North Carolina House candidate faces scrutiny over slot machine venue

Charles Taylor says he rents the building and left it off his 2025 disclosure because the purchase closed on the last day of the year.

Key Takeaways

• The Assembly reported that a building at 2101 Tramway Road in Sanford, bought by Republican Charles Taylor for $60,000 in December 2025, has been converted into a game room with at least 22 slot machines.
• The State Government Ethics Act requires candidates to disclose all in-state real estate worth at least $10,000 owned by them or family members. Taylor said he left the property off his 2025 statement because the closing happened on the year’s final day.
• Taylor says he rents out the property. He received substantial support from pro-gambling interests through the American Conservative Fund during his primary.

U.S.- Republican Charles Taylor, a Sanford City Council member running for North Carolina’s House of Representatives, is facing scrutiny over a commercial property he owns that reportedly operates as an unlicensed gambling venue. An investigation by The Assembly found that the building at 2101 Tramway Road, which Taylor purchased for US$60,000 in December 2025, has been converted from a former clothing store into a game room with at least 22 slot machines.

Taylor is seeking to represent District 51, succeeding retiring state Rep. John Sauls. North Carolina generally prohibits commercial businesses from operating slot machines, with legal gambling venues limited to the state’s three tribal casinos. Meanwhile, the State Government Ethics Act requires that political candidates disclose all real estate located in the State worth at least $10,000 that they or their family members own.

The building is reportedly fitted with an exterior warning sign displaying a handgun and the words “THERE IS NOTHING HERE WORTH DYING FOR.” Rules posted at the entrance reportedly require visitors to be at least 21 and prohibit cellphones, cameras, alcohol and illegal substances.

Taylor told The Assembly that he rents out the property and has made other real estate investments. As for why he didn’t include the property on his 2025 statement of economic interests, he said: “I have invested locally in real estate for many years and continue to do so. I bought some new properties last December and didn’t include them on my economic interest statement for 2025 since the closing happened on the final day of the year”.

The candidate has also faced questions over ties to the gambling industry having received financial support from pro-gambling interests through the American Conservative Fund during his primary campaign.

Chapter 19 of North Carolina’s General Statutes allows civil nuisance actions involving illegal gambling, drug activity, prostitution and bootlegging. Depending on the circumstances, court proceedings can lead to a business being shut down, tenants being ordered to leave, and property owners facing financial penalties. However, owning a building does not automatically make a landlord liable for a tenant’s alleged illegal activity. Responsibility depends on the specific facts, including the owner’s knowledge and response.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

• What is Charles Taylor accused of? The Assembly reported that a building he owns at 2101 Tramway Road in Sanford has been converted into a game room with at least 22 slot machines. Taylor says he rents out the property, and the article does not say he operates the machines.
• Are slot machines legal in North Carolina businesses? Generally no. North Carolina prohibits commercial businesses from operating slot machines, and legal gambling is limited to the state’s three tribal casinos.