N.C. casino cuts jobs as business declines

CHEROKEE -- Harrah's Cherokee Casino and Hotel will cut nearly 100 jobs because there has been a 15 percent decrease in the number of visitors to the casino.

General manager Darold Londo said the casino is offering voluntary buyouts that include severance packages based on years of service. Londo said if that doesn't eliminate enough jobs, employees will be let go.

The casino is owned by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and provides much of the tribal government's budget, including health care.

Tribal members receive a check twice a year from casino profits. The checks issued in December were $4,473 for each tribal member, down 11 percent from June.