If its Southern Shores, that is the town directly south of Duck and North of Nags Head/Kitty Hawk. If you come across the bridge from the mainland from the north, when you head north along the beach Southern Shores runs from there to Duck. Outer Banks North Carolina Casinos Slots, Blackjack, Roulette, Craps & more. North Carolina's Outer Banks July 18 - 24, 2020. North Carolina's Outer Banks are truly a special place! Here you will find unspoiled beaches and dunes, protected wildlife and rich history.
On July 12, 1958, Louis Armstrong (Satchmo), arrived on the Outer Banks, and Ras Wescott's Nags Head Casino was packed! By reputation, the top level dance floor held 1,000 people, and we can only imagine that there were more awaiting the performance of this legendary jazz musician.
It was a typical July summer night on the Outer Banks … hot, humid and sticky. There is no doubt that if the evening temperature was sweltering, Louis Armstrong and his All Star Band were even hotter. By all accounts, Armstrong's visit to the Casino was a major highlight of this legendary Outer Banks night spot.
The building began life as a barracks for the stone masons who built the Wright Brothers Monument. When they departed, there wasn't much use for a structure of that size on the Outer Banks. It became a boarding house for some time, but the facility only became successful when Wescott took over, installed a shimmering hardwood dance floor and created a legendary entertainment facility.
Opening in 1936, the Casino quickly became a local's favorite hangout. A shrewd business man, Ras filled the downstairs with pinball machines, duck pins and a soda fountain to encourage wholesome family entertainment. Yet, it was the dance hall that brought visitors from as far away as Elizabeth City and Hampton Roads. According to numerous reports, the floor was polished and buffed to a high sheen with bowling alley wax. Shoes were forbidden, so guests danced to popular tunes in their stocking feet.
The Casino was popular from the onset, but it was likely WWII that created the spark that ignited the nightspot's fame. With the war waging directly off the Outer Bank's coastline (almost 400 ships were sunk within the sightlines of the North Carolina coast), there was an unprecedented numbers of service personnel on hand from Hatteras to Hampton Roads.
Soldiers and sailors hailing from all 48 states were residing locally and in search of nighttime activities, and Ras Wescott's Nags Head Casino was the premiere location. Not surprising, there was some rowdiness. The Coastland Times, which was the only Outer Banks newspaper at the time, reported a number of incidents between law enforcement, the local population and military personnel. But by all accounts, these were minor hiccups at a time when most just wanted to find a way to enjoy themselves.
After WWII the music scene really picked up! Count Basie visited in 1951, and The Coastland Times reported, 'Count Basie and his 16-piece orchestra drew a crowd of 1,000 to the Nags Head Casino Saturday night, June 2. It was the first nationally-famed orchestra to play at the Casion. Local dance fans found the Count to be just as reputed, the 'Jump King of Swing, this was the first appearance Basie had make to the Dare Beaches, but it is hoped by May that he will return.'
Other national acts followed. Duke Ellington and Artie Shaw made the trip, and later when shag dancing and beach music came into vogue, Doug Clark and the Hot Nuts, Gene Vincent and Maurice Williams and the Zodiacs played at the casino by the sea.
Ras' love was swing and dance music and as musical tastes changed, the Casino's popularity waned. The Ash Wednesday Storm of 1962 severely damaged the building, and an aging Ras Wescott no longer had the energy to make a comeback. The property was sold in the mid-1970s and was eventually demolished to make room for what is now Kitty Hawk Kites and Jockey's Ridge Crossing.
Casino Outer Banks
North Carolina Casinos are not abundant in number. In fact, there is only one true casino in the state to speak of. Complementing this casino is a bingo hall, and you just might come across a video poker machine while you're out and about, though they are supposedly illegal. Other North Carolina gambling options include buying a lottery ticket, playing money-in poker with some friends, and enjoying the online games that are offered at sweepstakes parlors. The sweepstakes parlors masquerade as gambling houses of sorts, though the cards that people purchase to get online are actually used to check various gambling results.
If its Southern Shores, that is the town directly south of Duck and North of Nags Head/Kitty Hawk. If you come across the bridge from the mainland from the north, when you head north along the beach Southern Shores runs from there to Duck. Outer Banks North Carolina Casinos Slots, Blackjack, Roulette, Craps & more. North Carolina's Outer Banks July 18 - 24, 2020. North Carolina's Outer Banks are truly a special place! Here you will find unspoiled beaches and dunes, protected wildlife and rich history.
On July 12, 1958, Louis Armstrong (Satchmo), arrived on the Outer Banks, and Ras Wescott's Nags Head Casino was packed! By reputation, the top level dance floor held 1,000 people, and we can only imagine that there were more awaiting the performance of this legendary jazz musician.
It was a typical July summer night on the Outer Banks … hot, humid and sticky. There is no doubt that if the evening temperature was sweltering, Louis Armstrong and his All Star Band were even hotter. By all accounts, Armstrong's visit to the Casino was a major highlight of this legendary Outer Banks night spot.
