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Live dealers may not be in cards for Harrah’s Cherokee
By Derek Hodges
Stressing that he is not disagreeing with Principal Chief Michell Hicks but rather trying to convey his understanding of the situation, Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians Vice Chief Larry Blythe said the tribe shouldn’t look for live dealers at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino any time soon.
“The word we got is that issue is not going to be agreed upon by the governor,” Blythe said. “There’s no division between the chief and me. I just think the members of the tribe should know where we are with the negotiations as I understand them. That’s my responsibility.”
In statements released last week, both Hicks and a spokesman for the Governor’s Office said tribal and state officials are nearing an agreement that would include allowing live dealers at the casino.
“There is a preliminary agreement, and it is being reviewed. Several items are under consideration as part of the negotiations. Live gaming is one piece of that,” wrote Jill Lucas, a staffer in the governor’s office.
Hicks had also indicated the proposal to bring the new live games to Cherokee is moving forward. The tribe requested the governor allow them to introduce games such as poker and blackjack to the casino with live dealers. Those games are not allowed under the tribe’s current compact. Under North Carolina law, the governor and the chief are the only ones who can enter into a gaming compact.
Blythe and other Tribal Council members were briefed on the talks by the tribe’s negotiating team. After that meeting, comments Blythe made seemed to put him at odds with statements from the chief. However, Blythe contends the statements are in agreement, as are he and the chief.
“The chief is saying live dealers are still on the table, that nothing’s final until the compact is signed,” Blythe said. “I’m just saying it’s my understanding that we are probably not going to see live dealers with this governor. That’s one thing we’re not going to have based on what the team has said. We were told the governor would probably approve all our requests except for the table games.”
Easley has indicated in interviews he might be more likely to consider the proposal if the tribe were to make some payments to the state for that opportunity. He pointed to other tribes and states that he said have a similar agreement.
While Blythe said the governor’s reluctance to approve the games is probably not related to the payment issue, some tribal leaders believe the state should not make such a request of the tribe.
“My position on it is we should not make any payments,” Blythe said.
Blythe called the governor’s suggestion that the tribe should pay for live games “unfair,” saying the casino has made “undeniable” contributions to the state economy, while asking for no outside support.
Harrah’s Cherokee Casino & Hotel, which brings in about $155 million annually, does not pay state taxes because it is located on the reservation. However, a majority of those who work in the facility – the largest private employer west of Asheville – live in surrounding counties, not on the reservation. Tribal leaders say adding the new gaming positions would create 430 jobs, with a combined payroll of $15.2 million.
If the tribe misses out on live gaming, it shouldn’t hurt the casino’s bottom line, though it will be a missed opportunity, Blythe said.
“It hinders us somewhat for that segment of the population that wants those types of games,” Blythe said. “It’s employment opportunities and revenue that will not be realized in the short term.”
If a new compact is signed without an agreement on live dealers, the tribe will not give up, Blythe said.
“This will always be a point of negotiation between the state and the tribe, no matter who the governor is,” Blythe said.
In addition to the live games, other provisions the tribe is asking for include:
– Offering “markers,” or lines of credit, to gamers.
– Allowing more than one gaming facility on tribal lands. While the tribe has not yet discussed the potential for another casino, tribal leaders would like the “opportunity to make that decision for ourselves,” Blythe said. Tribal officials speculate adding another casino could create 1,740 jobs.
– Working with other tribes to offer prizes as part of joint contests.
– Making the compact in effect “in perpetuity.”
– Allowing electronic raffles.
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