Feds Approve New Cherokee Gambling

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Feds Approve New Cherokee Gambling

Special Report - August 7, 2012
The federal government has granted final approval to a new gambling Compact that will allow the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians to operate Las Vegas-style casinos in Western North Carolina, according to several media reports. Governor Beverly Perdue (D) signed SB 582—Authorize Indian Gaming/Revenue into law in early June to change state law to make the gambling expansion legal, but the amended Compact required the approval of the U.S. Department of Interior. The amended Compact, negotiated by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and Governor Perdue, allows the Cherokee to offer Class III gaming activities, including craps, roulette, blackjack, and poker with live dealers, as well as to open up to three casinos. A small portion of the revenue from the gambling expansion is allocated to the State.

With the approval of the federal government, Harrah’s Casino, which is located on the Cherokee reservation in Western North Carolina, expects to add 500 jobs to expand their gambling offerings under the new Compact. According to a press release from Harrah’s, there are currently 40 digital table games available. The casino is currently completing a $650 million expansion, and plans to introduce blackjack, roulette, and craps by mid-August with intentions to further expand their gambling offerings in future weeks. By late November, the casino plans to have up to 100 table games available, as well as slot machines.

Related resources:
Gambling with the Constitution - FNC - Summer 2012
Gambling Compact Signed Into Law - June 7, 2012
House Votes To Expand Cherokee Gambling - June 6, 1012
House Tentatively Approves Gambling Expansion - June 1, 2012
Gambling Resources - NCFamily.org
Gambling Bill Constitutionally Flawed - May 25, 2012
Senate Expands Cherokee Gambling - May 17, 2012
Legislators Return To Raleigh - May 15, 2012
Playing To Lose - FNC - Spring 2012
Gambling With Families - FNC Commentary - Winter 2012
Cherokee Gambling Proposal Signed - November 29, 2011
Bringing Las Vegas to North Carolina - FNC - Fall 2011
Cherokee Want Own ABC System - May 4, 2011
Cherokee Casino Wants Expanded Alcohol Sales - November 24, 2009
Governor Considers Expanding Cherokee Casino Gambling Options - December 8, 2005
Cherokee Political Contributions Unreported - October 29, 2007
Cherokee Casino Sees Significant Growth - January 31, 2007
Senator Dole Introduces Lumbee Recognition Act - January 19, 2007
Lumbee Bill Introduced in Congress - January 10, 2007
Lumbee Bill to Get Senate Hearing - July 10, 2006
Cherokee Gambling Negotiations End - April 21, 2006