Indian Gaming > Gaming changes way of life for Eastern Cherokees

May 24, 2005

Gaming changes way of life for Eastern Cherokees

Gaming has improved the quality of life for the Eastern Band of Cherokees in North Carolina, Chief Michell Hicks says.

"It's allowed us to address many of the social and health and education issues that we really in the past didn't have funding to do," Hicks told News 14.

The tribe turned to gaming in the 1990s because its tourism industry was failing. Now the casino generates more than $100 million a year and employs about 18,000 people. Each tribal member shares in the casino profits, receiving more than $5,000 a year.

The tribe plans to expand the casino with Class III card games. A compact needs to be negotiated with the state before that can happen.

Get the Story:
Gambling is big business for tribe (News 14 Carolina 5/23)
Cherokee casino hopes to add cards to the mix (News 14 Carolina 5/24)