There are no federally recognized tribes based in Tennessee but attorney general Paul Summers wants to make sure none ever try to open a casino in the state.

In a legal opinion issued on Monday, Summers said the state constitution bars the establishment of a casino on land anywhere in the state. He included land that will be leased to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians by the Tennessee Valley Authority, a federal entity.

"Under state law, the Eastern Band of Cherokees may not conduct games of chance associated with casinos in this state," Summers wrote, The Knoxille News reported. The opinion is not yet posted on the AG's website [Link].

The tribe, based in North Carolina, is leasing the land to build a $50 million resort. The tribe has no plans for gaming but the mayor of Vonore supports a casino at the resort and said he wasn't happy with the AG's opinion.

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AG says law prohibits casinos (The Knoxville News 5/3)
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