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96-471: In 1990, Holiday Inn transferred ownership of the resort to The Promus Companies , which then ended the franchise agreement with the hotel company. The property was renamed Harrah's Las Vegas in April 1992, and Promus would change its name to Harrah's Entertainment in 1995, before ultimately becoming Caesars Entertainment. The land was sold to Vici in 2017, and Caesars continues operating Harrah's Las Vegas through

192-412: A 15-year leaseback agreement. The casino originally featured a riverboat façade, which was enlarged in 1990, as part of a $ 100 million renovation and expansion project. The riverboat theme was removed in a subsequent $ 200 million project which concluded in 1997, adding a Carnival and Mardi Gras theme instead. The hotel includes 2,542 rooms, located across three buildings: the original 14-story tower,

288-669: A 23-story tower completed in 1982, and a 35-story tower added in 1990. A 35-story addition was made to the third tower during the 1997 expansion. In addition to a showroom, the property also has an outdoor bar and entertainment area known as Carnaval Court, and it featured a branch of The Improv comedy club from 1995 to 2016. The resort has featured numerous entertainers, including singer Clint Holmes (2000–2006) and magician Mac King (2000–2021). It has also hosted shows such as Legends in Concert (2009–2013), Million Dollar Quartet (2013–2016), and Menopause The Musical . The resort

384-639: A Las Vegas studio at The Linq devoted to sports betting-oriented programming. On April 16, 2019, Caesars announced that Affinity Gaming CEO Anthony Rodio would become the CEO of Caesars within 30 days, replacing Mark Frissora , who announced his intention to step down in November 2018. Rodio came recommended by investor Carl Icahn , who owned almost 100 million shares (a 28.5% stake in Caesars as of June 17, 2019) and had reportedly been pushing Caesars to sell

480-479: A Las Vegas studio at The Linq devoted to sports betting-oriented programming. On April 16, 2019, Caesars announced that Affinity Gaming CEO Anthony Rodio would become the CEO of Caesars within 30 days, replacing Mark Frissora , who announced his intention to step down in November 2018. Rodio came recommended by investor Carl Icahn , who owned almost 100 million shares (a 28.5% stake in Caesars as of June 17, 2019) and had reportedly been pushing Caesars to sell

576-407: A breakfast menu. It was also the first location to open on the U.S. west coast, and is one of the largest locations at nearly 12,000 sq ft (1,100 m). It replaced Keith's restaurant, which closed in 2020. Chef Gordon Ramsay opened a restaurant, Ramsay's Kitchen, in 2022. The resort has hosted numerous shows and entertainers. Rocky Sennes produced three shows for the property while it

672-670: A comedy show that is a fusion of stage hypnosis and improvisation , performed its first preview show on June 10, 2023, at the Harrah's Showroom, where it is in residency. The Promus Companies Harrah's Entertainment (later named Caesars Entertainment Corporation , previously The Promus Companies ) was an American casino and hotel company founded in Reno, Nevada , and based in Paradise, Nevada , that operated over 50 properties and seven golf courses under several brands. In 2013, it

768-660: A contiguous 126-acre (51 ha) property bordering the strip. The vacant lots behind the casinos had been slated for a sports arena large enough to hold a professional basketball or hockey team. The three casinos will have over 8,000 rooms which can be directly connected to the arena. It was announced in August 2010 that Harrah's Entertainment would run casinos in Cincinnati and Cleveland in Ohio when they opened in 2012. On November 23, 2010, plans for an IPO were canceled, but

864-499: A contiguous 126-acre (51 ha) property bordering the strip. The vacant lots behind the casinos had been slated for a sports arena large enough to hold a professional basketball or hockey team. The three casinos will have over 8,000 rooms which can be directly connected to the arena. It was announced in August 2010 that Harrah's Entertainment would run casinos in Cincinnati and Cleveland in Ohio when they opened in 2012. On November 23, 2010, plans for an IPO were canceled, but

960-494: A cost of $ 20 million. It was the first gaming company to offer a systemwide comps program, allowing points earned at one casino to be redeemed for goods and services at any of the company's other casinos. The system would be credited as a major driver of Harrah's growth over the coming years. Harvard Business School professor Gary Loveman joined Harrah's as chief operating officer in 1998, and would go on to serve as chief executive officer from 2003 to 2015. In 1999,

1056-494: A cost of $ 20 million. It was the first gaming company to offer a systemwide comps program, allowing points earned at one casino to be redeemed for goods and services at any of the company's other casinos. The system would be credited as a major driver of Harrah's growth over the coming years. Harvard Business School professor Gary Loveman joined Harrah's as chief operating officer in 1998, and would go on to serve as chief executive officer from 2003 to 2015. In 1999,

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1152-631: A gambling business. In April 2020, Twin River Worldwide Holdings announced a deal with Caesars Entertainment and Vici Properties to purchase Bally's Atlantic City in Atlantic City, New Jersey. At the time of its acquisition in 2020, Caesars operated the following properties: Properties previously operated by the company included: Harrah%27s Entertainment Harrah's Entertainment (later named Caesars Entertainment Corporation , previously The Promus Companies )

