Harrah’s Cherokee Casino is bringing a new game to town.
Governor Roy Cooper signed Senate Bill 154 into law, allowing the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians to open sportsbooks at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort and Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel. North Carolina is the 19th jurisdiction in America to authorize sports betting.
“Legalizing sports betting in North Carolina is a welcome step in the fight against the dangerous, illegal market,” American Gaming Association CEO Bill Miller said in a statement. “Providing North Carolinians with legal alternatives to illicit offshore operators will help safeguard consumers and the integrity of the games, advance responsible gaming initiatives and give state and federal law enforcement an advantage in combating illegal gambling.”
Development of The Book, at both locations, will begin immediately and is expected to be completed by late fall. The resort in Cherokee will open in a temporary location in what is currently Sound Bytes at UltraStar Multi-tainment Center.
The Book at Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel will be located near the promotions stage.
“This is an exciting time,” said Brooks Robinson, Regional Senior Vice President and General Manager of Harrah’s Cherokee Casinos. “We continuously work to offer new experiences and opportunities to our customers and are confident that our new sportsbook will be an added delight for our guests and sports fans.”
(13-WLOS TV in Ashville, North Carolina, contributed)
