Don't play games with it. Rebuild that carb, not just a gasket....in the long run, you won't regret it! Besides, the gasket is so much easier to put on there if the carb is off the engine, so while you have the carb off....rebuild it with a rebuild kit! For a few bucks more I'd probably put a new fuel line in, too. I'm glad to hear that you are up and running with a quick diagnosis and a fairly quick fix!!
Cub Cadet 123