1248-551: A humorous statue depicting a wealthy couple, Buck and Winnie Greenback, and their poodle Chip, surrounded by money. It is a popular photo spot. The hotel has 2,542 rooms, and is popular as a low-cost alternative to larger, nearby resorts. In 1990, the Holiday Casino added an outdoor shopping plaza, named and themed after Jackson Square in New Orleans. An outdoor retail and entertainment area, known as Carnaval Court,

1344-706: A larger presence on the Las Vegas Strip, where Caesars owned four casinos, and improved its ability to market to high rollers . Harrah's began to push for a larger international presence in 2005, announcing joint venture agreements to build casinos in Spain, Slovenia, and the Bahamas, and applying for a license to build a major resort in Singapore, though none of these projects would come to fruition. Harrah's also acquired London Clubs International in 2006, and

1440-477: A larger presence on the Las Vegas Strip, where Caesars owned four casinos, and improved its ability to market to high rollers . Harrah's began to push for a larger international presence in 2005, announcing joint venture agreements to build casinos in Spain, Slovenia, and the Bahamas, and applying for a license to build a major resort in Singapore, though none of these projects would come to fruition. Harrah's also acquired London Clubs International in 2006, and

1536-451: A major league-ready stadium without a guaranteed franchise to play on it would be feasible given the enduring financial crisis . The original plans were to break ground in June 2008 and finish the arena in 2010, but by 2009, it was revealed the stalled project had not even done a traffic study despite being located near a busy intersection. In 2010, the plans were changed to use an area behind

1632-400: A major league-ready stadium without a guaranteed franchise to play on it would be feasible given the enduring financial crisis . The original plans were to break ground in June 2008 and finish the arena in 2010, but by 2009, it was revealed the stalled project had not even done a traffic study despite being located near a busy intersection. In 2010, the plans were changed to use an area behind

1728-441: A material used to prevent smoke from spreading. The hotel reopened 501 rooms a month later, while another 166 continued to be brought up to code. The resort's chief engineer faced several misdemeanor citations, and Harrah's Entertainment closed a remodeling subsidiary which oversaw the unauthorized work. The charges were eventually dismissed. Harrah's Entertainment was renamed Caesars Entertainment in 2010. A $ 25 million renovation of

1824-461: A new convention center in Las Vegas named Caesars Forum . In February 2019, Turner Sports announced an agreement with Caesars to provide sports betting content for its sports news website Bleacher Report , including a dedicated studio at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. On March 17, 2019, it was announced that Caesars Entertainment Corporation and Eldorado Resorts were exploring a merger of

1920-404: A new convention center in Las Vegas named Caesars Forum . In February 2019, Turner Sports announced an agreement with Caesars to provide sports betting content for its sports news website Bleacher Report , including a dedicated studio at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. On March 17, 2019, it was announced that Caesars Entertainment Corporation and Eldorado Resorts were exploring a merger of

2016-418: A planned name change from Harrah's Entertainment to Caesars Entertainment Corporation did go forward and was made official on the same day. This change was intended to capitalize on the international name recognition of the Caesars brand. The Harrah's brand would remain one of the company's three primary casino brands. On February 8, 2012, an initial public offering took place, with the common stock trading on

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2112-418: A planned name change from Harrah's Entertainment to Caesars Entertainment Corporation did go forward and was made official on the same day. This change was intended to capitalize on the international name recognition of the Caesars brand. The Harrah's brand would remain one of the company's three primary casino brands. On February 8, 2012, an initial public offering took place, with the common stock trading on

2208-452: A record £13m for failures relating to VIP schemes. The failures included allowing a customer to lose £323,000 in 12 months, despite showing signs of gambling addiction . Caesars was also found guilty of failing to prevent money laundering, and failing to check the source of funds of someone who bet £3.5m in three months, and a politically exposed person (PEP) who lost £795,000 in just over a year. Three senior managers lost their licence to run

2304-452: A record £13m for failures relating to VIP schemes. The failures included allowing a customer to lose £323,000 in 12 months, despite showing signs of gambling addiction . Caesars was also found guilty of failing to prevent money laundering, and failing to check the source of funds of someone who bet £3.5m in three months, and a politically exposed person (PEP) who lost £795,000 in just over a year. Three senior managers lost their licence to run

2400-555: A related $ 1.5 million penalty. Caesars Entertainment was censured by the UK's Gambling Commission in 2015 for lax money-laundering controls in at two of its London casinos. Caesars entered into a voluntary settlement, agreeing to improve its anti-money laundering processes and making a payment of £875,000 to be used for “socially responsible purposes”. In 2020 the UK Gambling Commission fined Caesars Entertainment EMEA

2496-432: A related $ 1.5 million penalty. Caesars Entertainment was censured by the UK's Gambling Commission in 2015 for lax money-laundering controls in at two of its London casinos. Caesars entered into a voluntary settlement, agreeing to improve its anti-money laundering processes and making a payment of £875,000 to be used for “socially responsible purposes”. In 2020 the UK Gambling Commission fined Caesars Entertainment EMEA

