After Tunica, went to the Smokies and of course to Harrah's Cherokee. One of the floor men advised that they are planning to put some live blackjack tables in, hopefully in December this year. They are still negotiating with the state and there may be some modifications to some of the rules. But there will be chips. No samples were available and he said they were forbidden to have them at the casino until final approval.
The bad news is that Newfound Gap Road, the direct route through the Smokies from the Tennessee side will be closed much of December and January due to work on the tunnels. Check before you drive.