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 property that’s allegedly offering illegal gambling machines.   

Sanford City Councilor Charles Taylor is on the ballot next month to join the North Carolina House of Representatives by representing District 51. Taylor, who is not related to Charles Hart Taylor, who represented North Carolina in Congress for decades, is a Republican seeking to succeed longtime state Rep. John Sauls (R-District 51), who is retiring.

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 Banned 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.

A sign listing “Gameroom Rules” on the building’s locked door says only persons aged 21 and older are welcome to play, and no cellphones “or other electronics” are permitted. 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 professional career included working at 3M for 21 years as a market manager. He has also worked part-time as a 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.

What’s the Law Say?

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.

North Carolina’s General Statutes Chapter 19 allows state and local prosecutors to bring civil action against a landlord who fails to shut down illegal activities, including prostitution, illegal gambling, the illegal sale or manufacturing of alcohol, and illegal drug activity. Property owners who violate Chapter 19 often face fines and an immediate order that the unlawful enterprise be shuttered and evicted. Repeat offenders risk heightened penalties, including possible jail time.