point
In the past, Nash County commissioners suggested that the decision to support a casino should ultimately be left to the residents through a referendum. This would give the community input on a significant decision impacting the county’s future.
During the Rotary Club luncheon, Nash County Board of Commissioners Chairman Robbie Davis asked Roberson if the city might adopt a similar position.
The mayor responded that the decision ultimately rested with the City Council.
The City Council had previously strongly supported the casino due to the potential economic benefits, including job creation and increased tax revenue. Roberson reiterated his strong support for building a casino in Rocky Mount without explicitly endorsing the idea of a voter referendum.
The Rocky Mount City Council comprises eight members–Mayor Roberson and seven council members representing Rocky Mount’s seven wards.
The site of the casino lies in Ward 5, represented by Councilman Lige Daughtridge. NCsharp has reached out to Daughtridge for comment on the question of a voter referendum but has not yet heard back.
Years of preparation precede casino debate
The push to develop this area is not a recent initiative. Lawmakers in Nash County and corporate interests have been preparing for a casino for years.
About a decade ago, the city of Rocky Mount, led by efforts from Alan Matthews of the Rocky Mount Area Chamber of Commerce, began acquiring land to attract development that would boost local tax revenue and tourism.
Matthews’ vision included bringing in major attractions, such as a Cabela’s retail store, to draw visitors off Interstate 95 and US 64, according to the Rocky Mount Telegram.
Matthews connected with Baltimore-based casino developer The Cordish Companies to explore the possibility of introducing gaming to North Carolina. While initial responses were uncertain, the concept eventually caught the attention of pro-casino state lawmakers.
Land acquisition key to the City Council’s efforts
Rocky Mount has made a series of land purchases tied to casino expansion over the past year. In December, the City Council voted to authorize the purchase of 336 acres of land in the area. Then in January, the councilors approved a purchase agreement for land at the proposed casino site, with the total cost capped at $17 million.
In April, NC Sharp reported that Rocky Mount had bought over 41 acres via two purchases of $1.85 million. In March, the city acquired 40 acres of land for $4 million.
NC Development Holdings, associated with The Cordish Companies, had initially secured options on most of the land parcels. These options were later assigned to the city.
The city has not specified what the land would be used for other than expressing its desire for the land to become “an economic hub.”
What lies ahead for the casino project?
While Roberson remains cautiously optimistic about the potential for gaming in North Carolina, the exact timing is impossible to predict. Meanwhile, Rocky Mount and Nash County continue to navigate differences in priorities.
Local officials, state politicians, and real estate developers are at the mercy of public opposition. Such opposition has gained traction in other areas of the state as residents vehemently oppose casino plans. In Rockingham County, the fight over casino expansion got heated and litigious. Anti-casino advocates protested against efforts to rezone land for casino expansion and filed lawsuits.
In a county labeled economically distressed by the state and home to one of the highest rates of underwater mortgages in the state, economic advancement is a pressing issue. A voter referendum will give Roberson, Davis, and their pro-casino allies in the state legislature an idea of how the issue might play out in Rocky Mount in the future. However, it could slow down the process of building a casino.
If economic pressures weigh too heavily, the city council may elect to vote on the issue themselves to move the process forward more quickly.
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