Many people would characterize it as perfect timing. The Cherokee tribes’ two casinos in North Carolina opened live sports betting on Thursday, just in time for the start of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, also known as “March Madness.” The two new venues carry live sports betting to casinos that previously only offered slots and table games for wagering.
The Cherokee Indian Tribe has teamed up with William Hill and Caesars Entertainment.
In North Carolina, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians has two casinos in the western half of the county. The Cherokee Casino Resort and the Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel, both under the Harrah’s banner, have partnered with Caesars Entertainment.
The only legal gaming in the state is offered by the hotel. For a long time, the two sites only offered electronic poker tables, but in 2012, they switched to live tables.
The two casinos’ last hurdle to overcome was live sports betting, which they did on Thursday morning when the ribbon was cut on the two new sports betting locations, both of which would be known as “The Book.”
Brooks Robinson, Regional Senior Vice President & General Manager of Harrah’s Cherokee Casinos, told WBTV in North Carolina, “We are thankful for our friendship and collaboration with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and are ready for sports fans to join us at The Book at Harrah’s Cherokee Casinos.” “We are a group of people.
In both locations, patrons will be willing to wager on a range of sports. In a state that is rabid about sports, professional and college sports, horse racing, and the first day of the NCAA basketball tournament will be very common. The NCAA tournament is expected to be a big draw for both sports betting sites, particularly on opening weekend.
Sports Books of the Future
The two sports books, according to WBTV and Harrah’s, will try to replicate the feel of a Las Vegas betting experience. The following is a quote from the Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort:
On the 90-foot ultrahigh-definition screen at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, plush reclining chairs are available for watching sports, highlights, and score tickers. Guests can position their wagers at one of the seven ticket-writer windows or at one of the ten self-service betting kiosks. Guests of The Book will reserve one of the Fan Caves or Upper Deck seats for a more intimate group viewing experience.”
The Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel has a similar page:
Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel’s “The Book” features a 32-foot ultra-high-definition projector, plush reclining chairs, and full beverage service. For private viewing parties, an additional lounge area may be reserved. Guests will position bets at four ticket-writer windows and five self-service windows.”
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There are currently no mobile sports betting options in North Carolina, but new casinos may be coming soon. Governor Roy Cooper recently granted the Catawba Indians of North Carolina permission to open casinos outside of Charlotte, which would theoretically be able to offer the same gaming options as the Cherokee casinos. These fresh betting opportunities