Editorial: Winning hand with Eastern Cherokee gaming deal

Tuesday, November 15, 2011  

"Any way the dice are rolled, gambling comes up a winner for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

Now, Gov. Bev Perdue wants North Carolina to cash in on further success. She’s trying to drive a bargain that would cut the state in on an expansion of gambling operations in Cherokee — and she may be trying to take advantage of the tribe’s fears of competition from another casino.

The Harrah’s Cherokee Casino opened in 1997 but, under a state compact, allows only video gambling, not live games. Even so, it drew 3.6 million visitors last year and generated revenue of $386 million, according to a study by the UNC-CH Kenan-Flagler Business School. The casino employs 1,674, and its profits provide direct payments to enrolled members of the Eastern Band."

Get the Story:
Editorial: A winning hand (The Greenboro News-Record 11/15)

Also Today:
NC Legislature writes tribal officials on gambling (AP 11/14)

Related Stories:
Eastern Cherokees seeking exclusivity for Class III gaming (11/14)
Eastern Cherokee businesses support liquor beyond casino (11/9)
Eastern Cherokees consider sales of alcohol beyond casino (11/2)
Eastern Cherokee casino could face competition for alcohol (10/12)