CHEROKEE, N.C. (AP) -- The casino on Cherokee tribal lands in western North Carolina is now operating live table games two months after the Legislature changed gambling laws to let them do so.
The Asheville Citizen-Times reports the 15-year-old Jackson County casino reached a milestone when it dealt blackjack at 12 tables Wednesday to invited VIPs. The casino had offered electronic versions of table games before now.
The Harrah's casino has hired 500 new dealers and now employs 2,300 people. Harrah's officials say a good dealer can earn $60,000 in wages and tips.
Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Principal Chief Michel Hicks says he's hopeful the expansion will bring more visitors to the casino.
Gov. Beverly Perdue helped negotiate a compact that gives the state a portion of revenues from the new games.