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I live about 3 hours away and go over to Cherokee about once every two months. Since the construction started, the payouts have been decreasing. I previously saw many people around me winning -- now nothing or it’s a small amount. And the more you bet, the less frequently the machines seem to pay. My favorite casino game is blackjack and I’ve always done well. They say the electronic blackjack tables are the same as cards, but I don’t even win on those anymore – so I think the payouts are controlled on them also. They seem to only have 1 $15 table and all the others are $25 and up. They previously had at least 1 $10 table. Also they do not have a no-smoking section with the table games.Every time I go, the casino has changed due to construction. There is now a much larger no-smoking section, but it does not have the particular games that I like. The ventilation seems to be much improved – unless the person next to you has the cigarette in your face. I still feel like I smell like an ashtray when I leave – but in fairness, it no longer has the blue haze over the slots.The new rooms are very nice and they are renovating the older section. Most people do get their rooms through the player’s club benefits. It doesn’t take much play to get an area hotel during the week. I frequently stay several nights and spend time in the Smoky Mountain National Park instead of the casino. All rooms have large screen TV’s and refrigerators and are large with comfortable beds. I have always found them to be clean.Food is not very good, they close the best restaurants to open Paul Dean’s which I have found to be a disappointment, but I’m usually using my player’s card rewards to pay. They are opening a food court soon from what I’ve heard. The restaurants in Cherokee are not very good either. Go to Dillsboro, Maggie Valley, Silva, Waynesville or Bryson City instead. Drinks (beer, wine and mixed drinks) are now available in the restaurants and on the floor – but they are not complimentary. Soft drinks, water, coffee etc are complimentary if you can find a server. The casino/hotel complex is not people friendly. It is a long-long walk anywhere. Not recommended for anyone with trouble walking. You can walk as much a 2 long blocks to reach your room, then you have a very long walk to the casino. I use valet parking at the hotel and drive to/from the new casino parking deck. And I try to get room in the newest section. I have always found the staff to be friendly, courteous and helpful – and that includes everyone. I will continue to go to Cherokee, but I’m limiting myself to only playing the minimum and save my money for trips to non-reservation casinos even if I have to fly to get there. Read the full Casino Review