Lumpy Lambert is the General Manager of the Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino, which is currently under construction just outside of Murphy. The construction phase is coming along nicely with the schedule and budget being met. Lambert that Harrah’s is happy and comfortable with the time frame and they are anxious to have the facility open and ready to get going.

Back in February, the casino and hotel had a price tag of $110 million and was expected to open in August or September. The budget has stayed close to the $110 million umber and is still on schedule, despite opening a bit later than expected.

The exact date for opening has not been announced since the casino must still wait for Murphy officials to finish the upgrades to the water and sewer system. The upgrades must be completed to accommodate the operations of the casino. Once the completion dates for these features are released, the casino will be able to announce an opening date.

However, when you go on-site, the casino appears close to completion. The gaming floor is close to completion with many games already placed on the gaming floor. Within the next week, the contractors are expected to complete a walk-through to create a list of final details to complete. Drywall for the hotel is now going up and walls will be painted and the installation of fixtures taking place.

Once the project is complete, the casino will need 800 to 900 employees with most of the employee numbers coming from within a 100 mile radius of the facility. Three job fairs have been held over the past year by Harrah’s to tray and provide employment locally. As many as 500 individuals attended the job fairs.

New employees to the industry will receive training in Murphy at a training facility as well as help out on the weekends in Cherokee to gain experience. Seasoned casino employees will also be hired to provide a nice mix of individuals working on the casino floor.