Harrah's Names Regional President for Atlantic City

LAS VEGAS -- (PRESS RELEASE) -- Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE:HET) will name John Payne regional president of its Atlantic City region, effective upon receipt of required regulatory approvals.

Payne will oversee operations of Harrah's Entertainment's four Atlantic City properties - Harrah's, Showboat, Caesars and Bally's. Payne has more than 10 years' experience with Harrah's in a variety of executive roles, most recently as regional president of the company's Gulf Coast properties.

"Our recently announced $550 million expansion of Harrah's is just the first step in an ambitious plan to create an unsurpassed entertainment experience in Atlantic City," said Carlos Tolosa, president of Harrah's Eastern Division. "As one of our most skilled and experienced operators, John is uniquely qualified to direct this effort. Earlier this year, he demonstrated his ability to lead under tremendously difficult circumstances, as he spearheaded relief and recovery efforts for the nearly 9,000 Harrah's employees impacted by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. I am confident our Atlantic City team has a bright future ahead under his leadership."

Prior to being named Gulf Coast regional president in 2005, Payne served as senior vice president and general manager of Harrah's New Orleans, where he grew operating income at a compound annual growth rate of 34 percent during his three-year tenure. Prior to joining Harrah's New Orleans, he held positions as senior vice president and general manager of Harrah's Lake Charles, assistant general manager of Harrah's East Chicago, and assistant general manager of Harrah's Prairie Band.

An active community leader, Payne is currently involved with the National Conference for Community & Justice, the United Way, the Meals on Wheels Association of America and Teach for America. He was appointed by the Mayor of New Orleans to serve on the boards of the Audubon Commission, the New Orleans Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau and the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation.

Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. is the world's largest provider of branded casino entertainment. Since its beginning in Reno, Nevada 68 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.