Cherokee, NC Harrahs ... Take Action!

Benjamin · #1 02-21-2005, 11:07 PM

This poker room is being delayed, and we can bet that the hold up is 99% coming from the state of NC. The Indian Gaming Commision surely doesn't object, and Harrah's was ready to open it by now if not for the current holdup.

The Governor's office is who ultimately makes the agreement with the Cherokee to allow the game ... there may be some legal room for the Cherokee to offer it along-side Bingo as a Class II game without the state's agreement, but it will definitely be easiest if the state goes along with it.

Politicians being what they are, they are susceptible to swaying with the public wind. An anti-gambling group has made noise about the poker room, so we need to let them hear our voices too.

Take Action!

1) Call the governor's office and let them know that you want the poker room to be allowed. Emphasize that poker is a game of skill ... much more skill is required to play it well than is required by the video 'games of skill' currently employed by casino.

Governor Easley's office:
1-800-662-7952 valid in North Carolina only
(919)733-4240, or (919)733-5811.

And/or EMAIL (http://www.governor.state.nc.us/email.asp?to=1)the Governor's Office.

If you are a NC resident, then you should tell them that. If you are a NC voter, tell them that. If you have contributed to Easley's campaign, or are thinking of doing so, tell them that.

But even if you live in Cali and might only play there once every few years, you should still contact the Governor's office. This is a beautiful part of the country, and it would be a great addition to the poker universe.

Those of us in NC should really be forming a NC poker players association ... the state does have a law on the books that allows betting on oneself in games of skill, so there may be some possiblity of getting legalized poker throughout the state if we were to become a political force.

Regards,
Benjamin

Benjamin · #2 02-22-2005, 11:45 PM

Bumping this to the top, once.

Below is the email I sent. Feel free to edit it to fit yourself a bit and submit it.

<<

Hello,

I'm writing the governor to urge him to support a poker room for the Cherokee Indian tribe. I voted for the governor, and I'd like to see him help this boon to the local economy become a reality.

Poker is a game of skill: this is widely acknowledged. Expert poker play demands far more skill, study and dedication than the electronic 'games of skill' that are currently allowed in Cherokee.

Poker is hugely popular, and is widely accepted in society. A poker room in Cherokee, NC would draw high income professionals to western North Carolina from the entire Southeast region.

Please, do approve the poker room that Harrah's wants to open in Cherokee. It will be good for Western NC, and NC as a whole.

Sincerely, Benjamin

flatline · #3 02-23-2005, 02:09 AM

I really hope this room gets opened sometime soon. There is a large group of players in Knoxville, TN that is dying to see it open. We will be down there every weekend. However, the constant delays make me wonder whether the room is ever going to open.

ShadowNC · #4 02-24-2005, 11:16 AM

Great idea...email sent.

MrTimCaum · #5 02-26-2005, 05:36 PM

I just graduated from ECU in December, but I'm still living in Greenville. I'm praying it opens.

Email sent.

edit: I copied and pasted your message Benjamin, on a ECU message board that has a large group of poker playing students and urged them to speak up.

fishfeet · #6 02-26-2005, 06:01 PM

This would be GREAT!

Michael C · #7 02-26-2005, 09:16 PM

I've also e-mailed the Governor. It's ridiculous to allow slots and video this-and-that but not live poker.

peachy · #8 02-27-2005, 03:03 AM

id be up there every weekend too if they would hurry and open it!!

JoeC · #9 02-27-2005, 03:24 AM

What are the odds of Cherokee spreading some mid-limit or no limit poker? It's cool NC might get poker but I don't want to drive 5 hours to Cherokee just to play 3-6, as I've heard rumored as the biggest limit they'd allow.

gummy d · #10 02-27-2005, 04:22 AM

I sent an e-mail but followed another line of reasoning: jobs. I myself am planning on getting a part-time job dealing up there if it ever opens. I also mentioned that I think it will help sell the many second homes and condos on the market in Western North Carolina at this time.
Thanks for the link. My thoughts are it will be open by fall and really is already a done deal but we will see.
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