2592-599: A small bingo parlor in Reno, Nevada , a predecessor to Harrah's Reno . In 1955, he expanded to Stateline, Nevada , on the south shore of Lake Tahoe , where he would eventually open Harrah's Lake Tahoe . Harrah's Inc. made its initial public offering in 1971. In 1972, it was listed on the American Stock Exchange and in 1973, Harrah's became the first casino company listed on the New York Stock Exchange . Bill Harrah died at

2688-563: A social game developer company, was founded in 2010 by Robert Antokol and Uri Shahak and produced Facebook social gaming platforms (slotomania.com & caesarsgames.com). In June 2016, a Chinese consortium, which included Alibaba chief Jack Ma 's Yunfeng Capital , agreed to purchase it in a buyout for $ 4.4 billion. On November 29, 2017, Caesars announced it was selling Harrah's Las Vegas to Vici Properties while Caesars continued to operate it. The same day, they announced that they were buying Centaur Gaming. In addition, they were building

2784-563: A social game developer company, was founded in 2010 by Robert Antokol and Uri Shahak and produced Facebook social gaming platforms (slotomania.com & caesarsgames.com). In June 2016, a Chinese consortium, which included Alibaba chief Jack Ma 's Yunfeng Capital , agreed to purchase it in a buyout for $ 4.4 billion. On November 29, 2017, Caesars announced it was selling Harrah's Las Vegas to Vici Properties while Caesars continued to operate it. The same day, they announced that they were buying Centaur Gaming. In addition, they were building

2880-521: A variety of songs. Producer Greg Thompson described the show as "MTV meets Playboy". Cynthia Brimhall , a Playboy Playmate , was among the show's dancers. It ran in the Clint Holmes Theater and had a 70-minute runtime. Skintight ended in 2006, and was replaced by Bareback , a topless musical show also by Thompson. Bareback featured a country music soundtrack. The show previously played at Harrah's Reno , and its success there prompted

2976-504: A year later. Menopause The Musical opened in the Improv Showroom in 2015. It later moved to the Harrah's Cabaret space, and continues its run as of 2021. Since 2016, Harrah's has also featured X Country , a country music-themed adult revue. Tenors of Rock, a rock cover band consisting of British tenors , performed in the Harrah's Showroom from 2017 to 2019. Singer Donny Osmond began a residency at Harrah's in 2021. Hyprov ,

Harrah's Las Vegas - Misplaced Pages Continue

3072-476: The Flamingo Laughlin and sold Grand Casino Gulfport . Loveman at some point sought advice from private equity tycoon David Bonderman about the possibility of spinning off ownership of Harrah's Entertainment real estate as a separate real estate investment trust (REIT), hoping to attain the higher price-to-earnings ratios at which hotel companies traded, compared to gaming companies. In 2006,

3168-409: The Flamingo Laughlin and sold Grand Casino Gulfport . Loveman at some point sought advice from private equity tycoon David Bonderman about the possibility of spinning off ownership of Harrah's Entertainment real estate as a separate real estate investment trust (REIT), hoping to attain the higher price-to-earnings ratios at which hotel companies traded, compared to gaming companies. In 2006,

3264-648: The Holiday Casino was rebranded as Harrah's Las Vegas. The late 1980s and early 1990s saw a rapid increase in gambling markets with the growth of Indian gaming and legalization of riverboat casinos . In 1993 and 1994, the company opened Harrah's Joliet , Harrah's Vicksburg , Harrah's Tunica , Harrah's Black Hawk , Harrah's Central City , Harrah's Shreveport , Harrah's North Kansas City , and Harrah's Ak-Chin . In 1995, Promus decided to spin off its non-gaming hotel businesses, in part because they had been undervalued by investors due to perception of

3360-742: The Imperial Palace . However, given the financing would require a special taxation district, opposition from the Clark County Commission regarding using public money in the project stalled it even further. AEG eventually backed out completely by 2012, once MGM Resorts International came up with their own project using a terrain behind the New York-New York and Monte Carlo resorts. This attracted AEG primarily for not relying on public funding. The acquisition of Planet Hollywood provided Harrah's Entertainment with

3456-536: The Imperial Palace . However, given the financing would require a special taxation district, opposition from the Clark County Commission regarding using public money in the project stalled it even further. AEG eventually backed out completely by 2012, once MGM Resorts International came up with their own project using a terrain behind the New York-New York and Monte Carlo resorts. This attracted AEG primarily for not relying on public funding. The acquisition of Planet Hollywood provided Harrah's Entertainment with

3552-687: The Las Vegas Strip . The goal was to create an entertainment district similar to what had developed organically in Los Angeles , Memphis and New Orleans but did not yet exist on the Strip, with its enclosed and casino-centric zones. It provided competition for the Fremont Street Experience . The Anschutz Entertainment Group first tried to build an arena in Las Vegas in association with Harrah's Entertainment. In 2007,

