The Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians discussed the plan to add live poker room to its casino with the legal adviser of Governor Mike Easley. Principal Chief Michell Hicks claimed that the casino expanding is required in order to keep up the competition with other Southeast casinos, which offer cheap airfare and accommodations. He also claimed that adding a poker room would create 430 jobs.
The Cherokees casino contains 3,500 video games for slots, poker and blackjack. The casino is operated by Harrahs. In order to add live table games to the casino, the tribe has to discuss its initial gambling agreement with the state. Easley has the authority to change the agreement conditions, has implied that he wants to suggest sharing part of the tribes profits from gambling.
