SPORTS BETTING
US – Caesars expands Cherokee deal to bring mobile sportsbook to North Carolina
By Phil - 30 January 2024
With mobile sports betting is on its way to North Carolina, Caesars Entertainment has announced an expansion of its relationship with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians to bring the company’s flagship sports wagering platform online in the Tar Heel State for the launch of legalised mobile sports wagering.
The agreement furthers the partnership, granting Caesars Sportsbook with mobile sports betting market access via a license held by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Tribal Casino Gaming Enterprise, subject to all required regulatory approvals.
Caesars Sportsbook intends to go live with mobile sports wagering when North Carolina launches online sports betting on March 11, 2024. Ahead of the official launch, the Caesars Sportsbook mobile app will begin accepting sign-ups and deposits starting on March 1.
The launch builds on the success of the two in-person Caesars Sportsbook locations at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort in Cherokee, N.C., and Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel in Murphy, N.C. As part of the expanded relationship, Caesars Sportsbook will have exclusive rights to mobile sports wagering at the two casinos and on Eastern Band of Cherokee tribal lands in western North Carolina.
“Our relationship with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians has spanned more than two decades,” said Eric Hession, President of Caesars Digital. “Expanding this longstanding partnership allows us to build on the premier sports wagering experience enjoyed at our in-person sportsbooks by bringing a responsible way to enjoy sports at a deeper level to the hands of North Carolinians 21 and older across the state. We’re thankful to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and to the North Carolina State Lottery Commission and its Sports Betting Committee for making this possible and we look forward to the launch of mobile sports betting in the Tar Heel State.”
“We are excited for this new venture with Caesars Entertainment and the enhancements it provides to our Tribal enterprise,” said Michell Hicks, Principal Chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. “We look forward to the continued opportunities that will benefit the future of our membership.”
Caesars Sportsbook will immerse sports fans 21 and older in North Carolina into a customized online sports wagering experience that emphasizes local sports and showcases the amenities and experiences they can enjoy at Harrah’s Cherokee and Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River through exclusive offers and marketing on the app that showcase the two properties. The Caesars Sportsbook app delivers premium rewards via one of the industry’s largest loyalty rewards programs, Caesars Rewards. Every wager placed with Caesars Sportsbook earns Tier Credits that contribute to status and Reward Credits redeemable for unique Caesars experiences like discounted getaways at various Caesars destinations across North America – including at destinations in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip – extraordinary culinary and entertainment experiences, as well as bonus cash in the app and unique sports experiences.
Caesars Entertainment and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians have maintained a status as industry leaders in Responsible Gaming throughout the duration of their partnership. As a trailblazer in Responsible Gaming, Caesars enforces an enhanced 21+ gaming policy that ensures Caesars Rewards accounts are only available to individuals 21 and older, where permitted by law. This 21 and older policy will apply to all in-person and online sports wagering operations conducted by Caesars Sportsbook in North Carolina.
