In a 42-7 vote, the North Carolina Senate recently passed S 154, which would allow wagering on sports and horseracing at tribal casinos. Sponsor state Senator Jim Davis said the measure simply adds sports betting to the Class III games offered at the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ two casinos, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort and Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel.
Davis introduced the bill at the tribe’s request; his district includes the Cherokee reservation. He said he expects sports betting to generate $14 million in gaming revenue for the tribe, with $1 million going to the state.
Davis previously noted the tribe only wants in-person sports betting at its casinos. He added the tribe “probably has no interest in expanding” to mobile in the future. Also, the bill specifies wagers would be allowed on the outcome of professional and collegiate sporting events; it does not mention in-game betting.
The tribe’s Principal Chief Richard G. Sneed said, “Sports betting would create a new clientele for the casinos and create a new revenue stream for Cherokee. Sports betting is an emerging market across the country.”
SB 154 now moves to the House of Representatives, then, if it passes, to Governor Roy Cooper for his signature or unlikely veto. The North Carolina General Assembly will adjourn at the end of June.
