North Carolina Governor Open To Expanded Casino Gambling

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians have a vision for the future of their North Carolina casino that includes full-scale Vegas gambling. On Monday, they found out they had better move quickly with that idea after Governor Beverly Perdue said she would be open to expansion.

"I'm always available to talk to the Cherokee tribe about what it is they envision and how they want to get there,' said Perdue, "I am going to have a conversation, I don't know what the contract allows, but we're going to work together."

The tribe has attempted to expand gambling at their North Carolina casino before, but talks ended with both the Cherokee tribe and then-Governor Mike Easley frustrated. The two sides blamed each other, and the talks were tabled.

Now, it appears that the tribe has a governor that is willing to work with them. Whether or not lawmakers would go along with casino gambling expansion is not yet known. Harrah's Cherokee Casino has been in operation for eleven years.

At a time when the economy has hurt many industries across the US, including the casino industry, Harrah's still remains a top employer in North Carolina. The casino is home to over 1,700 employees, and expansion would only increase that number.

September 1, 2009
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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