(RALEIGH) -- The General Assembly outlawed video poker last year, but the law was overturned by the courts and currently is in the docket of the state Supreme Court. Until then, Rep. Bill Owens would like to tax video sweepstakes at the rate of $2,000 per location and $1,000 per machine.

"They're still around and we're still not collecting any revenue.  The cities are collecting revenues.  The counties can't.  This bill attempts to capture revenue that we so desperately need," said Owens.

Owens spoke in a legislative committee and indicates the issue may influence whether he will support an override of the state budget, should Gov. Perdue veto the spending plan.