3648-434: The Las Vegas Strip . The goal was to create an entertainment district similar to what had developed organically in Los Angeles , Memphis and New Orleans but did not yet exist on the Strip, with its enclosed and casino-centric zones. It provided competition for the Fremont Street Experience . The Anschutz Entertainment Group first tried to build an arena in Las Vegas in association with Harrah's Entertainment. In 2007,

3744-565: The Macau Orient Golf club in 2007. From 2005 to 2010, the company consolidated control of a long stretch of the east side of the Las Vegas Strip, acquiring the Bourbon Street , Imperial Palace , Barbary Coast , and Planet Hollywood casinos, along with large tracts of land behind the Strip properties. In 2005 and 2006, Harrah's Entertainment closed its Lake Charles casino due to damage from Hurricane Rita , sold

3840-435: The Macau Orient Golf club in 2007. From 2005 to 2010, the company consolidated control of a long stretch of the east side of the Las Vegas Strip, acquiring the Bourbon Street , Imperial Palace , Barbary Coast , and Planet Hollywood casinos, along with large tracts of land behind the Strip properties. In 2005 and 2006, Harrah's Entertainment closed its Lake Charles casino due to damage from Hurricane Rita , sold

3936-543: The Mayo Clinic Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota, at the age of 66, during a cardiac surgery operation to repair an aortic aneurysm . In February 1980, Holiday Inn acquired Harrah's, Inc. for $ 300 million. Liquidation of Harrah's collection of almost 7,000 antique automobiles reportedly returned the full purchase price of the company to Holiday Inn. Holiday Inn at the time had interests in two casinos:

Harrah's Las Vegas - Misplaced Pages Continue

4032-617: The Southern Belle Casino , Showboat, Inc. , the Rio All Suite Hotel and Casino , Players International , Harveys Casino Resorts , Louisiana Downs , Horseshoe Gaming , and the World Series of Poker . On September 4, 1997, Harrah's Entertainment launched its Total Gold loyalty program (renamed as Total Rewards on April 4, 2000 and again as Caesars Rewards on February 1, 2019 ), developed at

4128-415: The Southern Belle Casino , Showboat, Inc. , the Rio All Suite Hotel and Casino , Players International , Harveys Casino Resorts , Louisiana Downs , Horseshoe Gaming , and the World Series of Poker . On September 4, 1997, Harrah's Entertainment launched its Total Gold loyalty program (renamed as Total Rewards on April 4, 2000 and again as Caesars Rewards on February 1, 2019 ), developed at

4224-465: The 1997 renovation, while existing restaurants were redesigned. Among the new restaurants was the Range, a 12,000 sq ft (1,100 m) steakhouse on the second floor overlooking the Las Vegas Strip. It offered a large selection of wines. Other additions included a new buffet and cafe. In 2004, Harrah's partnered with country singer Toby Keith to open a restaurant and bar at the resort. It opened

4320-520: The Holiday Casino became the first in Nevada to introduce computerized bingo. Like other casinos on the Las Vegas Strip, Harrah's closed its poker room in 2000, amid a decline in demand. The following year, it introduced blackjack tables limited to five seats, a popular feature among players. At the time, it was the only casino on the Strip to offer such a feature. As of 2017, the casino measures 90,637 sq ft (8,420.5 m). The casino floor includes

4416-476: The Las Vegas Strip. Built at a cost of $ 30 million, casino executives hoped that the new façade would become a popular tourist attraction. The 1997 renovation, by designer Henry Conversano, removed the riverboat façade and added a Carnival / Mardi Gras theme to the resort. A 30-by-90-foot mural was added to the new façade, along with several jester statues, covered in gold leaf and weighing 22,000 lb (10,000 kg) each. Several new restaurants were added in

4512-436: The Las Vegas property under its Harrah's brand. The name change was finalized in April 1992. An early morning robbery occurred in April 1994, when four young men entered Harrah's and robbed the casino cage at gunpoint. A fifth man operated the getaway vehicle for the group, which consisted of Los Angeles gang members. They were apprehended after a 20-minute police chase, and were sentenced to prison. Two other men who planned out

4608-733: The NASDAQ under the symbol "CZR." On December 22, 2014, Caesars announced its intention to acquire Caesars Acquisition Company. Under the terms of the transaction, shareholders of Caesars Acquisition Company would receive 0.664 share of Caesars Entertainment common stock for each share of Caesars Acquisition Company held. The casino operating unit, Caesars Entertainment Operating Company, Inc. and approximately 170 of its subsidiaries filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on January 15, 2015. The casino unit's parent company, Caesars Entertainment Corporation, did not file for bankruptcy protection. The casino operating group's investors initiated litigation against

