The Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians is in talks to purchase a parcel of land in Sevier County for “future economic development.” The tribe could build a casino there if state laws are changed to allow it, but tribal officials are noncommittal. Principal Chief Richard Sneed said, “This property, if purchased, will be utilized for future economic development for the EBCI. The location of the property lends itself to many possibilities for economic diversification for the Eastern Band, and I am excited about this opportunity,”
State Rep. Rick Staples said, “It’s great that the Cherokee Nation is looking to invest. In order to have table gambling, horse racing or any type of casino in Tennessee, we’d have to amend the constitution.” Staples said the Cherokee’s investment makes him hopeful for his sports betting bill. “The fact that they want to bring that into the state of Tennessee and make that heavy investment in East Tennessee is very critical and very important. So that goes to show that other businesses probably feel exactly the same,” he said.
The Cherokees operate Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort and Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino and Hotel. Business increased by 4.7 percent last year at Harrah’s Cherokee and almost 20 percent at the second casino, which opened in 2017.
