The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is getting closer to its goal of a new Class III gaming compact.

The North Carolina Senate approved the deal earlier this month. Now it's moving through the House.

"This is not simply about gambling," Principal Chief Michelle Hicks told a subcommittee that approved the compact, WRAL-TV reported "This is about creating a resource to help a people."

The compact authorizes live card dealers to the Harrah’s Cherokee Casino and Resort in exchange for a share of the revenues. The House's version limits the tribe to a total off three casinos while the Senate's version caps the tribe at four.

Get the Story:
NC House panel OKs Cherokee casino game expansion (AP 5/29)
Casino bill making its way through the House (WRAL 5/29)

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Eastern Cherokees await approval for Class III gaming compact (5/23)