In North Carolina, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians asked state Senator Jim Davis to introduce S 154, which would allow the tribe to offer betting on professional and collegiate sports events at Harrah’s Cherokee Resort and Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel, the state’s only casinos. The measure would add sports wagering to the list of Class III games the tribe is authorized to offer at their casinos. The measure does not include mobile betting since the tribe wants only in-person sports betting.
Harrah’s Cherokee is located in Davis’ district. The tribe previously asked him to help pass two gambling expansions.
Principal Chief Richard G. Sneed said, “The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians has been working with the leadership within Harrah’s and Caesars regarding an opportunity to expand our gaming offerings on the Qualla Boundary. Sports betting is an emerging market across the country and is within the purview of the EBCI provided some changes to the existing legislation governing EBCI gaming are made. I have been working with friends of the EBCI in Raleigh regarding expanding our gaming offerings.”
Sneed added, “Sports betting would create a new clientele for the casinos and create a new revenue stream for Cherokee. I, along with several members of the tribal council, have fought hard to upgrade the EBCI gaming offerings on the Qualla Boundary. I look forward to updating the community as this initiative progresses.”
Harrah’s Cherokee Regional Senior Vice President and General Manager Brooks Robinson previously said, “We, at Harrah’s Cherokee, are obviously very interested in the implications of the recent Supreme Court decision regarding sports betting. 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.”
Davis said he expects his proposed legislation will easily pass and be signed by Governor Roy Cooper, so sports betting could be offered at the tribe’s two casinos this summer.
