Cherokee Scout: Eastern Band of Cherokee looks to build a second casino

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The Cherokee Scout reports that the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is looking at land close to Murphy for a second casino:

After purchasing land in Marble with the intent of using nearby tribal land for a casino, Tribal Casino Gaming Enterprise officials are now considering property just outside of the Murphy town limits.

John Houser, chairman of the gaming enterprise who oversees the tribe’s gaming, said gaming operations could happen in six months from approval of the site.

“We’re thinking about a temporary casino on site,” Houser said, which would operate until a permanent facility was complete. “A permanent facility would be complete in about 18 months from start to finish.” The Tribal Casino Gaming Enterprise has scheduled public meetings at the tribe’s community clubs. One happened Tuesday night at the Cherokee County Indian Community Club in Marble

Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Tribal Council tabled a resolution Thursday to authorize construction of a casino and hotel on trust land in Cherokee County. The entire project is expected to cost about $110 million.

Murphy is another hour southwest of Cherokee, where the tribe currently runs a massive resort and casino with the help of Harrah’s. Next month, the tribe will celebrate a grand re-opening of the Cherokee casino, which has seen $650 million worth of additions and improvements. The Cherokee casino opened 16 years ago.