Perdue, Cherokee Tribe Reach Gambling Deal

Gov. Bev Perdue and the Eastern Bank of Cherokee Indians have reached a 30-year agreement on table games. The deal, which needs approval of lawmakers and the U.S. Department of Interior, gives the tribe exclusive rights to table gambling west of Interstate 26, according to this News & Observer report.. The state's share is four percent of gross gambling receipts the first year, and builds up to 8 percent by the 20th year. Perdue says the money would go to school districts. The tribe's Harrah's Cherokee Casino and Hotel is in Cherokee, about 60 miles west of Asheville.