NEWS BRIEF By SCOTT MCKIE B.P.
ONE FEATHER STAFF
The North Carolina House of Representatives passed a measure (SB582) yesterday, June 5 that would change state gaming laws allowing live table games at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino. The House voted 68-49 in favor of the legislation which was then sent back to the Senate for concurrence.
The Senate passed its own version of the bill on May 16 and is set to debate and possibly vote on the House Committee Substitute today, June 6.
Following the Senate passage last month, Principal Chief Michell Hicks and Gov. Bev Perdue signed an amended gaming compact agreement on Wednesday, May 23.
“This agreement is about creating jobs and growing the economy in western North Carolina,” said Gov. Perdue in a statement at the time.
The 30-year compact is expected to add 400 new jobs to the area.
“The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is very pleased that this important milestone has been reached,” Principal Chief Michell Hicks said in a statement following signing the amended compact.
Per Gov. Perdue’s office, some of the changes in the amended compact include:
– specifying what types of table games will be offered
– limiting Tribe to three casino, including the current one
– establishment of Indian Gaming Education Revenue Fund to be used for education
