Cherokee Tribe Poker Update

Copied from the Triangle Poker Journal

by Matt Giegerich
Special to Triangle Poker Journal
April 8, 2007

The Eastern Band Of Cherokee Indians have been trying for years to add live table games at the Harrah’s Casino on their reservation. The addition of table games would include: live poker, black jack, craps and roulette.

These games would create approximately 450 jobs and increase the casino payroll by $15.2 million. In addition, the Cherokees argue that table games are necessary to attract competitive business. The local economy would also benefit from the influx of patronage to the Casino.

However, there have been difficulties in the negotiations between the tribe and the Governor’s Office.

The history of this struggle is wrought with political and logistical disputes. Following is a brief explanation:

According to the law, live games are not allowed at any casino in North Carolina. The tribe’s gaming compact was signed in 2000. It complies with this law. It cannot be amended unless directly done so by Governor Easley and Chief Hicks of the Eastern band.

The Cherokees contacted the Governor in 2005 with their request for table games.

After one year, in January 2006, a proposal to allow live poker had been tentatively agreed to by both parties.

However, by spring of 2006 the takes had deteriorated. Easley reportedly withdrew from previous agreements. The governor indicated in interviews that he would have been more likely to complete negotiations if some Cherokee gambling proceeds were to benefit the state. He suggested that up to 10% of the profits be used to bolster State Mental Health Funds.

The Cherokees rejected the Easley’s proposal. Instead, they proposed that they use profits to enrich the areas surrounding the Casino. However, the governor rejected this, and talks have lain dormant for nearly a whole year.
Chief Hicks expressed his dissatisfaction with the collapse. On April 19, 2006 Hicks stated that “The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is outraged that Gov. Easley has decided to terminate negotiations on an amended Tribal-State Compact.” Neither party agreed to comment to TPJ on the development of negotiations. It is unlikely these negotiations have been revisited since last spring.

Chief Hicks has expressed that he does not think legislation will be changed under this Governor. Further, after the unpleasant collapse of last year’s negotiations, it is unlikely that either leader is eager to work with the other.

Although Harrah’s Cherokee Casino is a short three-hour drive from Triangle Park not many local poker players have visited. Nor will they be likely to make the trip any time in the near future. Tumultuous negotiations have resulted in a staring contest between Hicks and Easley that does not appear to be ending soon.