The Department of the Interior signed into law on Friday, Aug. 3 the amendment to the gaming compact between the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and the state of North Carolina. This compact expands the Eastern Band’s gaming enterprise and is creating over 500 new jobs at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino & Hotel in Western North Carolina.
Principal Chief Michell Hicks said, “With the approval of the tribal state gaming compact by the Department of the Interior the tribe now has the opportunity to increase jobs in the region and enhance opportunities for our tribe and for our neighbors. This compact is the result of hard work by tribal leaders, the support and partnership of the leadership of the state of North Carolina and the work of our employees that make our gaming enterprise a success.”
“I would like to thank the North Carolina Legislature and Governor Beverly Perdue for supporting our vision of economic growth for our state. As we move forward we will continue to rely on our partnerships to ensure this opportunity continues to foster business for Western North Carolina and the entire state. Most importantly we hope to have a positive impact on the educational opportunities for the children of this state.”
Currently, 40 digital table games are available. By mid-August, guests can expect up to 25 games such as Black Jack, Roulette and Craps with additional games available in the following weeks. Harrah’s Cherokee anticipates having up to 100 traditional table games available by late November. Traditional slot machines will be added to the mix, and credit will be offered by early October.
“We would like to thank the Tribal Gaming Commission for their support,” said Harrah’s Cherokee senior vice president and general manager Brooks Robinson. “Their attention to the details of amending and updating our internal control and auditing procedures is a regulatory model for others to follow.”
“With the final approval from the Department of the Interior, we are now the premier gaming destination in the Southeast. With the near completion of our $650 million dollar expansion and our new table game offerings, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino & Hotel is transforming into a world-class resort, entertainment and tourism destination,” said Robinson. “The finishing touch will be our 18,000 square foot Mandera Spa, slated to open towards the end of November.”
– Harrah’s Cherokee
