Much of Western North Carolina suffered substantial damage due to Hurricane Helene. It was catastrophic in many areas within 100 miles of Asheville. Our hearts go out to everyone. Those who follow our work know we visit the area often. People are suffering. Hundreds of lives were lost. Special mountain towns were destroyed.
Tourism is a huge part of the region’s economy. While some areas may need a year or more to recover, the state’s three casinos, among the region’s largest employers, suffered no damage.
North Carolina casino employees have repeatedly stated on social media that business is much slower than usual. Some of this is attributed to false statements spread by bad actors related to road and casino closures. Casino players unaffected by the tragedy in North Carolina’s High Country can support the local economy by visiting as normal.
Which North Carolina casinos are open?
All three North Carolina Casinos are open. The Harrah’s hotels are also open. While there have been staffing challenges, operations are mostly at full levels.
Gas, food, and water shortages are reported in the area. If you arrive from Georgia or Tennessee, get gas away from the Asheville area and eat on the way there. Some casinos are accepting donations to help support the recovery efforts.
Two Kings
Two Kings closed for a day due to a power outage. When it reopened, generators struggled to cool the casino. Two Kings closed its pit temporarily due to this. Its slots remained open. Table games have since returned.
Harrah’s Cherokee
Harrah’s Cherokee is the largest North Carolina casino. Its Cherokee Tower is being used by visiting first responders. This did not affect hotel reservations as those guests were moved into other towers. Otherwise, the casino, hotel, and restaurants operate at normal levels. The Caesars Sportsbook and WSOP poker room are open normal hours. Table games are available, as well as thousands of slot, video poker, and electronic table machines.
Roads are open in most directions. Interstate 40 is open from the east. However, it is closed to the northwest near the Tennessee state line. Cherokee only received minor flooding in low-lying areas near water. Most of it was in parks designed to be floodplains.
Harrah’s Cherokee is a drop-off spot for donations. Accepted items include bottled water and non-perishable food.
Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River
Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River is an hour west of Cherokee. The road between the two, US 19/74, was not impacted by the storm. Murphy and the area surrounding it where Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River is saw no issues with the storm. It is hours west of the hardest hit parts of North Carolina. The table games, slots, video poker, electronic table games, poker room, sportsbook, and hotel are all open as normal.
Harrah’s Cherokee Valley is in the midst of a massive renovation. It includes a casino floor expansion that already finished, which includes a new poker room. A second hotel tower and parking deck are not yet completed.