Jason Sandford
Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.
First report here from the Smoky Mountain News:
This month, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino will be hosting its first-ever World Series of Poker event, a 10-day poker extravaganza that culminates in two large tournaments and a 10-player final. The lucky winner of that game will go home not only with winnings, but a coveted slot at the prestigious World Series of Poker main event in Las Vegas. They’ll even be flown to Nevada, courtesy of their winning hand.
And the lastest on Harrah’s revenues here from the Asheville Citizen-Times:
Revenue at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino continued to dip with the economy, though an increase in lottery sales kept North Carolina among the top 10 states for growth in gambling, according to industry reports.
Casino City Press’ North American Gaming Almanac says the state had a 10 percent increase in revenue from the lottery in 2009, the most recent year in the report. The increase was less than the 14 percent bump the year before.
The state made $579.8 million, according to the report. The money benefits schools.
Harrah’s Cherokee Casino’s revenue dropped 6 percent in 2009, according to a separate study, Casino City Press’ Indian Gaming Industry Report.
The drop came despite the casino offering more video gambling machines and increasing video table games by 22 percent. Revenue declined 4 percent the year before.
The casino is working on a $630 million expansion that will double its floor space.
Revenue in the first seven months of this fiscal year has doubled compared with the previous year, according to a statement released Friday by casino communications manager Craig Day.
