Harrah's Cherokee Casino in Cherokee, North Carolina is currently vying to launch a new poker room, as a measure to keep up with increasing competition in the southern region. Until now, Harrah's Cherokee Casino has enjoyed considerable success. Nonetheless, increasing competition and the rising demand for poker have driven the tribe to request clearance for poker room operation.

Although federal law gives the Cherokee tribe the power to manage casino operations, it also requires that the tribe make an agreement with the state regarding the variety of games offered at tribal casinos. North Carolina legislation, however, is notoriously strict and some predict that Governor Mike Easley will first need to be ousted for a poker room to be approved.

The Cherokees have already invested in a new building, which they are touting as a smoke-free casino. The facility, however, could easily be converted into a poker room, should expansion be approved for Harrah's Cherokee. The Cherokees are reportedly planning to meet with the Governor's legal counsel in the coming days.

Source:  Poker777 Staff

Thursday, 26 May 2005