North Carolina is relatively new to gambling. The first North Carolina casino was introduced in 1994. North Carolina casinos are run by the Cherokee Indians. North Carolina has much to offer casino visitors with its Atlantic Ocean shoreline and beautiful beaches. North Carolina provides an ideal getaway for the gambler who doesn't want to spend the whole time in the casino.

North Carolina became the 12th state on November 21, 1789. It covers 53821 square miles with 301 miles of coastline. Additionally, North Carolina has two nicknames: it is known as Old North State or the Tar Heel State. The population as of December 2000 is 8,049,313 people. Finally, North Carolina offers great weather and a climate that is family oriented to visitors.

The Cherokee Indians opened the first North Carolina casino in 1994. Harrah's Cherokee Casino offers video gambling only, no table games. The video gambling options include poker, slots and blackjack, among others. The games offered are all skill based, even the slots. The slot games differ from non-skill based slots because there are two spins and the player chooses to keep or discard the results from the first spin. In the contract signed between the North Carolina state government and the Cherokee Indians that set up the casino it is guaranteed these video gambling machines have a minimum return of 83%.

Harrah's Cherokee Casino is open to gamblers over 21 years of age. The casino operates 24 hours a day. It is located at 777 Casino Drive in Cherokee, just 55 miles southwest of Asheville. There is an attached hotel with 252 rooms available. There are also five on-site restaurants. Harrah's Cherokee Casino is family oriented with a childcare center and 1,500-seat entertainment area. Parking is free for casino guests. Harrah's Cherokee Casino offers a great vacation option for families or singles.

North Carolina casinos are very different from the glitzy casinos found elsewhere in the United States. Harrah's Cherokee Casino provides comfort and entertainment under one roof for the convenience of guests. Visitors to North Carolina must stop in and enjoy the casino. When not in the casino guests can enjoy the entertainment or dining provided at the casino or they can venture out to enjoy the lengths of beaches that North Carolina has to offer. North Carolina provides casino fun and beach relaxation for the ultimate in vacation destinations.