Harrah’s in NC bets on live card games at Cherokee

CHEROKEE, N.C. — The new version of Harrah’s Cherokee Casino and Hotel in western North Carolina will include a room reserved for poker card games, even though such games aren’t
allowed now.

The Asheville Citizen-Times reported Tuesday the principal chief for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is confident talks with the state will resume soon on allowing live card games. The casino now offers video poker and digital card games.

Principal Chief Michell Hicks says the tribe is waiting to see if the video poker industry appeals a court ruling allowing gambling in Cherokee but nowhere else in the state. If the ruling isn’t appealed, Hicks says he’ll press the governor for permission for Las Vegas-style card games.

The expanded casino will include a new 20-story hotel tower with 532 rooms and a 3,000-seat event center.

Information from: The Asheville Citizen-Times

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