Gambling has been a big topic for the legislature so far this year. The committee did not take a vote on the bill Tuesday. Legalizing these types of gambling machines would help shut down illegal gambling or sweepstakes parlors, he said. 'For more than a decade, the General Assembly’s been trying to close down now what we refer to as sweepstakes parlors across the state,' Warren told the House Commerce Committee. He proposed a similar bill in the last General Assembly session two years ago, but that never made it to the floor. Harry Warren is the only sponsor of the legislation. The Senate could take it up as soon as this week A separate bill to legalize betting on sports already passed the House.The bill got its first House committee hearing Tuesday afternoon, but the members did not take a vote.Revenue from the lottery-style games would fund North Carolina's HBCUs and scholarships for community college students.A bill in the North Carolina House would legalize digital games of chance, similar to Vegas-style electronic slot machines.