Cherokee casino launches $633M expansion

Harrah's Cherokee Casino & Hotel broke ground Friday on a 532-room luxury tower, part of a $633 million expansion.

Upon completion in 2012, the 37-acre property will have added a third tower incorporating luxury accommodations and high-end suites, a 3,000-seat events center, entertainment and VIP lounges, a 16,000-square-foot spa, a state-of-the-art digital poker room, an Asian gaming room, restaurant and retail outlets and hotel and casino parking garages.

Harrah's Cherokee is also renovating existing casino facilities and doubling the size of its casino floor to 150,000 square feet while increasing video and table game capacity. The facilities will incorporate the Eastern Band of Cherokee's extensive collection of Native American art.

"Despite the economy, the expansion will position the property in perfect position – ahead of the competition – when the economy rebounds, and we can welcome new customers anxious for world-class entertainment, accommodations and service," Principal Chief Michell Hicks said in a statement.