When a $633 million expansion wraps up later this year, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino & Hotel will have a new Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse and Brio restaurant, as well as a five-star Mandera Spa and a spectacular rotunda entrance. All are part a new emphasis over the last four years that has seen the transformation of North Carolina’s only casino into a full-scale resort. There’s new floor space for electronic games in addition to the nearly 500 new hotel rooms that recently opened alongside a 3,000-seat entertainment center that’s drawing stars like Diana Ross.
An economic impact study completed in June noted the evolution from a single bingo operation to a complex resort that is the largest private tourist attraction in North Carolina. About 3.6 million people visit the casino each year, with more than two-thirds of gaming revenues coming from out-of-state visitors. Visitor-generated revenue totaled $386 million in 2010 after temporarily peaking at $449 million in 2007. In 2009, the economic impact on Jackson and Swain counties was estimated to be about $300 million. Capital investments added another $82 million.
Harrah’s Cherokee casino transforms from gambling stop to full-scale resort