HARRAH’S NEW ORLEANS CELEBRATES
10  YEARS OF SUCCESS IN SOUTH LOUISIANA

NEW ORLEANS – Oct. 20, 2009 – This October, Harrah’s New Orleans will celebrate 10 years of world-class gaming in one of America’s top cities. The 115,000-square-foot casino opened October 1999 as Louisiana’s first and only land-based casino, growing to become the Gulf Coast’s premiere entertainment destination.

“Harrah’s New Orleans is one of the most distinctive properties within the Harrah’s Entertainment portfolio,” said Gary Loveman, CEO and President of Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc.   ”Although the physical structure is wonderful, it’s the employees that make it a special place.   They have a spirit that is irrepressibly gracious, joyful and deeply hospitable. ”

Harrah’s invested more than $1 billion in capital improvements at the foot of Canal Street and the Mississippi River to build the casino, two parking garages, the hotel and Fulton Street pedestrian corridor.

During the past decade Harrah’s New Orleans has:

• Entertained more than 56 million customers;

• Paid more than $950 million in tax dollars;

• Spent more than $85 million with local hotels; and

• Spent more than $40 million with local restaurants.

“Harrah’s set out 10 years ago to be a profitable business that benefited New Orleans and south Louisiana,” said Jim Hoskins, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Harrah’s New Orleans. “We have accomplished that in large part because of the resilience and passion of our employees who made a personal and professional investment in Harrah’s success here.”

Harrah’s employs more than 2,400 New Orleanians who have earned more than $885 million in wages, taxes and benefits during its decade of operation. This year, Harrah’s honored more than 500 employees who have been with the property since its inception. For every new employee, Harrah’s invests $3,000 in training, as well as a complete list of benefits including, but not limited to, an on-site health clinic, subsidized meals, service bonuses and tuition reimbursement to employees pursuing degrees.  In 2008, Harrah’s New Orleans was ranked as the No. 1 employer in New Orleans CityBusiness’ “Best Places to Work.”

Harrah’s Casino is committed to making the community a vibrant place to live and work. In 10 years, Harrah’s donated more than $19 million in support of numerous charitable causes and organizations. Harrah’s employees devoted 40,000 hours of community service.

After Hurricane Katrina resulted in a temporary casino closure, Harrah’s made sure every employee was paid for 90 days and received benefits for six months.  During the emergency period, Harrah’s New Orleans opened its doors and was used as a station for city officials, emergency staff and police officers.   Committed to the rebuilding effort, Harrah’s New Orleans reopened in February 2006 in time for Mardi Gras, and the company continued to build the Harrah’s Hotel.

H.E.R.O. – Harrah’s Employees Reaching Out – is an employee-based volunteer program. The H.E.R.O. team makes visible contributions by devoting their time, skills and expertise to helping others. Their service has enhanced the community through projects such as KaBoom Playgrounds, Boys Town, Junior Achievement and many others.

Today, Harrah’s Casino boasts 2,100 slot machines and 104 table games, plus a 23-table poker room.

The Casino houses luxury entertainment and dining venues including Masquerade, Harrah’s Theatre, Besh Steak, Bambu Asian Grill & Sushi Bar, the Buffet at Harrah’s, Fuddruckers, McAlister’s and Starbucks.

One of Harrah’s most visible investments in New Orleans is the renovation and restoration of the Fulton Street corridor, making available several new, high-traffic leasing opportunities for businesses, such as Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Gordon Biersch, Aidan Gill and Grand Isle. Anchored by Harrah’s Hotel, Fulton Street has emerged as an entertainment destination throughout the year, hosting major events such as Live with Regis & Kelly, New Orleans Hornets pep rallies, festivals and Miracle on Fulton Street.

“Harrah’s will continue its commitment to the local economy, community and employees,” said Hoskins. “Harrah’s and New Orleans’ success goes hand-in-hand.”

Guests can see for themselves all that Harrah’s New Orleans has to offer by staying at the award-winning Harrah’s New Orleans hotel. Rates start as low as $129/night with the Hot Deals rates. To take advantage of this offer, visit www.harrahsneworleans.com.

Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. is the world’s largest provider of branded casino entertainment. Since its beginning in Reno, Nevada nearly 70 years ago, Harrah’s has grown through development of new properties, expansions and acquisitions. Harrah’s Entertainment is focused on building loyalty and value with its customers through a unique combination of great service, excellent products, unsurpassed distribution, operational excellence and technology leadership.