North Carolina has a compact with two federally-recognized Indian tribes, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and the Catawba Indian Nation.

The Eastern Band of Cherokee operate two Class III tribal casinos in the state. The Catawba Indian Nation operate one Class III tribal casino.

The Tribal Gaming Commission for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is responsible for the regulation of all gaming activities on Eastern Cherokee Lands, while the Tribal Gaming Commission for the Catawba Indian Nation is responsible for the regulation of all gaming activities on Catawba Nation land. The State of North Carolina is given limited regulatory scope over tribal gaming to ensure compliance with compact provisions.

The Compacts grant the tribes the authority to enter into a management contract for the operation and management of their respective casinos.

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians compact will remain in effect until August 12, 2045 at which time the compact will expire unless extended by the parties.

The compact with the Catawba Indian Nation is in effect until 2051 at which time the compact will expire unless extended by the parties.

AVAILABLE GAMING LICENSES
N/A

For more information on available gaming licenses, see Regulatory Fact Sheet.

REVENUE SHARE
In exchange for the exclusive right to conduct live table games, the tribes have agreed to provide revenue sharing payments to the state. The contribution rate for both tribes is currently at 5 percent and will continue to increase by 1 percent every five years until the rate reaches 8 percent, at which point it is capped.

TAX PROMOTIONAL CREDITS
Promotional credits do not affect revenue sharing in the state.

WITHHOLDINGS ON WINNINGS
The state does not withhold a percentage of gambling winnings at tribal casinos. However, federal law may require tribal casinos to issue a W-2G form to persons and may withhold winnings if certain conditions are met. For more information click here.

STATE USE OF REVENUE
All monies received by the state under the revenue sharing agreement go to local school administrative units and charter schools within the state.

TRIBAL USE OF REVENUE
Requirements as described in IGRA.

STATUTORY FUNDING REQUIREMENT
None

SELF-EXCLUSION
Under the terms of the Eastern Band of Cherokee’s compact, the tribe is required to maintain its existing programs which address gambling addiction and promote responsible gaming. The tribe must provide similar programs at any new gaming facilities.

Under the terms of the Catawba Indian Nation’s compact, the tribe must adopt programs to address gambling addiction and promote responsible gaming.

COMPLIMENTARY ALCOHOLIC DRINKS
None

ADVERTISING RESTRICTIONS
The tribes must prohibit any and all forms of advertising targeting or enticing underage gambling.

ON-PREMISE DISPLAY REQUIREMENT
Posting of responsible gaming signage and gambling helpline phone numbers

AGE RESTRICTIONS
Must be 21 years of age to purchase a gaming ticket or participate in any Class III game.

OPERATION ON HOLIDAYS
Yes

TESTING REQUIREMENTS
Electronic Gaming Machines must receive approval and certification by the tribal gaming commission as well as an independent testing laboratory.

ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING REQUIREMENTS
Federal compliance requirements under the Bank Secrecy Act.

SHIPPING REQUIREMENTS
Federal shipping requirements under the Johnson Act.

RESTRICTIONS ON POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS
Yes

CREDIT OFFERED TO PATRONS
The tribes may not extend credit to gaming patrons for amounts less than $1,000.

SMOKING BANS
No.

CASHLESS GAMING & ALTERNATIVE PAYMENTS
Cashless gaming is not currently offered in North Carolina’s tribal casinos.