History
In the beginning, North Carolina restricted all gambling forms within its state lands. NC legislature tried to address some of the gaming options due to residents' demand, which led to little improvement in its gambling activities within borders.
Later on, North Carolina amended its legislation for Cherokee casinos to offer table games. With less gaming competition within the state, the federally recognized tribe opened another gambling place called Cherokee Valley River Casino. Many tribes attempted to establish a casino within state lines, but the Cherokee Tribe heavily opposed a third casino. For years, the Catawaba tribe fought for their right to build a casino in North Carolina. Through the support of Hard Rock International, North Carolina gave the tribe its authority to open its proposed King’s Mountain casino resort in 2020.
Harrah’s Cherokee Casino is the first legal casino in North Carolina.
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1979
North Carolina allowed operations of bingo and raffles for charities.
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1994
The state has approved the Cherokee tribe's casino compact. From then on, the tribe started offering video gaming to the residents.
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1997
The tribe opened the first casino in North Carolina through a gambling compact.
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2005
The state lottery was approved.