Nowhere is there a better example of why state government should stay out of the gambling business than this. The Cherokee tribe in western North Carolina wants to add table games — traditional casino games. The state, however, must approve the move. That leaves us in the silly position of having the state decide what is “good” gambling — the lottery — and what is “bad” gambling — casino-style games operated by the Cherokee tribe or anyone else. If the Cherokees, or any private entity, wants to open a casino in North Carolina, it should be welcomed as a job creator and taxpayer.
