We are pleased for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians who recently announced record casino profits and plans for expansion of the tribe’s Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino and Hotel in Murphy, following the approval of a $275 million loan agreement for the project.

For the 2021 fiscal year, which ended on Sept. 30, tribal distributions were 45 percent higher than 2020 — and 17 percent higher from 2019, casino spokesperson Brian Saunooke said, according to the Smoky Mountain News. The per capita distributions were higher in spite of a 0.79 percent increase in the number of tribal members receiving them since last year.

The jump in tribal distributions corresponds both to higher revenues and decreases in operational expenses required earlier in the pandemic. Regarding the latter, in 2021, the tribe’s gaming operations closed completely from March 18 to May 12.

“Both casinos performed very well throughout the fiscal year,” Saunooke, referring to the Cherokee and Murphy venues, was quoted as saying by the SMN. “When compared to the prior-year period, the resort in Cherokee was responsible for 65 percent of the increased distribution to the tribe.” 

While the new record-high distribution is well above the former record set in 2019, it did not reflect the early success of the new Cherokee Convention Center, which opened on Oct. 1, tribe officials noted.

The December tribal distribution only accounted for profits earned from April 1 through Sept. 30, the SMN reported. In its first month, the center hosted 28 groups, and its attached 725-room hotel tower kept 97 percent occupancy.

Gaming operations reportedly are running smoothly, yet there are plans to further capitalize on the success — just half a year after a $330 million expansion of its Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, the tribal nation plans to break ground on a $275 million expansion at its Murphy venue.

To that end, the Tribal Council approved a master plan for the expansion during a July 8 meeting. The loan agreement requisite to begin construction was approved on Nov. 4.  Chairman Tommy Lambert told the council that he hopes to break ground in February or March, with the loan expected to close Dec. 1, the SMN noted.

We are glad for the Cherokee that its members are prospering financially, and, at the same time, encourage thought and effort be given to how the Eastern Band — despite its skyrocketing wealth — can maintain its charming traditions, character, work ethic and other qualities that have been developed — through courage, hard work and ingenuity (and without great wealth) —  through the centuries.