'Whether it's a revenue source as a casino or housing or education, etc., it all fits together,' Chief Michell Hicks said.
Ninety minutes from the Chattanooga market, 2 and a half hours from Atlanta.' The new casino is expected to pump millions of dollars into the local economy. 'Atlanta being one of our bigger marketsthe Chattanooga market being another opportunity for us. Come play your favorite game, spend some time with us at Valley River then make your way back home,' says Valley River Casino and Hotel General Manager, Lumpy Lambert. 'An opportunity for our guests to come in and use this as a day trip opportunity. Unlike the full resort experience of the operation on the Cherokee Reservation, the Murphy casino and hotel is smaller and focused on gaming and attracting regional visitors. I'm hoping they're going to give me a little back,' says Nyree Knight who traveled from Georgia to be at the front of the line.
'I'm going to give them my money, stick it in the machine. Hundreds lined up around the facility near Murphy, and on the road getting in. The new Harrah's Cherokee Valley River Casino and Hotel opened on Monday afternoon. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is betting that a second casino in our mountains will pay dividends.
