GamblingNews
North Carolina House candidate owns Sanford building reportedly used as illegal slot parlor
A Republican candidate for North Carolina House District 51 owns a Sanford property reportedly housing at least 22 slot machines, according to The Assembly. He says he rents the building out and explained why it was missing from his disclosure.
Charles Taylor, a Republican member of the Sanford City Council who is running for North Carolina House District 51, is facing questions over a commercial property he owns that reportedly hosts an illegal video gambling operation. He is seeking the seat held by retiring state Rep. John Sauls.
According to an investigation by The Assembly, Taylor paid $60,000 in December 2025 for a small building at 2101 Tramway Road in Sanford. The site was previously a women's clothing store, Carolina Girl Boutique, and has reportedly been converted into a game room with at least 22 slot machines. North Carolina generally bars commercial businesses from operating slot machines, and legal gambling is limited to the state's three tribal casinos.
The report describes unusual features at the premises, including an exterior sign reading "THERE IS NOTHING HERE WORTH DYING FOR" beside an image of a handgun. Rules posted on the locked door require visitors to be at least 21 and forbid cellphones, cameras, alcohol and illegal substances inside.
Taylor told The Assembly that he rents out the property and that it is one of several real estate investments he has made over the years. He said the building was left off his 2025 economic interest statement because the purchase closed on the final day of the year.
The case also raises questions about enforcement. State officials told The Assembly that operations against gambling establishments are carried out regularly, but businesses with alcohol licenses are typically prioritized for raids. Because the rules at this location prohibit alcohol, it may not fall into that category. The report adds that Taylor received substantial financial backing from pro-gambling interests through the American Conservative Fund during his primary campaign.
Chapter 19 of the state's General Statutes allows prosecutors to bring civil nuisance actions over illegal gambling, drug activity, prostitution and bootlegging. Such proceedings can lead to court orders closing a business, removing tenants and imposing financial penalties on owners. Owning a property does not automatically make a landlord liable for a tenant's conduct, however; liability depends on factors such as the owner's knowledge of the activity and how he responded to it.
Based on reporting by GamblingNews.