NC leaders visit casino with new games

By The Associated Press

CHEROKEE, N.C. (AP) — A ceremony kicking off live table gambling at the Cherokee casino in western North Carolina attracted state elected officials who helped reach a deal with the tribe for the expansion.

Gov. Beverly Perdue, Senate leader Phil Berger and others watched as leaders of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians played a hand of blackjack with a live dealer at the Harrah’s casino. Tuesday’s event in Jackson County did not mark the first live games — they actually began last week.

Eastern Band leaders sought the authority for live dealers after having only electronic versions of games for years. Perdue and Principal Chief Michell Hicks signed a compact last November that gives public schools some revenues from the new games. The Legislature then altered gambling laws for the tribe in June.