New Orleans Haunts Harrah's

"Despite a healthy investment rating, an impressive acquisition of one-time rival Caesars and the largest stable of casinos among the world's gaming firms, Harrah's can't seem to rid itself of its most unsightly blemish -- a New Orleans casino that never really lived up to its early promises.

"And now that Harrah's wants to operate a casino in Station Square, partnering with Cleveland-based urban developer Forest City Enterprises, opponents' cries of 'remember the Big Easy' are being heard.

"It took a few months, but as in any hard-fought and high-stakes political campaign, the candidates seeking the sole Pittsburgh gaming license are finally slinging mud.

"The Pittsburgh Penguins, who with Isle of Capri Casinos, are proposing to build a Lower Hill District casino and a new hockey arena, and Don Barden, a Detroit businessman who wants to build a North Side casino, say Harrah's is making pie-in-the-sky revenue projections.

"…Harrah's is confident that the New Orleans missteps won't be duplicated in Pittsburgh, despite some similar market conditions…"