Harrah's CEO Welcomes Employees Back to New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS – (PRESS RELEASE) -- Gary Loveman, chairman, chief executive officer and president of Harrah's Entertainment, Inc., visited Harrah's New Orleans today to welcome back employees to the casino. Approximately 1,250 employees will be on hand when the casino, restaurants, and shops open prior to Mardi Gras 2006.

"We think Harrah's can play an important leadership role in reinvigorating tourism here in New Orleans," said Gary Loveman. "We think launching our reopening here at the beginning of the Mardi Gras season is a great time to do it."

New Orleans and the Gulf Coast are important components of Harrah's future. Harrah's has a substantial presence in New Orleans, including a new hotel tower scheduled to open in the third quarter of 2006.

"New Orleans deserves your support," said Loveman. "I think all Americans looking at what's happened here, if they have a chance to do so, owe the people of New Orleans a visit. And, they'll be grateful for it," he continued.

Harrah's is focused on reestablishing the tourism industry to New Orleans and the Gulf Coast. "Our plans for investment in New Orleans haven't skipped a beat," said Loveman. "Our commitment to the Gulf Coast has increased since the storms."