4704-680: The NASDAQ under the symbol "CZR." On December 22, 2014, Caesars announced its intention to acquire Caesars Acquisition Company. Under the terms of the transaction, shareholders of Caesars Acquisition Company would receive 0.664 share of Caesars Entertainment common stock for each share of Caesars Acquisition Company held. The casino operating unit, Caesars Entertainment Operating Company, Inc. and approximately 170 of its subsidiaries filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on January 15, 2015. The casino unit's parent company, Caesars Entertainment Corporation, did not file for bankruptcy protection. The casino operating group's investors initiated litigation against

4800-419: The casino floor took place in 2015, adding new flooring, furniture, and slot machines. In November 2017, Caesars announced it would sell the land to Vici Properties for $ 1.14 billion. Caesars would continue operating Harrah's for 15 years through a leaseback agreement. The sale was completed the following month. A renovation of the 1,622-room Valley Tower was completed in 2018, at a cost of $ 140 million. It

4896-511: The casino's president and board chairman. He and his wife Claudine Williams had previously owned the Silver Slipper casino in the 1960s. Shelby Williams died in 1977, at the age of 66, after a lengthy illness. Claudine Williams took over operations, a rarity in the Nevada gaming industry, which generally consisted of men. In 1979, Holiday Inn bought a 40 percent share of the casino's parent company, Riverboat, Inc. Claudine Williams retained

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4992-479: The company as a risky gaming stock. Promus Hotel Corp. was established, holding Embassy Suites, Hampton Inn, and Homewood Suites, while the parent company, holding 16 casinos, was renamed as Harrah's Entertainment. Harrah's continued its expansion over the next ten years, opening Harrah's Skagit Valley , SkyCity Auckland , Harrah's St. Louis-Riverport , Harrah's Cherokee , Harrah's Prairie Band , Harrah's New Orleans , and Harrah's Rincon , and acquiring

5088-479: The company as a risky gaming stock. Promus Hotel Corp. was established, holding Embassy Suites, Hampton Inn, and Homewood Suites, while the parent company, holding 16 casinos, was renamed as Harrah's Entertainment. Harrah's continued its expansion over the next ten years, opening Harrah's Skagit Valley , SkyCity Auckland , Harrah's St. Louis-Riverport , Harrah's Cherokee , Harrah's Prairie Band , Harrah's New Orleans , and Harrah's Rincon , and acquiring

5184-586: The company moved its headquarters from Memphis to Las Vegas. Harrah's made its largest single expansion in 2005, when it acquired Caesars Entertainment, Inc. for $ 10.4 billion. Negotiations were spurred on by news of a merger agreement between MGM Mirage and Mandalay Resort Group . The two companies sold several properties ahead of the merger to assuage antitrust concerns, including Harrah's East Chicago and Harrah's Mardi Gras . The acquisition increased Harrah's portfolio to 40 casinos, plus four cruise ship casinos. The deal furthered Harrah's goal of gaining

5280-586: The company moved its headquarters from Memphis to Las Vegas. Harrah's made its largest single expansion in 2005, when it acquired Caesars Entertainment, Inc. for $ 10.4 billion. Negotiations were spurred on by news of a merger agreement between MGM Mirage and Mandalay Resort Group . The two companies sold several properties ahead of the merger to assuage antitrust concerns, including Harrah's East Chicago and Harrah's Mardi Gras . The acquisition increased Harrah's portfolio to 40 casinos, plus four cruise ship casinos. The deal furthered Harrah's goal of gaining

5376-622: The company. Shareholders of Caesars and Eldorado approved the merger on November 15, 2019, and it was completed in July 2020. In 2015 the US Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) fined Caesars Entertainment's Las Vegas casino $ 8 million for failing to properly police transactions for illicit activity. A 2012 IRS examination found Caesars had failed to report to the authorities over 100 incidents involving potential criminal activity. The Nevada Gaming Control Board announced

5472-511: The company. Shareholders of Caesars and Eldorado approved the merger on November 15, 2019, and it was completed in July 2020. In 2015 the US Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) fined Caesars Entertainment's Las Vegas casino $ 8 million for failing to properly police transactions for illicit activity. A 2012 IRS examination found Caesars had failed to report to the authorities over 100 incidents involving potential criminal activity. The Nevada Gaming Control Board announced

5568-567: The discussions evolved toward the idea of a leveraged buyout of Harrah's by Bonderman's company, TPG Capital . Another private equity firm, Apollo Global Management , approached Loveman about a buyout and he encouraged them to collaborate with TPG. By the end of the year, an agreement was announced for the two companies to buy Harrah's Entertainment for $ 17.1 billion in cash plus $ 10.7 billion in assumed debt. The transaction closed in January 2008, leaving Harrah's with $ 25.1 billion in debt. It

5664-512: The discussions evolved toward the idea of a leveraged buyout of Harrah's by Bonderman's company, TPG Capital . Another private equity firm, Apollo Global Management , approached Loveman about a buyout and he encouraged them to collaborate with TPG. By the end of the year, an agreement was announced for the two companies to buy Harrah's Entertainment for $ 17.1 billion in cash plus $ 10.7 billion in assumed debt. The transaction closed in January 2008, leaving Harrah's with $ 25.1 billion in debt. It

