Valley River Casino: The Ultimate Guide to the Cherokee Casino in Western North Carolina

Valley River Casino, managed by the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians, is a world-class entertainment complex located in Murphy, North Carolina. With its breathtaking mountain views, luxurious accommodations, and exciting gaming options, it has become a premier destination for gamblers and vacationers alike.

History and Background

The casino opened its doors in 2015 and has since become a major economic driver for the region. The Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians has a long history of gaming in Western North Carolina, dating back to the early 20th century. The operation of Valley River Casino is a continuation of this tradition and provides much-needed revenue for tribal programs and services.

Location and Accessibility

Valley River Casino is conveniently located off Interstate 74 in Murphy, North Carolina. It is easily accessible from major cities such as Asheville, Charlotte, and Atlanta. The casino complex spans over 100 acres, featuring a state-of-the-art casino, hotel, dining options, and entertainment venues.

Transportation

Driving:

• From Asheville, NC: Take I-40 West for approximately 80 miles. Exit onto I-26 West and continue for 23 miles. Exit at Exit 9 (US-64 East/Murphy).
• From Charlotte, NC: Take I-85 South for approximately 100 miles. Exit onto US-64 West and continue for 65 miles. Exit at Exit 29 (NC-60 West/Murphy).
• From Atlanta, GA: Take I-75 North for approximately 150 miles. Exit onto I-575 North and continue for 4 miles. Take I-26 East for 80 miles. Exit at Exit 9 (US-64 East/Murphy).

Flying:

The nearest airport with commercial service is the Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), located approximately 60 miles from the casino. From AVL, you can rent a car or take a shuttle to Valley River Casino.

Shuttle Service:

Valley River Casino offers a complimentary shuttle service from Murphy and surrounding areas. Reservations are required in advance.

Casino Gaming

The heart of Valley River Casino is its spacious and modern casino floor, offering a wide variety of gaming options to satisfy every taste and budget:

Slot Machines

• Over 1,400 slot machines with denominations ranging from $0.01 to $100.
• A mix of classic and state-of-the-art machines, featuring popular titles such as Wheel of Fortune, Double Diamond, and Lightning Link.
• Progressive jackpots with life-changing payouts.

Table Games

• Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, Baccarat, and Pai Gow Poker.
• Expert dealers and a friendly atmosphere.
• Minimum bets start at $5.

Poker Room

• A dedicated poker room with 10 tables.
• No-limit hold'em, Omaha, and seven-card stud games.
• Daily tournaments and weekly cash games.

Hotel Accommodations

The Valley River Hotel, located directly adjacent to the casino, offers luxurious and comfortable accommodations for every guest:

• 300 guest rooms and suites with mountain views.
• Amenities include plush bedding, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi.
• The Club Tower offers exclusive amenities such as a private lounge, complimentary breakfast, and priority check-in.

Dining Options

Valley River Casino offers a wide array of dining options to cater to every craving:

• Elements: A fine dining restaurant serving contemporary American cuisine with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.
• The Buffet: A sprawling buffet with an extensive selection of dishes from around the world.
• Smokin' Bones BBQ: A casual barbecue joint serving ribs, pulled pork, and more.
• The Grind: A coffee shop serving Starbucks coffee, pastries, and sandwiches.

Entertainment and Events

Beyond gaming, Valley River Casino offers a variety of entertainment options to keep guests entertained:

• River's End Lounge: A cocktail lounge with live music and DJs.
• The Sky Bar: A rooftop bar with panoramic mountain views and craft cocktails.
• The Event Center: A versatile space hosting concerts, shows, and special events.
• The Showroom: An intimate venue showcasing live performances and comedy acts.

Amenities and Services

Valley River Casino provides a comprehensive range of amenities and services to enhance the guest experience:

• High-Speed Wi-Fi: Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the casino complex.
• ATM Machines: Multiple ATMs conveniently located on the casino floor.
• Valet Parking: Complimentary valet parking is available for hotel guests and casino players.
• Gift Shop: A gift shop offering souvenirs, clothing, and Cherokee crafts.

Smoking Policy

Smoking is only permitted in designated areas of the casino floor. All hotel rooms and dining outlets are non-smoking.

Responsible Gaming

Valley River Casino is committed to responsible gaming and offers a variety of resources to help guests stay in control:

• Self-Exclusion Program: Guests can voluntarily exclude themselves from the casino for a specified period.
• Gaming Counseling: Professional counseling services are available to assist guests with gambling-related issues.
• Underage Gambling Prevention: The casino strictly enforces a policy against underage gambling.

Economic Impact

Valley River Casino has a significant economic impact on the region. According to the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians:

• The casino employs over 2,000 people, making it one of the largest employers in Cherokee County.
• The casino generates over $300 million in annual revenue, which is used to fund tribal programs and services such as healthcare, education, and housing.
• The casino has spurred economic development in Murphy and the surrounding area, leading to the creation of new businesses and jobs.

Fun Facts

Here are some fun facts about Valley River Casino:

• The casino floor spans over 100,000 square feet, making it one of the largest casinos in North Carolina.
• The casino's largest jackpot to date was over $3.5 million, won on a slot machine.
• Valley River Casino hosts over 100,000 guests each year from all over the United States and beyond.
• The casino's name is derived from the Valley River, which flows through the Cherokee reservation.
• The casino's architecture incorporates traditional Cherokee elements, such as the "Four Winds" design on the ceiling.

Tables

Table 1: Slot Machine Statistics

Table 2: Table Game Statistics

Table 3: Dining Options

Stories and Lessons

Story 1: The $3.5 Million Jackpot

One lucky guest hit a jackpot of over $3.5 million on a slot machine at Valley River Casino in 2022. The guest, who remained anonymous, said they were shocked and thrilled by their win. They planned to use the winnings to pay off their mortgage and help their family.

Lesson: You never know when luck might strike. Even if you're not a regular gambler, it's always fun to try your luck on a slot machine. You just might be the next big winner!

Story 2: The Responsible Gambler

Another guest, a retired school teacher named Mary, has been playing slot machines at Valley River Casino for several years. She always sets a budget and sticks to it. She knows that gambling can be fun, but it's important to gamble responsibly.

Lesson: Gambling can be a fun way to spend your time and money, but it's important to set limits and stay in control. Don't chase your losses and never bet more than you can afford to lose.

Story 3: The Economic Miracle

Valley River Casino has had a transformative impact on the local economy. The casino has created over 2,000 jobs and generated over $300 million in annual revenue. This has led to the development of new businesses and the improvement of infrastructure in the area.

Lesson: Gambling can be a powerful economic engine. When done responsibly, gambling can create jobs, generate revenue, and improve the quality of life for everyone in a community.

Effective Strategies

Strategy 1: Set a Budget and Stick to It

The most important strategy for gambling at Valley River Casino is to set a budget and stick to it. Decide how much you can afford to lose before you start playing and don't bet more than that amount.

Strategy 2: Choose Your Games Wisely

Different casino games have different odds of winning. If you're looking to win big, try playing slots or video poker. If you're looking for a more social game, try playing blackjack or roulette.

Strategy 3: Take Advantage of Bonuses and Promotions

Valley River Casino offers a variety of bonuses and promotions to its guests. These bonuses can help you get more bang for your buck