McDaniel said the activity is “not supposed to be a gaming industry.”

North Dakota’s constitution gives nonprofits the privilege to conduct charitable gambling. He cites over $100,000 generated from his truck stop’s machines that have gone toward local charitable purposes, such as equipment for firefighters and emergency responders, and park improvements - items “property tax dollars don’t have to fund,” he added. Narloch said he hopes lawmakers strive for clarity for businesses and understand the benefits of charitable gambling. The oil field truck stop, which has a bar and restaurant, has 10 machines in an enclosed area with one entrance and signs noting only people 21 and older are allowed in, he said. We’ve not had any complaints, and so it’s like, ‘OK, why is there a target on our back now?’” Narloch told the AP. “We jumped through all the hoops to get the licenses, to get the gaming site approval.

The bill mandating the study also redefined that term, specifically excluding gas stations, convenience stores, grocery stores and liquor stores, but grandfathered the four gas stations and c-stores with e-tabs.īut that new definition doesn’t address other establishments that wouldn’t be considered a traditional bar but can serve and dispense alcohol, such as hair salons and indoor golf centers, according to McDaniel.īrett Narloch has been frustrated about how his truck stop near Grassy Butte has drawn attention in Bismarck for having e-tabs. In recent years, a loose interpretation of “alcoholic beverage establishment” led to the machines appearing in a handful of gas stations and convenience stores. State law does not dictate where charitable gambling takes place, but traditionally it’s been in bars.

Tabs gambling