North Carolina Casinos – Best Places to Gamble in NC

North Carolina is pretty strict when it comes to gambling. The state defines it as playing games of chance for money or anything else valuable. This means local authorities can go after people who play online, even though the state doesn’t explicitly ban it. If you get caught, you could face a $1,000 fine or up to 60 days in jail.

If you’re interested in the rules, you can find all of North Carolina’s gambling laws in Article 37 of the North Carolina Revised Statutes. Just remember that you have to be 18 to play the lottery and 21 to play casino games.

North Carolina was the last East Coast state to get a lottery, and they’ve never allowed horse or dog racing. Even the deal they made with the Cherokees in 1988 was kind of shady. The tribe could only have one casino with slots and video poker. But things got better in 2012 when the state let them build a new casino and add live dealer table games.

List of Top Gambling Venues in North Carolina

Related reading: North Carolina online casinos

Reviews of the North Carolina Casinos

1. Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel

Located in the mountains of western North Carolina, this resort destination offers a diverse range of gaming options for adults, as well as on-site accommodations and dining options.

The gaming floor at the venue offers over 1,000 slot machines, as well as a variety of table games, such as blackjack, craps, and roulette. Some of the most popular slot titles at Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel include Dragon Link, Lightning Link, and Buffalo Gold. There are also high limit areas for those looking to play at a higher stakes.

The venue is relatively small, with a gaming floor of approximately 60,000 square feet. It was launched in 2015 and offers a variety of affordable pricing options for guests.

When it comes to dining, there are several options to choose from. A few of the most popular restaurants on the property include the Noodle Bar, where guests can enjoy Asian-inspired cuisine, and the Winning Streaks Sports Bar, which offers a variety of pub-style favorites. Other options include Ruth’s Chris Steak House and the Food Court, which offers a variety of fast-food options.

For those looking to stay overnight, the hotel at Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel offers a range of accommodations. There are 300 rooms available, including deluxe rooms and suites. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and high-speed internet access.

Other amenities at the resort include a fitness center, a spa, and an indoor pool. Additionally, the venue offers a variety of entertainment options, including live music performances and comedy shows.

2. Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort

The casino operated by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in North Carolina is called Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort. It was launched in 1997 and has undergone several expansions since then. The casino is located in Cherokee, North Carolina, and is the only casino operated by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

The casino has a gaming floor that is 150,000 square feet in size, with over 3,000 slot machines and more than 150 table games. Some of the popular games at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort include blackjack, craps, roulette, baccarat, and various types of poker games such as Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Seven-Card Stud. Slot machine titles include classics like Wheel of Fortune, as well as newer games like Lightning Link and Dragon Link.

There are several dining options at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, including Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Brio Tuscan Grille, and the Chefs Stage Buffet. The resort also features a 21-story luxury hotel with over 1,100 rooms, as well as an outdoor pool, spa, and fitness center.

North Carolina Gambling Revenues

Gambling is a significant contributor to the North Carolina economy. In the 2020 fiscal year, North Carolina’s gambling revenues amounted to approximately $2.5 billion. The majority of this revenue was generated by the state lottery, which brought in over $2 billion.

In addition to the lottery, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ casino in Cherokee, North Carolina, also contributes to the state’s gambling revenues. The casino reportedly generates over $400 million in annual revenue.

The state of North Carolina allocates a portion of its gambling revenues to various causes. For example, lottery revenues are used to fund education programs and scholarships. In 2020, over $709 million was allocated to education programs, while $105 million was used to fund college scholarships.

A portion of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ casino revenues is also allocated to the state. Under a compact with the state, the tribe must pay the state a percentage of its gaming revenue each year. In the 2020 fiscal year, this amounted to over $63 million, which was allocated to various state programs and initiatives. Overall, gambling revenues are an important source of funding for the state of North Carolina.

Indian Gaming Tribes in North Carolina

North Carolina is home to one federally recognized Indian tribe, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The tribe operates a casino in Cherokee, North Carolina, which generates significant revenue for the tribe and the state. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians has a long history in North Carolina, dating back centuries.

While the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is the only federally recognized tribe in North Carolina, there have been disputes over the years regarding other groups claiming tribal status. In recent years, there have been several efforts by unrecognized tribes to gain recognition from the federal government, which would allow them to operate casinos in the state.

One such group is the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, which has been seeking federal recognition for over a century. While the tribe has not yet been granted recognition, it continues to pursue the matter through legal channels. Other groups that have sought recognition include the Meherrin Nation and the Waccamaw Siouan Tribe.

Indian Gaming Tribes in North Carolina:

• Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians

A History of Gambling in North Carolina

North Carolina has a long and complex history with gambling. The state’s first lottery was authorized in 1749, but it was not until 2005 that the state reintroduced a lottery. The North Carolina Education Lottery has since become a major source of revenue for the state, generating over $2 billion annually.

In addition to the lottery, North Carolina has a long history of gambling through horse racing. In the early 20th century, horse racing was legal in the state, and several tracks operated in various cities. However, a series of scandals and controversies led to the state banning horse racing in 1937.