5760-439: The end of its existence, Caesars was a public company, majority-owned by a group of private equity firms led by Apollo Global Management , TPG Capital , and Paulson & Co. ; and Carl Icahn . Caesars's largest operating unit filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2015, which led to the foundation of Vici Properties as a result. The company's background can be traced to October 29, 1937, when Bill Harrah opened

5856-520: The following year, as Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill , part of a chain named after his 2003 song " I Love This Bar ". The resort also includes a popular oyster bar, which opened in 2006. Several restaurants were also renovated that year, including the Fresh Market Buffet, which was renamed Flavors, The Buffet. From 2010 to 2015, the casino included a restaurant by chef Kerry Simon known as Kerry's Gourmet Burgers (KGB). The Range

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5952-766: The former Spellbound Theater, which was renamed the Clint Holmes Theatre. He began entertaining there in January 2000. After more than 1,800 performances, Holmes concluded his run in September 2006. Magician Mac King also began entertaining at Harrah's in 2000, and continued performing there for more than 20 years. In 2021, he relocated his show to the Excalibur resort. Other entertainers at Harrah's have included Rita Rudner , The Righteous Brothers , Big Elvis , Ralphie May , and Tape Face . Skintight , an adult-themed musical show, opened in 2000. It featured

6048-425: The foundation of Vici Properties as a result. The company's background can be traced to October 29, 1937, when Bill Harrah opened a small bingo parlor in Reno, Nevada , a predecessor to Harrah's Reno . In 1955, he expanded to Stateline, Nevada , on the south shore of Lake Tahoe , where he would eventually open Harrah's Lake Tahoe . Harrah's Inc. made its initial public offering in 1971. In 1972, it

6144-624: The full purchase price of the company to Holiday Inn. Holiday Inn at the time had interests in two casinos: the under-construction Holiday Inn Marina Casino in Atlantic City , and a 40 percent stake in the Holiday Casino , adjacent to the Holiday Inn hotel on the Las Vegas Strip . In July 1987, Bill's Casino Lake Tahoe opened. Harrah's Laughlin opened in August 1988. The company that would become Harrah's Entertainment

6240-447: The growth of Indian gaming and legalization of riverboat casinos . In 1993 and 1994, the company opened Harrah's Joliet , Harrah's Vicksburg , Harrah's Tunica , Harrah's Black Hawk , Harrah's Central City , Harrah's Shreveport , Harrah's North Kansas City , and Harrah's Ak-Chin . In 1995, Promus decided to spin off its non-gaming hotel businesses, in part because they had been undervalued by investors due to perception of

6336-449: The hotel rooms also took place. A one-year, $ 100 million renovation and expansion began in 1989, in an effort to compete with newer resorts. The project included the addition of a third tower, rising 35 stories. It added 734 rooms for a total of 1,725, retaining the hotel's title as largest Holiday Inn. The casino was also expanded by 12,500 sq ft (1,160 m), for a total of 74,000 sq ft (6,900 m). A parking garage

6432-521: The interior was replicated from the grand saloon onboard the Grand Republic riverboat. A casino addition in 1975 featured an exterior resembling an old-fashioned excursion boat. This addition was attached to the original riverboat-themed casino building. The riverboat façade was revamped and expanded in 1990, now consisting of a 450-foot-long Mississippi-style riverboat with an 80-foot paddlewheel and two 85-foot-tall smokestacks. It stretched along

6528-472: The joint venture announced they would build a 20,000-seat stadium behind the Bally's and Paris casino-hotels. Caesars Entertainment, Inc. had previously envisioned using the location to build a baseball park , but the company's buyout by Harrah's cancelled the plans. Through the following year, Harrah's got uncertain on continuing with the project, not knowing if AEG would split the costs and whether building

6624-421: The joint venture announced they would build a 20,000-seat stadium behind the Bally's and Paris casino-hotels. Caesars Entertainment, Inc. had previously envisioned using the location to build a baseball park , but the company's buyout by Harrah's cancelled the plans. Through the following year, Harrah's got uncertain on continuing with the project, not knowing if AEG would split the costs and whether building

6720-807: The men fled before guards took him down. During the struggle, he pulled out a gun and fired two shots, one injuring a guard and the other killing a 29-year-old woman. Both men were soon apprehended. In September 2007, Clark County building officials opened an investigation into unauthorized renovations that took place at the Rio , another Las Vegas resort owned by Harrah's Entertainment. The investigation revealed that hotel renovations had also taken place at Harrah's Las Vegas in 2006, without permitting. In October 2007, Harrah's Entertainment closed approximately 600 rooms at Harrah's Las Vegas, allowing for investigative work and possible remediation. Various fire safety hazards were uncovered, including some floors which lacked caulking,

6816-474: The move to Las Vegas, where it ended after a five-month run. Legends in Concert , one of the longest-running shows in Las Vegas history, moved to Harrah's in 2009, relocating from the adjacent Imperial Palace casino. The show features singers who impersonate notable performers such as Elvis Presley and David Bowie . It ran at Harrah's for four years. Million Dollar Quartet , a musical, opened in 2013. It surpassed 1,000 performances in 2015, before closing

