The Southern Highland Reader

CHEROKEE–Slumping visitation to the Qualla Boundary means Harrah’s Cherokee Casino will cut jobs for the first time in its ten-year history, General Manager Darold Londo has announced.

The casino, which employs 1,800 workers, will attempt to cut 100 of those employees through early retirement, buyouts and other such methods, Londo said, but will resort to layoffs if necessary.

Visitation dropped 11% in November. Per capita payouts – the amount of money each member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians receives twice a year – dropped 11% in the second half of 2008.

Despite the cuts, the casino will proceed with its ongoing $633 million expansion – a move that will double its physical size.

Tags: Cherokee, cherokee casino, cherokee indians, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Harrahs Cherokee Casino, Qualla Boundary

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