RALEIGH, N.C., Dec. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- A new statewide poll of most likely voters shows overwhelming support for regulating and taxing the video gaming industry. In a poll conducted by Public Policy Polling Nov 30-Dec 1, 87% of most likely voters said they would prefer taxing and regulating the state's video gaming industry rather than facing an increase in the state's sales or income tax.

The poll showed 77% of most likely voters support regulating and taxing the video gaming industry adding nearly $500 million in new revenue to the state without raising taxes.

More than two-thirds of the respondents said it was unfair to grant video gaming rights to the Cherokee nation and not to all citizens in all 100 counties. Seventy-five percent (75%) of voters said regulating and taxing video gaming would avoid political scandal and corruption. "Video gaming is here in North Carolina, and if you want accountability and transparency, then you need to regulate it and tax it," said William Thevaos, president of the Entertainment Group of North Carolina.

Eighty percent (80%) of voters said the State Legislature is leaving millions of dollars on the table if they fail to regulate and tax the video gaming industry.

"These numbers reflect the public's strong sentiment supporting the regulation and taxation of the video gaming industry in the state," said Thevaos, who commissioned the statewide poll. "Voters across the state know we are facing tough times when it comes to the state's budget. That's why they support regulating and taxing video gaming because it's here and it can provide up to $500 million in new revenue without raising taxes."

The poll showed voters preferred using revenue from a video gaming tax to offset shortfalls in the state budget as well as funding low-wealth school districts. In addition, 45% of voters said the North Carolina Department of Revenue should be the enforcement agency overseeing video gaming rules, regulations and standards while 23% supported creating a new state agency to oversee regulation.

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SOURCE Entertainment Group of North Carolina