Eastern Cherokee leader looking to restart compact talks

Thursday, May 26, 2011  

The leader of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians wants to restart Class III compact negotiations with North Carolina Gov. Beverly Perdue (D).

The compact authorizes slot machines but the tribe wants live card dealers. “The Eastern Band of Cherokee is continually trying to impress upon all elected officials and state leaders the importance and value of an expanded gaming enterprise,” Chief Michell Hicks said in a statement to The Smoky Mountain News.

The tribe is undertaking a $650 million expansion of the Harrah's Cherokee Casino.

Get the Story:
Cherokee hopes for dealers as casino expansion debt looms (The Smoky Mountain News 5/26)

Related Stories:
Eastern Cherokees mark first phase of $650M casino plan (5/24)
Eastern Band sees a six percent drop in revenues at casino (5/12)