Lawyers seeking delay on sweepstakes law order

RALEIGH, NC (AP) — State lawyers for North Carolina are asking again that a trial court judge’s ruling striking down a portion of the new law banning video sweepstakes machines be set aside while issues are considered on appeal.

The state Attorney General’s Office asked the Court of Appeals on Wednesday to stay the order of Guilford County Judge John Craig in November that determined part of the ban approved last summer by the General Assembly was too broad and violated free-speech rights. The decision means some games can keep operating.

Craig denied two weeks ago the state’s request to stay his own order. Now, the attorneys are seeking similar assistance from the appellate court so police can enforce the entire law while waiting.

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