Casino revenues are falling in Cherokee, so the tribe will vote June 4 on whether or not they want to allow alcoholic beverage sales at the casino. (Again?) Cheap thrills to stimulate the medulla oblongata are always an easy way to make money without much effort.
Baptist churches on the reservation oppose the liquor sales, but Norma Moss of the Tribal Casino Gaming Enterprise remarked, “It’s a business decision, not a moral decision.” The casino has provided a revenue stream for a hospital, schools, and housing. Don Rose, who is chairman of the committee behind the referendum, notes that casinos are more successful when people can drink. It probably has something to do with that impaired judgment kids learn about in drivers’ ed.
Overall, folks seem to be betting that the referendum will succeed. The main reason is that in addition to getting services, tribe members get a per capita disbursement from casino revenues. Last year’s average payment was $4390. This year, the amount will be less because fewer people believe they can afford to gamble in a volatile or sinking economy. Supporters of the referendum estimate the amount could increase by $9000 by 2015.
Said Rose:
We have basically on the reservation a one-trick pony called the casino, and it’s been terrifically successful. As a result of that success we’ve entered into programs dependent on the casino revenue stream, things like infrastructure, water and sewer, housing and education for the children.”
Cherokee restaurants outside the casino would not be able to sell alcohol regardless of the outcome.
