Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians reports increase in business at casinos

Friday, January 25, 2019

The Harrah's Cherokee Valley River Casino and Hotel in Murphy, North Carolina. Photo: Warren LeMay

Gaming continues to be good business for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

Revenue contributions at the flagship Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort increased 4.7 percent in the last fiscal year, The Cherokee One Feather reported. Over at the Harrah's Cherokee Valley River Casino and Hotel, a newer facility, contributions jumped nearly 19 percent, the paper said.

The growth contributed to a record per capita payment for tribal citizens. The December 2018 payment, before taxes, came to $7,007.

It is my honor and pleasure to announce the Largest single Per Capita distribution in EBCI history. A testament to...
Posted by Richard G. Sneed on Wednesday, October 31, 2018

The tribe distributes per capita payments twice a year. The June 2018 payment was $5,552, before taxes.

The payments are derived from the tribe's gaming operation in North Carolina. According the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, per caps are subject to federal taxes.

"We are moving forward and we owe it to ourselves to keep moving in a positive direction; no looking back," Chief Richard G. Sneed said after the December payment.