In 2001, an amendment to the compact was made that raised the legal gambling age from 18 to 21. Also, part of the casino's revenue is distributed directly to all members of the EBCI, in a form of basic income. Occupying a major market niche as the closest gambling outlet for multiple large cities (chiefly Atlanta but also Charlotte and the Research Triangle), the casino was a proven success from day one and has greatly improved living standards on the Qualla Boundary, including a new school, a hospital, public housing, and upgrades to public safety services such as police, fire, and EMS. Owned by the EBCI and managed by Harrah's Entertainment, the casino offered 24-hour video poker and gaming machines that was legal for those 18 years-of-age and older. Proposed in 1994, soon after a compact between the State of North Carolina and the EBCI to establish a casino with Class III gaming, Harrah's Cherokee Casino was opened on November 13, 1997.

It is located on the site of the former Frontier Land theme park. It is owned by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) and operated by Caesars Entertainment. Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort is a casino and hotel on the Qualla Boundary in Cherokee, North Carolina.

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