Caesars Entertainment Tuesday announced an expansion of its relationship with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in anticipation of the March 11, 2024, launch of sports betting in North Carolina. Caesars’ online sports wagering platform will be used by the Tribe, furthering a partnership that grants Caesars Sportsbook with mobile sports betting access through a license held by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
The agreement is subject to regulatory approval.
“Our relationship with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians has spanned more than two decades,” said Caesars Digital President Eric Hession in a statement. “Expanding this longstanding partnership allows us to build on the premier sports wagering experience enjoyed at our in-person sportsbooks by bringing a responsible way to enjoy sports at a deeper level to the hands of North Carolinians 21 and older across the state. We’re thankful to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and to the North Carolina State Lottery Commission and its Sports Betting Committee for making this possible, and we look forward to the launch of mobile sports betting in the Tar Heel State.”
In advance of the official March 11 launch, Caesars Sportsbook’s mobile app March 1 will start to accept sign-ups and deposits.
The new+ agreement builds on Caesars Sportsbook’s North Carolina locations at Harrah’s Cherokee casinos in Cherokee and Murphy. Per the expanded relationship, Caesars Sportsbook will have exclusive rights to mobile sports wagering at the two casinos and on Eastern Band of Cherokee Tribal lands in western North Carolina.
“We are excited for this new venture with Caesars Entertainment and the enhancements it provides to our Tribal enterprise,” said Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Principal Chief Michell Hicks. “We look forward to the continued opportunities that will benefit the future of our membership.”
