What was a quiet attempt to change state law on gambling at Harrah's Cherokee Casino has come out in the open.
Changing the gambling agreement between the Cherokee and the governor is on the list of 11 issues the legislature can take up during its session that begins Sept. 12.
The Cherokee have wanted for years to offer games with live dealers. The latest effort triggered an all-out scramble in the last days of the regular session in June as proponents looked to get a law allowing the expansion.
Chris Mackey, spokeswoman for Gov. Bev Perdue, said the Cherokee approached Perdue about allowing table games. Perdue is interested in the job growth and economic benefits to western North Carolina. Mackey said.
Social conservatives are on alert, prepared to fight a bill that could expand gambling.
Comments
For Goodness sake! Let the Cherokees deal their own cards!
August 2, 2011 - 9:05am — MalleusMaleficarumWhy on earth shouldn't the Cherokees deal their own decks of cards? Are we still repressing the Cherokee nation? Do we resent the fact that some of them might find jobs? This prohibition of live dealers in the Cherokee Casino is simply outrageous. Down with discriminatory laws that punish Native Americans - especially Cherokees! They have suffered enough already. Remember the Trail of Tears when we forced them to march across the continent to the wastelands of Oklahoma? North Carolina's treatment of the Native Americans has been shameful. Bravo for Bev Perdue for permitting them to obtain some gainful employment!
Bev's gambling related contributions?
August 1, 2011 - 8:34pm — concerned53I would be curious as to how much the Cherokee contributed to Bev in 2008 and now for 2012. She has certainly accepted a lot from out of state gambling interests. N&O, how about asking her.