Harrah’s Cherokee Casinos in North Carolina Remain Open, Defy Stay-at-Home Order
Posted on: December 14, 2020, 08:21h.
Last updated on: December 14, 2020, 11:18h.
Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort and Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino are remaining open, as commercial businesses are forced to close nightly on state orders.
On Gov. Roy Cooper’s (D) order, North Carolina entered a modified stay-at-home order effective Dec. 11. Under the directive, people are to stay at home between the hours of 10 pm and 5 am. The exception being essential and emergency travel.
Most commercial businesses, including restaurants, bars, entertainment venues, personal care, and retail stores, are required to close at 10 pm. On-site alcohol sales must end at 9 pm.
The two Harrah’s casinos, however, are owned by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI). As sovereign enterprises operating on land owned by the federally recognized tribe, the resorts are not required to adhere to state orders. And they’re not.
Casinos Carry On
Friday, Dec. 11 came and went, and Harrah’s Cherokee and Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River did not stop serving booze at 9 pm, nor did casino operations stop for the night.
After considerable research and consideration, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians will not be adopting the measures included in the newest Executive Order issued by Governor Roy Cooper,” said EBCI Principal Chief Richard Sneed.
Sneed says he will continue to monitor the impact of COVID and work to enact social distancing measures inside the casino.
Both Cherokee casinos are requiring employees and guests to undergo temperature screenings prior to entry. Any person with a temperature at or above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit is not granted access.
Everyone inside the resort must wear a face covering at all times. While restaurants and bars are reduced to 50 percent capacity, that isn’t the case on the gaming floor. Instead, the casino spaces are practicing social distancing, with player position limits on table games, and slot machine banks rearranged to allow for proper social distancing.
Governor Warns of More Restrictions
North Carolina is experiencing a large increase in COVID-19 cases. The state has seen daily new positive coronavirus test results more than double over the past month.
Calling the situation “alarming” and “dire,” Cooper is cautioning North Carolinians that if the numbers do not improve, additional mitigation orders will be commanded.
“We’ll do more if our trends don’t improve,” Cooper said last week. “That could mean additional actions.”
The governor likely isn’t happy that the EBCI isn’t following his orders. Earlier this month, the two parties were united when Cooper approved a proposed amendment to the Cherokee’s state gaming compact that will allow the tribe to operate sports betting at its two casinos. The amended gaming compact still needs the blessing of the North Carolina secretary of state and attorney general, and then approval from the US Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Related News Articles
Future of Indiana Gaming Will Discuss Tribal Compacts, Online Casinos
USC Trojans Fans Question University Naming Official Casino Resort Sponsor
Pequot Woodlands Casino Opens at Foxwoods Resort
Most Popular
LOST VEGAS: Wynn’s $28 Million Popeye
MGM Springfield Casino Evacuated Following Weekend Blaze
Mark Wahlberg’s Latest Acting Role: Las Vegas Gym Operator
Mandalay Bay Already De-Delanoing for W Welcome
Most Commented
-
VEGAS MYTHS RE-BUSTED: The Final Resting Place of Whiskey Pete
October 25, 2024 — 3 Comments— -
VEGAS MYTHS RE-BUSTED: A Roulette Color Can Be ‘Due’
October 11, 2024 — 2 Comments— -
Iowa Casinos Push Back Against Cedar Rapids Resort Pitch
October 7, 2024 — 2 Comments— -
Las Vegas Sports Bettor Claims William Hill Screwed Him Out of $40K PGA Bet
October 22, 2024 — 2 Comments—
Last Comments ( 5 )
What are the rules for patrons who can prove they have been vaccinated for covid 19.
Just visited the cascino and am very angry about the web site statingv"facial covers are required" then when u get there u r told "a mask is required"! Per CDC, there are exceptions of people unable to wear masks for medical reasons, and face shields can be used. Masks per CDC "MAY protect" from virus.....because they do not want to face legal action when the masks do not protect you.....and they dont or the more than 80% of the population who TESTED positive were avid mask wearers! So if I get sick from being forced to wear the mask, I will sue HARRAHS! I also will not return to any HARRAHS in the future!
That's interesting since they charge for alcohol and blame the state "happy hour law" as the reason for not offering free drinks. Seems they pick and choose which rules to follow based on which makes them money. But hey, competition is coming with casinos opening in VA, SC, then maybe TN. If those guys offer drinks, I think it will change quickly.
Good for them, I just wish every single business owner in all of the states would stand up and do this.....shutting down peoples lively hood over a virus that is at a 99% cure rate is absolutely insane and ridiculous. It makes me so angry to watch what they are doing to people for no reason anymore other then their own agendas! And by the way I think every single government official also needs to give up their pay, then let's see how long it will be until they open everything up again, bet it wouldn't take very long!!
I for one am glad to see that someone has the balls to stand up against Gov. Roy Cooper’s (D) order, North Carolina entered a modified stay-at-home order effective Dec. 11. Under the directive, people are to stay at home between the hours of 10 pm and 5 am. The exception being essential and emergency travel. Most commercial businesses, including restaurants, bars, entertainment venues, personal care, and retail stores, are required to close at 10 pm. On-site alcohol sales must end at 9 pm. I would love to see more businesses follow suit and remain open. The virus can not tell time! Do not allow this governor or any government office to kill business in NC. "I Will Not Comply" should be the frame of mind for all business owners