Harrah’s Casino to begin serving alcohol

(Cherokee, NC, October 2, 2009) – Beginning today, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino and Hotel is serving wine and beer in its restaurants and lounge, and through room service.

As the hotel undergoes a $633 million expansion, the service of alcohol is a critical next step and a welcome amenity. The recent passage of the alcohol referendum by the Eastern Band of Cherokees, owners of the property, was the first major step in providing alcohol service to Harrah’s Cherokee guests.

Wine and beer is now being served at Sycamores on the Creek, Selu Garden, Seven Sisters Lounge, and in guest room accommodations.  Harrah’s diversified wine list features an outstanding selection of international and domestic labels, and includes a number of wines from North Carolina.  In addition, there is a wide range of domestic and international beers and ales.

Harrah’s Cherokee Casino & Hotel’s expansion will position the property as the premier gaming destination in the Southeast and a world-class entertainment and tourism destination.  Referred to as “The Master Plan,” this expansion is the most significant hospitality expansion project underway in the Southeast and one of the largest in the United States.  This plan will also increase Harrah’s Cherokee’s accommodations to become the largest in the state.

Harrah’s Cherokee will become the preeminent resort for leisure and business travelers once this development is completed in 2012.  Visitors who frequent the resort for its outstanding recreational programs, entertainment, accommodations and service will be impressed with the hotel and casino’s new amenities, which will include 532 new luxury guest rooms and suites, a 3,000-seat events center, entertainment and VIP lounges, 16,000-square-foot spa, all new state-of-the-art digital poker room, Asian gaming room, a variety of new restaurant and retail outlets, and new hotel and casino parking garages.

Harrah’s Cherokee is also renovating its current casino facilities and doubling the size of its casino floor to 195,000 square feet.  Also, the resort has made a significant investment into new, sophisticated technology and group services ranging from business and conference support to elaborate catering services.

Harrah’s Cherokee Casino & Hotel is an enterprise of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation, located 50 miles west of Asheville at the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Harrah’s Cherokee Casino is open 24 hours a day to guests 21 years of age or older. For more information about Harrah’s Cherokee, please call 1-800-HARRAHS or visit our website at www.harrahs.com.