North Carolina Gov. Mike Easley (D) has outright rejected live dealers and table games for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, the tribe's vice chief said.

“It was an emphatic ‘no’ to live dealers and table games,” Vice Chief Larry Blythe told The Asheville Citizen-Times.

Principal Chief Michell Hicks acknowledged that Easley is concerned about live dealers and table games. But he considers everything to be on the table until a final compact is negotiated.

The tribe hopes to sign a new Class III gaming compact and has been in talks with the state since April.

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Live games at casino? Two stories being told (The Asheville Citizen-Times 2/2)