NC tribe’s casino braces for revenue cut

CHEROKEE,N.C. — Fewer customers are coming to Harrah’s Cherokee Casino in western North Carolina because of a sour economy and officials are bracing for a reduction in profit for the first time.

The Asheville Citizen-Times reports Monday there are 15 percent fewer customers at the casino. Officials say the twice-yearly checks sent to members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians could be smaller than previously.

The potential declines in profit would be the first in the casino’s 10-year history.

Casino spokeswoman Joyce Dugan said the facility’s market is uncertain, but it is moving ahead with an expansion to be ready for a turnaround in the economy.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)