Cherokees, Hunt agree to plan to double size of casino

Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2000 | 9 a.m.

Hunt and Cherokee chief Leon Jones signed an agreement Tuesday in Raleigh that would allow them to expand the Harrah's Cherokee Smoky Mountains Casino. The deal also will extend the life of the state-tribe gambling compact 30 years.

The casino, which opened in 1997, has 2,500 gambling machines and 1,500 employees. Tribal leaders say the deal, which still must be approved by the U.S. Interior Department, would double the number of employees and machines.

The 60,000-square-foot casino drew 3.2 million visitors last year, making it the most visited private tourist spot in North Carolina.

"Right now, we have so many people that's coming in, and we have to turn them away because we don't have any space," said Carroll Crowe, the tribe's vice chief.

The casino has been a bonanza for the members of the tribe, who share in its profits.

An employee survey Harrah's conducted last year found that nearly half of the casino's employees bought new cars in 1999. More than 40 percent of the casino's workers live on the reservation.

"For a long time, our people were in the poverty area," Crowe said. "It hasn't pulled us totally out, but it makes us proud to see our people go buy a new TV and refrigerator. It's something usable in the household, and that just makes us feel good."

The tribe hopes to obtain federal approval in the next few months to begin the expansion.

The agreement between Hunt and the tribe requires the establishment of a foundation that will be active in protecting the environment, promoting tribal culture and implementing so-called "smart growth" principles to protect the surrounding area.

The agreement also requires casino employees to be at least 21 years old. The Eastern Band also must conduct criminal background checks on potential employees of the casino and its child-care center.

Last month, the tribe broke ground on a 15-story, 600-room hotel as part of its goal to become a regional destination for conventions and conferences. The agreement signed Tuesday also requires the tribe to make at least 7,500 referrals or complimentary room nights available to non-tribally owned hotels in an effort to spread business generated by the casino to others.

Hunt and Cherokee leaders agreed to a compact in 1994 to allow for gambling. Hunt was obligated by federal law to negotiate with the tribe.