The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, which operates Harrah’s Cherokee at the base of North Carolina’s Smoky Mountains and Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River in the western part of the state, are exploring the possibilities of adding sports books to the properties, in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court striking down the federal sports betting ban in Murphy v. NCAA.
“The Eastern Band was pleased with the Supreme Court decision,” Principal Chief Richard G. Sneed told the Cherokee One Feather, “and we are exploring our options in regards to sports betting. This is an amenity that our guests have expressed an interest in, and one that we would like to offer.
“We will have to meet with Governor Cooper’s office on this issue. When I met with him in April, he agree to discuss options with us should the Supreme Court rule in support of sports betting. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is considering many opportunities to advance economic development for the tribe. I am confident the Tribal Gaming Enterprise will consider options and make an informed decision in a timely manner.”
“We, at Harrah’s Cherokee, are obviously very interested in the implications of the recent Supreme Court decision regarding sports betting,” Harrah’s Cherokee GM Brooks Robinson told the One Feather. “Keep in mind that Harrah’s Cherokee operates under conditions set forth by a gaming compact established between Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and the state of North Carolina. Any change in that agreement is a subject that can only be addressed by the tribe.”
Of course, for the tribe and partner Caesars Entertainment to create sports books in their North Carolina casinos, the state has to first approve a sports-betting law. Unlike states like New Jersey, Mississippi and Pennsylvania that already had sports-betting laws on the books, North Carolina lawmakers would have to pass a law to authorize the activity.
That’s no sure bet in a conservative Southern state. No action is expected this year, in any event.
