N.C. lets Cherokees expand casino, build two more

Sequoyah Fund map shows Cherokee land (Qualla
Boundary) in red next to Great Smoky Mountains
National Park. Heavy black line is Interstate 26.

North Carolina is allowing the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians to have live card games in the tribe's casino in the Great Smoky Mountains, and giving it the right to open two casinos on tribal lands near the state's southern border west of Interstate 26. The legislature gave final approval to the 30-year deal today, and Gov. Bev Perdue signed it into law minutes later, reports John Frank of The Charlotte Observer.

"The gambling compact now goes to the U.S. Department of the Interior for review but Chief Michell Hicks expects quick approval," Frank writes. "Hicks said the tribe hopes to offer live-dealer games, such as blackjack, roulette and poker by July 4th, a big tourism weekend in the mountains." (Read more)

Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/06/06/3296410/perdue-signs-cherokee-gaming-bill.html#storylink=cpy