6912-455: The other 60 percent. In 1980, construction began on a 23-story tower addition with 494 rooms. It was finished in 1982, and the hotel became the world's largest Holiday Inn, with 991 rooms. The project also increased the size of the casino. Holiday Inn bought out Williams' remaining 60-percent interest in 1983. She remained as chairwoman of the property for years after the sale. In 1986, a three-story casino addition began construction in front of

7008-528: The parent company, Caesars Entertainment Corporation's over the parent company's debt guarantees. Vici Properties was founded as a result. On November 2, 2015, Rock Gaming announced it would begin assuming management of Horseshoe Casino Cleveland , Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati and ThistleDown Racino from Caesars Entertainment and complete the transition by June 2016. Caesars acquired Playtika in May 2011 for an amount between $ 80 and $ 90 million. Playtika,

7104-479: The parent company, Caesars Entertainment Corporation's over the parent company's debt guarantees. Vici Properties was founded as a result. On November 2, 2015, Rock Gaming announced it would begin assuming management of Horseshoe Casino Cleveland , Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati and ThistleDown Racino from Caesars Entertainment and complete the transition by June 2016. Caesars acquired Playtika in May 2011 for an amount between $ 80 and $ 90 million. Playtika,

7200-507: The project would include a hotel in partnership with Holiday Inn . The casino would be owned by Holiday Queen, while Holiday Inn would operate the hotel under its eponymous brand. Groundbreaking took place on April 2, 1970. The 520-room hotel opened on February 1, 1972, as the Holiday Inn Center Strip, named for its location at the center of the Las Vegas Strip . It consisted of a 14-story tower. The adjacent Pyramids motel

7296-400: The resort. During the groundbreaking ceremony, outdated gaming chips from the Holiday Casino – totaling $ 380,000 – were dumped into the addition's cement foundation by executives. A spokeswoman said the chips would add "color and history" to the new structure, which was built by Marnell Corrao Associates . Aside from adding casino space, the addition also included a new showroom. A renovation of

7392-409: The robbery were also sentenced. The stolen money, approximately $ 100,000, was never recovered. It was apparently handed off to another vehicle prior to the police chase. Promus was renamed Harrah's Entertainment in 1995. A year later, the company began a $ 200 million renovation and expansion of the Las Vegas property. The first phase of the project, a 10,000 sq ft (930 m) casino addition,

7488-471: The two companies. On June 23, 2019, Caesars officially accepted Eldorado's offer, reported to be worth almost $ 8.6 billion. Caesars controlled 53 assets compared to Eldorado's 26. After completion of the merger, 5 board members would come from Caesars and 6 would come from Eldorado. In May 2019, ESPN announced a partnership with Caesars Entertainment, in which it would be the exclusive provider of sports odds across its programming, and ESPN would construct

7584-471: The two companies. On June 23, 2019, Caesars officially accepted Eldorado's offer, reported to be worth almost $ 8.6 billion. Caesars controlled 53 assets compared to Eldorado's 26. After completion of the merger, 5 board members would come from Caesars and 6 would come from Eldorado. In May 2019, ESPN announced a partnership with Caesars Entertainment, in which it would be the exclusive provider of sports odds across its programming, and ESPN would construct

7680-450: The under-construction Holiday Inn Marina Casino in Atlantic City , and a 40 percent stake in the Holiday Casino , adjacent to the Holiday Inn hotel on the Las Vegas Strip . In July 1987, Bill's Casino Lake Tahoe opened. Harrah's Laughlin opened in August 1988. The company that would become Harrah's Entertainment was formed in 1990 as The Promus Companies. To effect the sale of the Holiday Inn hotel business to Bass PLC , Promus

7776-420: Was added as well. Holiday Inn had previously purchased Harrah's, Inc. in 1980. Ten years later, Holiday Inn's eponymous hotel brand was sold to Bass PLC . A corporate spinoff, The Promus Companies , was created by Holiday Inn to oversee several brands not included in the sale to Bass PLC, including Harrah's. In October 1991, Promus announced that it would end its franchise agreement with Holiday Inn and rename

7872-471: Was added in the 1997 expansion. It includes a bar and is host to live music. Both the Holiday Inn and Holiday Casino were designed by architect Homer Rissman. Under the direction of the Holiday Inn company, Rissman designed the hotel portion as a plain, white-colored building, differentiating it from the separately operated casino. The casino's exterior design was inspired by the Robert E. Lee steamboat, while

7968-404: Was an American casino and hotel company founded in Reno, Nevada , and based in Paradise, Nevada , that operated over 50 properties and seven golf courses under several brands. In 2013, it was the fourth-largest gambling company in the world, with annual revenues of $ 8.6 billion. It was acquired in 2020 by Eldorado Resorts , which then changed its own name to Caesars Entertainment. At

