The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians has partnered with Caesars Entertainment on a mobile sports betting platform in North Carolina.
With the scheduled launch of online sports betting in March, North Carolina is stepping into a new era of gaming. The state requires online platforms to partner with a state tribe, sports team or sporting venue to gain access to the market. By partnering with the Eastern Band, Caesars Entertainment is positioned to offer online betting to players in the new jurisdiction.
The platform is expected to go live on March 11, but regulatory approvals are still necessary before it can be fully operational.
Michell Hicks, principal chief of the Eastern Band, expressed excitement about the venture, and emphasized the long-standing partnership between the two entities, which dates back more than two decades. Caesars Entertainment currently offers sports betting at Eastern Band facilities including the Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort and the Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino and Hotel.
The introduction of online sports betting holds significant potential for market growth. In states where online betting is legal, the practice has historically led to explosive revenue increases for the gaming industry, often measuring in the billions.
Currently, the Eastern Band of Cherokee is the sole tribal online sports betting partner in the state, alongside non-tribal partners such as the Charlotte Hornets NBA basketball team’s partnership with bet365 and NASCAR’s partnership with DraftKings. This exclusive partnership positions the Eastern Band to capture a significant share of the online sports betting market in North Carolina.
