Harrah's, Caesars Merger to Impact Mississippi Market

BILOXI, Mississippi – As reported by the Biloxi Sun Herald: "A proposed merger between Harrah's Entertainment and Caesars Entertainment could have a major impact on the Mississippi casino market.

"According to numerous published reports, Harrah's is making a play for Caesars, a deal that would create the world's largest casino company. The merger, which may be announced this week, could accelerate efforts to tie the Coast and New Orleans tourism markets together. Caesars owns Grand Casino Biloxi and Grand Casino Gulfport, and Harrah's New Orleans is less than an hour and a half away.

"…Harrah's also can send its regular players to the Coast to play golf at Grand Bear or visit the pool at Grand Gulfport.

"The merger also could lead to changes in the Tunica County market. A combination of Harrah's-Caesars would own five casinos in the area, including Harrah's Tunica, Grand Casino Tunica and Horseshoe Casino & Hotel, accounting for half of the gaming revenue.

"This could cause the company to sell off some casinos to get the merger past gaming regulators and the Federal Trade Commission. There has been speculation in the past that Caesars wanted to sell off its small Bally's Saloon or Sheraton Casino in Tunica County…"