Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino is about to get bigger. Officials at the Murphy, North Carolina casino broke ground on a $275 million expansion project that will substantially increase the size of the resort and gaming facility. The casino has been open since 2015.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held last week to kick off the project that should create more than 2,500 construction jobs. The renovation is expected to be completed by 2024. More than 100 operational positions should be available after completion.
In attendance at the groundbreaking ceremony was Tommy Lambert, tribal casino gaming enterprise chairman, who said the project should enhance the guest experience.
“We are thrilled to gather today to see this project commence,” Lambert said. “The completion of this project will further enhance our guests’ experience, economic impact to the region and will demonstrate our commitment to remaining a powerhouse in the entertainment industry across the enterprise.”
Lambert added that the renovation calls for an additional 25,000 square feet of expanded gaming floor, a 296-room hotel tower, and a 12,000 square-foot rooftop restaurant.
“Since opening day, we have continued to exceed all expectations set for us,” said Lambert. “This will be our second expansion project since opening, with the first expansion completed back in 2017. We are grateful for the continued support we have received and look forward to welcoming guests to enjoy new experiences in 2024.”
Some of the highlights of the planned renovation include:
- 400 new slot machines
- 12 additional table games
- 10-table World Series of Poker (WSOP) – poker room
- 22-seat casino center bar featuring 14 tabletop gaming units, eight beer taps, bar top and lounge seating
- Expanded 30-seat motorcoach lobby for bus patrons
- Indoor pool •
- Fitness center
- Newly expanded hotel porte-cochere equipped for valet services
- Expanded hotel lobby with retail space
- 1,700 additional parking spaces including six electrical charging stations.
There are also plans for a 9,600 square-foot full-service spa that will offer treatments and hydro-thermal offerings. The space will include six treatment rooms, a sauna and steam room, plunge pools and a relaxation lounge.
