Jason Saine, the North Carolina lawmaker who helped legalize sports betting, is resigning

For 13 years, Jason Saine has been serving in the North Carolina House of Representatives. However, his time will be coming to an end officially on August 12 as the 50-year-old has announced he is resigning from the position. Saine is an important figure for sports betting in the Tar Heel state as Jason Saine helped champion legislation during the North Carolina “long session”. This allowed commercial online sports betting in the state for the first time. Saine authored House Bill 347 along with three other representatives. 

In the past, sports betting had previously been limited to in-person betting at tribal casinos in NC. There had been several attempts to authorize gaming activity that was not on tribal lands but those efforts failed. However, new senators and representatives, along with a changing public opinion allowed Jason Saine to successfully usher commercial sports betting to North Carolina.

What’s next for Jason Saine?

Back in 2010, Jason Saine won the election for the 97th District seat in the state House. During his time in NC. Saine was re-elected five times and ran unopposed this year. Now that Saine has announced he is leaving the House of Representatives, his Republican colleagues will name his successor. That person will immediately finish out Saine’s term and would become the 2024 candidate to retain the House seat. In 2019, Saine was named senior chair of the House of Appropriations Committee. They are responsible for drafting the state’s annual budget. According to Saine, he is leaving his position in politics to take a job in the private sector. He had this to say.

“I am choosing to step from public life to pursue several unique professional opportunities that have presented themselves,” said Saine. “These roles will allow me to continue advocating for the policies I am passionate about, including consulting on several key issues that are close to my heart. I remain open to exploring avenues where I can contribute to policy development within North Carolina and beyond.”