House preps for Cherokee gambling vote

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - House Republicans preparing for a key vote to allow expanded gambling at the Cherokee Indian casino in western North Carolina are getting lobbied hard by tribal leaders and religious groups.

The House was expected Thursday afternoon to debate a measure that alters state gambling laws so that a compact between the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and Gov. Beverly Perdue can be implemented. The agreement allows the Harrah's Cherokee casino to offer live dealer games like poker, craps and roulette. The casino currently has electronic games.

The Senate already has passed a version of the bill.

Representatives on both sides of the issue spoke Thursday morning to dozens of House Republicans at what was billed as a rare GOP caucus meeting open to non-legislators.