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North Carolina: New Catawba chief rejects money deal to break up with Two Kings Casino developer

October 11, 2023 · 8:09pm ET | 5:09pm PT
Photo: OUT OF DATE - DO NOT USE Catawba Indian Nation (courtesy)
  • Gavin Off, The Charlotte Observer

The Catawba Nation’s new chief rejects the cost of a financial deal that would break most ties with a company that’s been instrumental in launching its Two Kings Casino outside Charlotte.

The deal, approved by the tribe’s previous administration, would require the Catawba to pay SkyBoat, LLC a $125 million payout, Chief Brian Harris said.

The agreement would allow the Catawba to resolve the National Indian Gaming Commission’s opposition to SkyBoat’s agreements with the tribe and the company’s planned profits from the casino project when it’s finally built.

But it’s too much money, said Harris, who was elected chief this summer and must sign the agreement for it to be finalized.