Perdue, Cherokee ink new tribal gaming compact
Gov. Bev Perdue has signed a new compact with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians that would clear the way for live dealers at the tribe's western North Carolina casino. Senate lawmakers will look at the deal Wednesday morning.
Posted — UpdatedThe House Appropriations Committee is scheduled to take up the Senate-passed bill Wednesday morning.
Perdue said the 30-year deal will create 400 jobs.
“As an added benefit, it channels some additional resources to our classrooms. I look forward to working with the General Assembly to make sure this agreement is finalized," Perdue said.
The deal Perdue signed today adjusts an earlier agreement the tribe and Perdue reached in November. As outlined by Perdue, the changes include:
- Specifying which types of live table gaming the Cherokee can conduct, such as Blackjack and Roulette.
- Limiting the Cherokee to three casinos, including the existing one.
- Through accompanying legislation, establishing the Indian Gaming Education Revenue Fund.
- Expressing the hope of both the Governor and the Cherokee that the fund will continue to be used for education in the future.
The compact gives the Cherokee exclusive gaming rights in the state west of Interstate 26. The state's share of the revenue includes:
- 4 percent of gross receipts from live table gaming during the first five years;
- 5 percent during the next five years;
- 6 percent during the next five years;
- 7 percent during the next five years; and
- 8 percent during the next ten years.
The U.S. Department of Interior will also have to approve the deal.
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