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Dispute Over Tribal Casino Talks

CHEROKEE, North Carolina — As reported by the Asheville Citizen Times: "The vice chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians said Wednesday that Gov. Mike Easley has said 'no' to allowing Las Vegas-style card games at Harrah's Cherokee Casino — an account disputed by the tribe's principal chief.

"Vice Chief Larry Blythe's comments after a tribal council briefing on gambling negotiations also differ from what the governor's office said last week — that permitting live card dealers was still part of the casino talks.

"The tribe and Easley's attorneys have been meeting since April about changing the state's gaming compact to allow dealers for games such as blackjack and poker, something the tribe says would create 430 jobs with a $15.2 million payroll.

"…Principal Chief Michell Hicks said Wednesday that Easley's legal team has indicated that the governor is concerned about card dealers. He said he did not know why. But, Hicks said, everything is still on the table and there would not be a final agreement 'until I sit down with the governor.'…"

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