The building began life as a barracks for the stone masons who built the Wright Brothers Monument. When they departed, there wasn't much use for a structure of that size on the Outer Banks. It became a boarding house for some time, but the facility only became successful when Wescott took over, installed a shimmering hardwood dance floor and created a legendary entertainment facility.
Opening in 1936, the Casino quickly became a local's favorite hangout. A shrewd business man, Ras filled the downstairs with pinball machines, duck pins and a soda fountain to encourage wholesome family entertainment. Yet, it was the dance hall that brought visitors from as far away as Elizabeth City and Hampton Roads. According to numerous reports, the floor was polished and buffed to a high sheen with bowling alley wax. Shoes were forbidden, so guests danced to popular tunes in their stocking feet.
The Casino was popular from the onset, but it was likely WWII that created the spark that ignited the nightspot's fame. With the war waging directly off the Outer Bank's coastline (almost 400 ships were sunk within the sightlines of the North Carolina coast), there was an unprecedented numbers of service personnel on hand from Hatteras to Hampton Roads.
Soldiers and sailors hailing from all 48 states were residing locally and in search of nighttime activities, and Ras Wescott's Nags Head Casino was the premiere location. Not surprising, there was some rowdiness. The Coastland Times, which was the only Outer Banks newspaper at the time, reported a number of incidents between law enforcement, the local population and military personnel. But by all accounts, these were minor hiccups at a time when most just wanted to find a way to enjoy themselves.
After WWII the music scene really picked up! Count Basie visited in 1951, and The Coastland Times reported, 'Count Basie and his 16-piece orchestra drew a crowd of 1,000 to the Nags Head Casino Saturday night, June 2. It was the first nationally-famed orchestra to play at the Casion. Local dance fans found the Count to be just as reputed, the 'Jump King of Swing, this was the first appearance Basie had make to the Dare Beaches, but it is hoped by May that he will return.'
Other national acts followed. Duke Ellington and Artie Shaw made the trip, and later when shag dancing and beach music came into vogue, Doug Clark and the Hot Nuts, Gene Vincent and Maurice Williams and the Zodiacs played at the casino by the sea.
Ras' love was swing and dance music and as musical tastes changed, the Casino's popularity waned. The Ash Wednesday Storm of 1962 severely damaged the building, and an aging Ras Wescott no longer had the energy to make a comeback. The property was sold in the mid-1970s and was eventually demolished to make room for what is now Kitty Hawk Kites and Jockey's Ridge Crossing.
Casino Outer Banks
North Carolina Casinos are not abundant in number. In fact, there is only one true casino in the state to speak of. Complementing this casino is a bingo hall, and you just might come across a video poker machine while you're out and about, though they are supposedly illegal. Other North Carolina gambling options include buying a lottery ticket, playing money-in poker with some friends, and enjoying the online games that are offered at sweepstakes parlors. The sweepstakes parlors masquerade as gambling houses of sorts, though the cards that people purchase to get online are actually used to check various gambling results.
If you're interested in the true North Carolina casinos, the western part of the state is where you want to go. This is where you will find the only casino in the state; the Harrah's Cherokee Casino (pictured above). This casino is located at the gates of the scenic Great Smoky Mountains National Park and offers gaming action around the clock. In the 82,000 square foot casino, more than 3,500 slots await, and for fans of table games, there are 30 of those to choose from.
Live dealers are in place at the Harrah's Cherokee tables, and while you don't use actual cards, real chips help to make for a more authentic experience. When you're not enjoying fun gaming action at the Harrah's Cherokee Casino, you can visit one of the dining venues to get something to eat or simply kick back with friends while you enjoy some drinks. Alcohol is now served throughout the entire casino, unlike in the past, so you can order your favorite adult beverages.
Casino Cruise Outer Banks
While there aren't any other true casinos in North Carolina to choose from, those who enjoy bingo can always consider a trip to Cherokee Tribal Bingo at 777 Casino Drive in Cherokee, North Carolina. Found less than two miles from the Harrah's Cherokee Casino, this bingo hall offers games every night of week save for Monday and Tuesday nights. The newly renovated venue can seat up to 1,200 people, and should you happen to win one of the bingo games, your award will be paid to you in cash. Cherokee Tribal Bingo is open year round, and should you get hungry on a visit, a sizable concession area is among the facilities.
Closest Casino To Outer Banks Nc
The casinos in North Carolina might be few in number, but between the Harrah's Cherokee Casino and Cherokee Tribal Bingo, you can enjoy plenty of gaming action. Other facilities, such as a world-class golf course, only help to make the Harrah's Cherokee Casino a destination that is worth visiting while in the area, and you can book a room at the attached hotel if you're not in a hurry to leave. The surrounding area provides numerous options for things to do, and this is especially true if you enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and white water rafting.
