Ak-Chin Indian Community Extends Harrah's Management Contract

LAS VEGAS – (PRESS RELEASE) -- The National Indian Gaming Commission has approved an agreement between the Ak-Chin Indian Community and a subsidiary of Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: HET) that extends Harrah's contract to manage Harrah's Phoenix Ak-Chin hotel and casino for an additional five years, beginning January 1, 2005.

Harrah's has managed the community's casino, located near Phoenix, Arizona, since December 1994.

"The Community of Ak-Chin is pleased to have Harrah's, General Manager Tom Cook and his management team oversee our casino operations for another five years," said Ak-Chin Indian Community Council Chairman

Terry Enos. "The success of the business would not have been possible without Harrah's management, the continued patronage of all our guests and the employees whose dedication and hard work have made our casino a popular destination for all those who come to visit us at Ak-Chin."

"The Ak-Chin Indian Community has achieved tremendous success with its hotel-casino and it has been extremely gratifying for Harrah's to have been part of a venture that has brought so much benefit to the community members," said Gary Loveman, president and chief executive officer of Harrah's Entertainment. "We are honored by their decision to extend our management contract and grateful to the community members and Harrah's employees who have worked together to make this enterprise a success. We look forward to an even brighter future for Harrah's Ak-Chin."

Earlier this year, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians agreed to extend Harrah's contract to manage the Harrah's Cherokee Casino & Hotel in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. Previously, Harrah's signed management-contract extensions with the Rincon San Luiseno Band of Mission Indians and the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation in Kansas.

Founded 67 years ago, Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. owns or manages through various subsidiaries 28 casinos in the United States, primarily under the Harrah's brand name. Harrah's Entertainment is focused on building loyalty and value with its valued customers through a unique combination of great service, excellent products, unsurpassed distribution, operational excellence and technology leadership.