North Carolina also has a history of illegal gambling operations, particularly in the form of “numbers” or “bolita” games. These games involved players betting on a three-digit number, with the winning number being drawn from a container of balls. Bolita games were particularly popular in North Carolina’s Hispanic and African American communities, and they remained a prominent form of illegal gambling until the 1970s.

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians has also played a significant role in North Carolina’s gambling history. The tribe has operated a casino in Cherokee since 1997, which has grown to become one of the largest casinos in the region. The casino generates over $400 million in annual revenue and is a major contributor to the state’s economy.

Despite the success of the Cherokee casino, North Carolina law prohibits traditional casinos, meaning that there are no other options available within the state. However, there have been several efforts over the years to expand gambling in North Carolina. In 2019, for example, lawmakers introduced a bill that would have allowed sports betting at the state’s two tribal casinos, as well as horse racing tracks. While the bill ultimately failed, it highlights the ongoing debate over gambling in North Carolina.

Overall, gambling has played a significant role in North Carolina’s history, from the early lotteries and horse racing tracks to the more recent emergence of tribal gaming. While the state’s gambling laws remain restrictive, the ongoing debate over expanding gambling suggests that the topic will continue to be a contentious one in North Carolina.

In summary, gambling in North Carolina has had a long and varied history, with lotteries, horse racing, and illegal gambling all playing prominent roles at various points. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ casino in Cherokee is currently the only option for traditional casino gambling in the state, but there have been ongoing efforts to expand gambling through legislation.

Gambling Taxes in North Carolina

If you live in North Carolina and enjoy gambling, it’s important to understand the state’s tax laws. Any gambling winnings you earn are subject to both federal and state income taxes, and North Carolina imposes its own specific set of rules and regulations.

In North Carolina, gambling winnings are considered taxable income and must be reported on your state income tax return. The state’s tax rate is currently 5.25%, meaning that you will owe 5.25 cents on every dollar of gambling winnings you earn. For example, if you win $1,000 at a casino, you will owe $52.50 in state taxes.

It’s also worth noting that North Carolina law requires gambling establishments to withhold 5% of all winnings over $600 for state taxes. This means that if you win more than $600 at a casino, the establishment will automatically withhold 5% for taxes. You will still need to report the full amount of your winnings on your tax return, but the withheld amount will count toward your total tax liability.

If you earn gambling winnings in North Carolina but live in another state, you may still be required to pay North Carolina state taxes. This will depend on the laws of your home state and whether or not it has a reciprocal tax agreement with North Carolina. If you do owe taxes to North Carolina, you will need to file a nonresident tax return and pay the appropriate amount.

Finally, it’s important to keep thorough records of your gambling activities throughout the year. This includes keeping track of your winnings and losses, as well as any taxes that are withheld by gambling establishments. You will need this information when you file your state income tax return, and failing to accurately report your gambling activities can result in penalties or fines.

In summary, if you enjoy gambling in North Carolina, it’s important to understand the state’s tax laws and regulations. All gambling winnings are subject to state income tax, with a current rate of 5.25%. Gambling establishments are required to withhold 5% of winnings over $600 for state taxes, and nonresidents may also be required to pay taxes to North Carolina depending on their home state’s laws. Keeping accurate records is essential to ensure that you comply with all tax regulations and avoid penalties or fines.

North Carolina Gambling FAQ

How much can you win at North Carolina casinos before being taxed?

In North Carolina, all gambling winnings are considered taxable income and must be reported on your state income tax return. However, gambling establishments are required to withhold 5% of winnings over $600 for state taxes. This means that if you win more than $600 at a casino, the establishment will automatically withhold 5% for taxes.

How to ban yourself from casinos in North Carolina?

If you feel that you have a gambling problem and want to self-exclude from North Carolina casinos, you can contact the North Carolina Gaming Commission. They will provide you with information about the self-exclusion program and how to sign up. Once you are enrolled, you will not be allowed to enter any of the state’s casinos for a predetermined period of time.

Who regulates gambling in North Carolina?

The North Carolina Gaming Commission is responsible for regulating all forms of gambling in the state. This includes overseeing the state’s casinos, enforcing laws and regulations, and ensuring the integrity and fairness of all gambling activities.

What is the minimum gambling age in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, the minimum gambling age is 21 for all forms of gambling. This includes casinos, horse racing, and the state lottery. Anyone under the age of 21 is not allowed to participate in any form of gambling in the state.

Can I gamble online in North Carolina?

No, online gambling is not currently legal in North Carolina. The state has not passed any laws to legalize online gambling, and it remains illegal to gamble online within the state’s borders.

What types of gambling are legal in North Carolina?

The types of gambling that are legal in North Carolina include casinos operated by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, horse racing, and the state lottery. Bingo and raffles are also legal if they are conducted for charitable purposes.

How many casinos are there in North Carolina?

There are two casinos located in North Carolina, both of which are operated by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort and the Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel both offer a range of gaming options, including slot machines, table games, and poker.

Can I deduct gambling losses on my taxes in North Carolina?

Yes, you can deduct gambling losses on your North Carolina state income tax return, but only up to the amount of your gambling winnings. For example, if you win $1,000 at a casino but lose $1,500, you can deduct up to $1,000 in losses on your tax return. It’s important to keep accurate records of your gambling activities throughout the year to ensure that you can claim all eligible deductions on your tax return.