�This project will reinforce Harrah�s East Chicago�s position as one of the premier casino entertainment facilities in the Chicagoland area,� said Harrah�s Entertainment Chief Operating Officer Gary Loveman. �The hotel will help us capitalize on the projected double-digit growth of the Chicagoland region, the third largest gaming market in the nation.�

The new 15-floor tower will offer 292 rooms, including seven suites on the top floor. The tower will be located next to the pavilion area, and will connect to the existing building via a two-story structure. Each of the new hotel rooms will encompass 504 square feet - about 70 percent larger than the region�s standard-sized room.
Joe Domenico, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Harrah�s East Chicago, said the project will be notable for its attention to detail.

�The spacious standard rooms will feature many amenities, including a marble floor foyer entrance and upscale decor throughout,� Domenico said. �We plan to build a truly luxurious hotel, comparable to the best hotels in downtown Chicago and unmatched in Northwest Indiana.�

A similar hotel expansion has enhanced operations at Harrah�s other Chicagoland property, Harrah�s Joliet. That property�s hotel, open since last December, has already established a reputation for superb quality and service. In a recent survey conducted by the Chicago Sun-Times, readers awarded Harrah�s Joliet the distinction of being the region�s best hotel.

Founded more than 60 years ago, Harrah�s Entertainment, Inc. is the most recognized and respected name in the casino-entertainment industry, operating 21 casinos in the United States under the Harrah�s, Showboat, Rio and Player�s brand names. With a combined database of more than 19 million players, Harrah�s Entertainment is focused on building loyalty and value with its target customers through a unique combination of great service, excellent products, unsurpassed distribution, operational excellence and technology leadership.

This release includes �forward-looking statements� intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.