Harrah’s Cherokee Casino
Harrah’s Cherokee is the first casino in North Carolina, opening way back in 1997. Back then, your options were limited to just video poker, but boy things sure have changed. Harrah’s Cherokee now has a full casino with approximately 150,000 square feet of slots, live table games, live poker, and more! They even host World Series of Poker events from time to time. Harrah’s Cherokee is one of the largest hotel properties in the state, with 3 separate towers and over 1,000 rooms available. Dining options range from simple, fast choices to fine dining, a Wicked Weed Brewpub onsite, and a family-friendly area with bowling and arcade games so everyone can get in on the fun.
Looking for info on staying at the resort? Head over to our Harrah’s Cherokee Lodging and Dining options article to learn more.
If you’re looking for more options, but you still don’t want to trek all the way to Vegas to try your luck, check out all the other casinos in NC and just across the border.
How Big Is The Harrah’s Cherokee Casino?
What can you expect when you enter the casino floor at Harrah’s Cherokee? Well, like lots of casinos these days, expect lots of slots. Slots as far as the eye can see. However, there’s a little twist with the machines, because per the Cherokee tribe’s compact with North Carolina to authorize the casino, all games must have an element of skill involved. So, on slot machines, after an initial pull, you’re given the option to lock in selected reels and spin again. Also, some machines will automatically enroll Harrah’s Total Rewards members who insert their card into the machine for a raffle with cash prizes available for the lucky winners.
For those who aren’t into the electronic games, have no fear – there’s plenty of table games available.
Table Games
Expect to see a healthy dose of the usual suspects here, with lots of blackjack, roulette, and craps tables available for a variety of betting minimums. Generally, there’s going to be a lot of $25 minimum tables at peak times, like Friday and Saturday nights. You’ll be able to find some $15 minimum tables too. There’s more available during slow hours during the day and on weeknights, but even on weekends you’ll find some. You may have to wait a few minutes for a seat to open up, though. In a recent trip in June 2021, we found several $15 tables, even in the evenings. Sometimes, it helps to ask a pit boss if there’s something available. On the other end, high rollers can go to an exclusive area for high limit betting with minimums starting at $50 for those tables.
If those aren’t your games, here are some others available:
- Let It Ride
- 3 Card Poker
- Baccarat
Looking for tips on how to even the odds against the house in these games?
Poker Room
The Poker Room is typically open all day, except for a short period in the breakfast hours from around 6 AM – 11 AM every day. There are 25 tables running all sorts of cash games and tournaments at a variety of betting levels. The Poker Room has played host to several World Series of Poker (WSOP) events, and often has other local tournaments if you’re looking for some action with the potential of a high payoff. The Poker Room was recently moved to the casino floor, next to the bowling alley and video arcade area.
Sports Book
Harrah’s Cherokee has a Sports Book area managed by William Hill that’s got all the seating and viewing screens you need to keep up on the action. You can place bets all day long at electronic betting kiosks, take a break from the casino and relax in a plush chair and catch some games.
For those interested in a more private experience, there are three Fan Caves available to reserve with one 85″ TV, two 43″ TVs, and access to the betting stations. Click here if you’re interested in booking some seating. Prices are $100 – $200 on weekdays and $150 – $300 on weekends depending on your seating area, with space for around 5 guests. A $50 beverage minimum and 18% service charge also applies.
Casino Smoking Policy
Harrah’s Cherokee used to have a smoking and non-smoking section on the casino floor. However, following the COVID-19 pandemic, the switch was made to have a 100% non-smoking casino. The Poker Room has always been non-smoking. Take it outside, folks!
Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Drinks
Alcohol is served on the casino floor with wait staff patrolling the slots and table games. However, unlike Vegas casinos, drinks aren’t free. The prices aren’t bad, though, with beers around $5 and mixed drinks a little more. Non-alcoholic beverages are free, with water, coffee, soft drinks available.
Make sure to tip your fine folks who make sure you have a good time – when it’s busy, they are really hustling all over the place!
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