Casinos in North Carolina
Updated: October 16, 2025
North Carolina Casino Map - List of Gambling Locations
North Carolina Casino Map
The Best Casino in North Carolina
Slots
3280
Special Services
- Fitness
- Pool
The Biggest Casino in North Carolina
| Harrah's Cherokee Valley River | Murphy | 50.000 | 70 | 15 | Read Our Review Visit Website |
Are There Indian Casinos in North Carolina?
A casino gambling compact with Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians permitted the establishment of Indian casinos in North Carolina. Initially, Indian casinos are only allowed to offer video gaming. It changed when the NC government amended the bill for casinos to operate table games too.
| Harrah's Cherokee Valley River | Murphy | Blackjack Games, Casino Poker Games, Dice Games, Lottery Games, Others (Electronic Craps, Electronic Blackjack, Electronic Roulette, Electronic 3-Card Poker), Poker Cash Games And Poker Tournaments, Roulette Games, Slots Games, | Read Our Review Visit Website |
| Harrah's Cherokee | Cherokee | Blackjack Games, Casino Poker Games, Dice Games, Lottery Games, Others (Electronic Craps, Electronic Blackjack, Electronic Roulette, Electronic 3-Card Poker), Poker Cash Games And Poker Tournaments, Roulette Games, Slots Games, | Read Our Review Visit Website |
Racinos
NC gambling laws had a brief window of legality for racetracks beginning 1948 until 1954. It allowed the operation of two racetracks in Moyock and Morehead City, where greyhound races occurred. In the mid-50s, the state banned racinos due to allegations that the officials gave the said private company some special privileges.
After the event, North Carolina never allowed horseracing.
Are There Cruise Ship or Riverboat Casinos in North Carolina?
There are no available cruise ship casinos that operate from NC lands. Residents on the east side of the state can find riverboat casinos that depart from Little River. These gambling cruises are just across the state land in South Carolina, where they offer the same variety of casino games.
Full North Carolina Casino List
There are two land-based casinos in North Carolina where residents can experience a full range of betting games, such as slots, craps, roulette, Three Card Poker, Four Card Poker, Let it Ride and baccarat. Check out some casinos near us, where these games are legal.
Choose a City
Choose a Type
| All Casinos in Cherokee | ||||
| Harrah's Cherokee | 777 Casino Dr, Cherokee, NC 28719, United States, Cherokee, | |||
| All Casinos in Murphy | ||||
| Harrah's Cherokee Valley River | 777 Casino Pkwy, Murphy, NC 28906, United States, Murphy, 28906 | |||
Expected New Casinos
Since the beginning, gambling towns in North Carolina have shown slow progress in embracing the establishment of casinos in its lands. NC laws only legalized two tribal casinos and a handful of bingo establishments. There is a small probability of having new casinos in North Carolina gambling cities as the state seriously preserves its conservative values.
Gambling in North Carolina
When North Carolina approved the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988, it allowed tribes to negotiate casino compacts with many states, including North Carolina. NC establishments were approved to offer various gambling activities, such as poker, slots, roulette, dice, blackjack, and table games.
| North Carolina Gambling Topics | Gambling Facts for North Carolina |
|---|---|
| Number of Casinos | 2 |
| Casino Types | Indian |
| Casino Games Offered | Slots Games, Table Games, Poker Games, Roulette Games, Blackjack Games, Dice Games, |
| Age | 21+ , |
| Smoking | Yes/No*, *Smoking inside is prohibited but there are external smoking areas in each North Carolina casino |
| Drinking | Yes/No*, *Drinking while playing is allowed, but no free alcoholic drinks are served |
| Opening Hours |
24/7
,
Some casinos are closed on Easter and Christmas. Check the brands pages for more info
|
| Betting Limit | Minimum of $0.01 |
| Taxation of Winnings | Yes/No, for additional details click here |
Casino Games in North Carolina
Numerous gambling options are available in North Carolina, the same as what other states offer to its residents. Below is the list of gambling options that we can enjoy within the state lines.
Slot
- Colossal Wizards
- Li’l Red
- Spartacus Gladiator of Rome
- Forbidden Dragons
- Queen of the Wild II
- Lazer Lock Ice Sapphire
- 4300+ Slot Machines
Casino Poker
- Let it Ride
- Flop Poker
- Limit Holdem
- No Limit Holdem
- 1 Poker Room Is Available In Each Of The Casinos
Poker Cash and Poker Tournaments
- Crazy 4 Poke
- Fortune Pai Gow
- Sharp Shooter
- Razz
- Limit Holdem
- NL Holdem
- 170+ Table Games
Roulette
- American Roulette
- European Roulette
Blackjack
- Any 2 Card Blackjack
- Spanish 21
- Hand-Held Deck
- Shoe Game
- Single Deck
- Double Deck
Dice Games
- Craps
- Sic Bo
- Hazard
- Chuck-A-Luck
Lottery Games
- Keno
- 75 Ball Bingo
- 90 Ball Bingo
- Daily Lotto Draws
- Mini Lottos
- Scratchers
- Types: Scratch-off and lotto tickets
- Betting includes interstate drawings such as Powerball and Mega Millions
Other Games
- Electronic Craps
- Electronic Blackjack
- Electronic Roulette
- Electronic 3-Card Poker
Sports Betting
- None
Gambling Legal Situation in North Carolina
When was casino gambling legalized in North Carolina?
The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988 allowed the legality of casino gambling in North Carolina. Tribes are permitted to negotiate casino compacts with the state to operate officially.
Online gambling
North Carolina did not actively address online betting in its gambling laws. However, residents are more likely safe to play at offshore gaming sites due to NC broad gambling laws.
