Tribe could bring gaming facility here

Cherokees exploring all property in area By LAURA L. WOODRING
lwoodring@cherokeescout.com Tuesday, August 12, 2008 8:06 PM CDT     The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is exploring the possibility of opening a Class II gaming facility in Cherokee County or Snowbird.

    Principal Chief Michell Hicks said a feasibility study conducted roughly three years ago proved such a facility would be positive in creating jobs for both Native Americans and other residents of western North Carolina.

    “They didn’t pass legislation to bring a casino – or any other type of gaming facility – to Cherokee County,” said Angela Kephart, area representative for the Eastern Band. “They are simply exploring the possibility.”     Although no location has been determined as a possible site at this time, the Tribal Casino Gaming Enterprise is exploring all tribal property in the area. A Class II gaming facility would include high-stakes bingo and some electronic games, public relations coordinator for the Eastern Band Lynne Harland said. Bingo games would offer cash prizes.

    “I’m hoping by the calendar-year end, we’ll have some idea of whether to move forward,” Hicks said.

    Bill Forsyth, a member of Cherokee County’s economic development board, said Harrah’s Casino actually hurt downtown Cherokee in economic development and tourism.

    “People that go to the casino spend their money at the casino and go home,” he said. printable version e-mail this story

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