Jason Sandford
Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.
The press release follows. The added information is that Harrah’s Cherokee Casino will hold another job fair beginning at 10 a.m. on Sept. 5 to hire more part-time dealers.
On Wednesday, August 15, 2012, the first live blackjack hands were dealt at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino. The special evening kicked off the long awaited transition to offer traditional table games.
“The jobs being created just for this initiative are phenomenal. I know for the Tribe, the Chief and the employees that have been here since day one, it’s pretty overwhelming for them,” said Harrah’s Cherokee Senior Vice President and General Manager Brooks Robinson. “To date, over 500 new jobs have been created as a result of the live table games.”
An official opening ceremony with Principal Chief Michell Hicks of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Governor Beverly Perdue, tribal and state officials, will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 21 at 2:30 pm on the casino floor. Governor Perdue signed the legislation on June 6, opening the process to allow live table gaming at Harrah’s Cherokee per an amended gaming compact.
With some blackjack tables open today, guests can expect to see craps and roulette opening up over the next few days with additional games available in the following weeks. Harrah’s Cherokee anticipates having up to 100 traditional table games available by late November. Traditional slot machines will be added to the mix, and credit will be offered by early October.
The $650 million expansion project is one of the largest in the U.S., offering the greatest number of hotel accommodations in the Carolinas.
