North Carolina State House Candidate Charles Taylor Tied to Illegal Gambling Property

A candidate running for state office in North Carolina has been linked to a commercial property housing an illegal video gambling parlor, raising fresh questions about candidate vetting and local law enforcement oversight.

Sanford City Councilman Charles Taylor is on the ballot next month in his bid to represent District 51 in the North Carolina House of Representatives. Taylor—who is no relation to former long-serving North Carolina Congressman Charles Hart Taylor—is a Republican running to succeed retiring state Rep. John Sauls (R-District 51).

Taylor is considered the front-runner in the heavily red district. But a new report suggesting Taylor owns a property that’s running an underground gambling den could dampen his chances.

Bryan Anderson with The Assembly reported that Taylor bought a small, single-story, ranch-style office structure in December 2025 for $60,000. The property was formerly used as a women’s clothing store called Carolina Girl Boutique but in recent months was transformed into a game room.

Commercial Gambling Prohibited in North Carolina

North Carolina does not permit slot machines in commercial businesses, with three tribal casinos the only places where gambling games are legally allowed. Taylor’s property at 2101 Tramway Rd. in Sanford reportedly houses 22 slot machines.

Outside the nondescript building, a prominent front sign warns visitors: “WARNING: THERE IS NOTHING HERE WORTH DYING FOR,” accompanied by a handgun graphic. A list of 21 “Gameroom Rules” posted on the locked entrance door specifies that patrons must be at least 21 years old and strictly prohibits cellphones, cameras, alcohol, and illegal substances on the premises.

Sanford is a 45-minute drive southwest of Raleigh.

Reached for comment by The Assembly, Taylor said he rents out of the property, along with other investment properties. He also sought to clarify why he didn’t list the game room property on his state election disclosure.

Taylor’s background includes a 21-year career as a market manager at 3M, along with work as a part-time media graphics coordinator.

State officials told Anderson that while agencies regularly conduct enforcement actions against illegal gambling houses, such raids are given priority to businesses that hold alcohol licenses. On the 2101 Tramway Rd. door, the list of rules states that there is to be “no alcohol or drugs on premises.”

This isn’t the first scandal surrounding Taylor’s state office aspirations. During his primary run, Taylor was criticized for being heavily funded by pro-gambling interests through the American Conservative Fund.

Legal Liability & Nuisance Statutes

In North Carolina, a landlord isn’t automatically liable for what a commercial business tenant does on the premises. However, if the property owner knows an illegal activity is occurring and does nothing in response, they could be subjected to nuisance abatement statutes.

Under Chapter 19 of North Carolina’s General Statutes, state and local prosecutors can institute civil nuisance actions against property owners who allow unlawful gambling, drug activity, prostitution, or bootlegging.

Nuisance judgments typically result in injunctions shutting down the business, mandatory tenant evictions, and financial penalties against the landlord.