North Carolina Tribal Gaming

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and the state of North Carolina entered into a compact in 1994 allowing the tribe to operate gaming machines in their bingo hall. The tribe works in cooperation with Harrah's to run their casinos. The tribe's Class II gaming compact with the state was granted a 30-year extension in 2000. In May 2008, the tribe renegotiated their compact to include Class III gaming. In 2011, and the compact was expanded again to permit live table games and live poker and to increase the number of hotel rooms, slot machines and restaurants.

In August 2008, tribal leaders agreed to allow members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians to vote on whether alcohol sales would be allowed at Harrah's Cherokee Casino. This was the third time in 18 years that tribal leaders had taken up the matter. The measure was approved in June 2009, allowing the tribe to serve alcohol at their gaming locations.