"If you’ve got a goose laying golden eggs, jobs one, two and three are to make sure you don’t kill it.

That’s the simple equation that should be in play regarding the negotiations between Gov. Beverly Perdue’s office and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians over allowing Las Vegas-style card dealers in return for a greater share of gambling revenues from Harrah’s Cherokee Casino.

In two letters sent to the tribe in August, the governor’s office outlined its vision of such a deal. The state would get a cut from the new games. It would also get a say in what kind of new games could be offered, and in addition wouldn’t ban gambling in all parts of the state, opening the door for a casino elsewhere.

In return, the Eastern Band would get live dealers, millions of dollars in additional profits and be allowed to build casinos elsewhere on the Cherokee Indian Reservation."

Get the Story:
Proceed on new gaming accord, but with caution (The Asheville Citizen-Times 9/7)

Another Opinion:
Doug Clark: The next casino (The Greensboro News-Record 9/6)

Related Stories:
Per capita payments at Eastern Cherokee casino fell 21 percent (9/6)
Eastern Cherokees preparing for action on live dealers at casino (8/25)
Lawmakers predict passage of Eastern Cherokee gaming compact (8/16)