8064-691: Was built on property once occupied by the Tumbleweed motel, built in 1946; and the Pyramids motel, built in 1952. The Pyramids, a 20-unit motel, was the first project for Las Vegas real estate developer Irwin Molasky . The Tumbleweed would later become the Sand Dunes, and was destroyed in a 1968 fire. In March 1969, plans were announced for a riverboat-themed casino to be built on the property. It would be developed by Holiday Queen Land Corporation, and

8160-430: Was created as a corporate spin-off , holding Harrah's, Embassy Suites , Homewood Suites , and Hampton Inn ; Bass then acquired Holiday Corp., which retained only the Holiday Inn assets. The next year, the company's headquarters moved from Reno to Memphis, Tennessee . In April 1992, the Holiday Casino was rebranded as Harrah's Las Vegas. The late 1980s and early 1990s saw a rapid increase in gambling markets with

8256-411: Was formed in 1990 as The Promus Companies. To effect the sale of the Holiday Inn hotel business to Bass PLC , Promus was created as a corporate spin-off , holding Harrah's, Embassy Suites , Homewood Suites , and Hampton Inn ; Bass then acquired Holiday Corp., which retained only the Holiday Inn assets. The next year, the company's headquarters moved from Reno to Memphis, Tennessee . In April 1992,

8352-465: Was known as the Holiday Casino. A comedy dance show, Wild World of Burlesque , opened in 1974, and ran until 1985. It was replaced by a 1920s tribute show titled Roaring '20s . In 1988, Sennes replaced it with Keep Smilin' America . A magic show, Spellbound , began a 13-week run in early 1992, replacing Keep Smilin' America . Due to its success, Spellbound would be extended several times, eventually ending in 1999. A branch of The Improv comedy club

8448-467: Was listed on the American Stock Exchange and in 1973, Harrah's became the first casino company listed on the New York Stock Exchange . Bill Harrah died at the Mayo Clinic Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota, at the age of 66, during a cardiac surgery operation to repair an aortic aneurysm . In February 1980, Holiday Inn acquired Harrah's, Inc. for $ 300 million. Liquidation of Harrah's collection of almost 7,000 antique automobiles reportedly returned

8544-402: Was opened at Harrah's in April 1995, and continued operating for the next 21 years, until Caesars closed the space. In addition to comedy acts, it also served as a second showroom. In 1999, the Improv Showroom debuted Washington Sexcapades 2000 , a political comedy show co-starring Steve Rossi and Sandy Hackett . Clint Holmes signed on as the resort's resident headliner in 1999, taking over

8640-504: Was opened in October 1996. In total, the casino was expanded by 30,000 sq ft (2,800 m), and a 35-story addition was made to the third tower, among other changes. The additions were officially unveiled with an opening ceremony in October 1997, while final touches were concluded later that year. In September 2000, two men were suspected of stealing from distracted gamblers in the casino. When approached by security guards, one of

8736-481: Was purchased later that year for $ 750,000, and was demolished to provide additional parking space. During construction, the gaming portion was known as the River Queen Casino. It opened as the Holiday Casino on July 2, 1973. It included 320 slot machines and 20 table games, and catered to a middle-class clientele. The casino's primary investors included Shelby Williams and Norman Jenson. Williams served as

8832-491: Was replaced in 2013 by a Ruth's Chris Steak House seating nearly 400 people. A food court, Fulton Street Food Hall, was added in 2014. In February 2020, Buddy Valastro opened a pizzeria and sweets eatery known as PizzaCake. Bobby's Burgers opened a location in the Fulton Street Food Hall at the end of 2021. A Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux opened early the following year, and was the first location to offer

8928-512: Was the fourth-largest gambling company in the world, with annual revenues of $ 8.6 billion. It was acquired in 2020 by Eldorado Resorts , which then changed its own name to Caesars Entertainment. At the end of its existence, Caesars was a public company, majority-owned by a group of private equity firms led by Apollo Global Management , TPG Capital , and Paulson & Co. ; and Carl Icahn . Caesars's largest operating unit filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2015, which led to

9024-409: Was the tower's first renovation in more than a decade. Renovations on the rest of the hotel concluded in 2020, as part of a $ 200 million, multi-year renovation, which was finished in June 2021. The project included renovations on the casino floor, and new purple neon signage on the resort's exterior. A sky bridge was also built to connect Harrah's to the new Caesars Forum convention facility. In 1988,

9120-404: Was widely announced in previous years that the company planned to implode properties and build new ones from scratch, but after the market downturn the company conceded that it had little experience in building major resorts. Instead it developed Project LINQ in 2009, which would add 20 restaurants and bars between the company's Imperial Palace , O'Sheas and Flamingo casinos, on the east side of

9216-404: Was widely announced in previous years that the company planned to implode properties and build new ones from scratch, but after the market downturn the company conceded that it had little experience in building major resorts. Instead it developed Project LINQ in 2009, which would add 20 restaurants and bars between the company's Imperial Palace , O'Sheas and Flamingo casinos, on the east side of

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