What is the legal gambling age in North Carolina?
Players must be at least 18 years old to participate in the state lottery events and 21 years old to enter tribal casinos.
Can you smoke in North Carolina casinos?
North Carolina does not allow smoking in all indoor businesses; however, it does not apply to Cherokee’s casinos. There are designated areas for its casino players.
Horse racing / Off-Track betting
Horseracing has been outlawed and was never allowed to take place in North Carolina.
Dog racing / Off-Track betting
North Carolina legalized greyhound racing for a short period from 1948 to 1954. The races occurred at the Morehead City and Moyock racetracks.
North Carolina charitable gaming
NC constitution did not actively address social gambling; however, all forms of betting are considered illegal within the state lines. Social gaming serves as unlawful in this perspective.
Other legal restrictions
NC lawmakers dealt with many gambling activities that the state considers illegal. It includes video gambling and sweepstakes cafes.
Taxation of Winnings
North Carolina is said to be one of the unfavorable states for gamblers when it comes to federal tax. NC does not allow gambling losses as an itemized deduction, which makes a taxpayer with $1000 of gambling winnings and $1000 of gambling losses owe state income tax on the phantom gambling winnings.
Prize ($)
State Income Tax
(any prize)
North Carolina Gross Income Tax (%)5.2 (flat rate)
Prize ($)
Federal tax
(any prize)
North Carolina Gross Income Tax (%)0 (depends on the tax bracket)
North Carolina Gambling Laws
NC gambling laws are broad. North Carolina does not actively address other gambling options, making it difficult for some residents to know the legality of their betting activities. Below, we can check on some excerpts to keep in mind when actively engaging in some gambling activities within the state lines.
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North Carolina Constitution
Article 7 of the North Carolina Constitution covers the legality of most gambling forms, such as lotteries, gaming, bingo, and raffles. It states that casinos are permitted on Indian lands only and managed through Tribal-State Gaming Compact. Qualified nonprofit and charitable organizations may operate bingo games. For state lottery, the purpose should be raising funds for education.
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Senate Bill
This section classifies sports and horseracing as forms of Class III gambling that are only allowed at tribal casinos. It also supports the launch of a sportsbook within state lines, which opens a high possibility of expansion of gambling in North Carolina. The Cherokee tribe confirmed its plan to launch a retail sportsbook named The Book under the approved bill.
History
In the beginning, North Carolina restricted all gambling forms within its state lands. NC legislature tried to address some of the gaming options due to residents' demand, which led to little improvement in its gambling activities within borders.
Later on, North Carolina amended its legislation for Cherokee casinos to offer table games. With less gaming competition within the state, the federally recognized tribe opened another gambling place called Cherokee Valley River Casino. Many tribes attempted to establish a casino within state lines, but the Cherokee Tribe heavily opposed a third casino. For years, the Catawaba tribe fought for their right to build a casino in North Carolina. Through the support of Hard Rock International, North Carolina gave the tribe its authority to open its proposed King’s Mountain casino resort in 2020.
Harrah’s Cherokee Casino is the first legal casino in North Carolina.
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1979 North Carolina allowed operations of bingo and raffles for charities.
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1994 The state has approved the Cherokee tribe's casino compact. From then on, the tribe started offering video gaming to the residents.
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1997 The tribe opened the first casino in North Carolina through a gambling compact.
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2005 The state lottery was approved.
Upcoming Changes in the Gambling Regulation
North Carolina has a proposed Gaming Commission Bill aiming to expand the gambling options within the state lines. This would elevate NC to a similar level as many other states that offer the best casino experience in the US. Though it is still under the committee's review, residents expect that it covers all gaming activities in North Carolina, such as online gaming.
North Carolina Casino Resorts and Trips
There are two NC casino resorts that are legally operating in the Smoky Mountains. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians founded both gambling places. Below are some casino trips to make the most of the state's casino experience.
Casino Resorts
Though there are limited gambling places in North Carolina, we can upgrade our casino action at one of the Cherokee's casino resorts in the state. These casino resorts offer live games, such as blackjack, craps, roulette, and slot games.
| Number of Rooms | 1108 |
|---|---|
| Price Range ($) | 149-499 |
| Special Packages | "Get up to 35% off Sundays-Thursdays" |
| Additional Services | Meetings, Fitness, Gift Shop |
| Number of Rooms | 324 |
|---|---|
| Price Range ($) | 299-619 |
| Special Packages | "Caesars Rewards program" |
| Additional Services | Meetings, Fitness, Golf |
Casino Trips
Many casino trips are available for Harrah's Cherokee trips. However, the casino offers a bus line ride where we can book with special packages and discounts.
| Provider | CTA | Trips | Packages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caesars Rewards | Visit Website |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there casinos North Carolina?
North Carolina has two tribal casinos that are in the Smoky Mountains.
Are drugs allowed in North Carolina casino?
NC gambling place prohibits illegal drugs.
Is it possible to bring your children to the casinos in North Carolina?
Children are not allowed within the casino area, but they can stay on some premises inside the casino resort. Adults should accompany children inside the gambling place.
Do North Carolina casinos allow guns?
Carrying guns are only allowed under certain circumstances. It is allowed whether law enforcement officers and security officers are on or off duty.
Am I allowed to bring pets to any casino in North Carolina?
Pets are not allowed inside the gambling facilities or restaurants, but NC casinos offer pet rooms in its hotel.
About North Carolina
| Capital | Raleigh |
|---|---|
| Largest Cities | Charlotte, Greensboro, Durham |
| Size | 139,390 km² |
| Population | 10.5 million |
| Time Zone | Eastern Daylight Time |
| Abbreviation | NC |