According to The Associated Press Harrah’s Entertainment Inc., the world’s largest casino company has agreed to a $16.7 billion offer from two private equity groups.  The two groups are Apollo Management Group and Texas Pacific Group.An Official Announcement may come as early as today Dec 19^th 2006.  Harrah’s buyout price is $90 a share around 36% more than the price on Sept 29^th.  The two groups will assume $10 billion in dept.Harrah’s plans for their development will probably be put on hold.  These two groups are equity firms and will probably sell Harrah’s in 5 years, make them public again so they can make a profit and attract money from pension plans.

A group of bar and tavern owners, and slot route operators filed suit in District Court Tuesday challenging the smoking ban and seek a temporary injuntion to prevent the law from being enforced.

The plaintiffs, Herbst Gaming and Ellis Island Casino, argue that the Nevada Clean Indoor Air Act violates sections of the Nevada Constitution and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution.

Thanks to the Las Vegas Business Press - Las Vegas Business Press Website

Harrah’s has put a hold on releasing news on the center strip construction, due to the potential equity take-over.  This news leaves a question mark on what will happend to Bally’s, Barbary Coast, Imperial Palace and Harrah’s.  

The Caesars Palace construction of the 1,017-room hotel tower goes in front of the Clark County Commission on Dec. 20.  Also proposed is 150,000 SQ FT building to replace the Roman Plaza with casino space, my feeling this is a good move.

-Thanks Las Vegas Sun - Las Vegas Sun Website

Harrahs is now going to try and comp shoppers with all the kickbacks that Casino Gamers receive.  With Las Vegas earning less at the tables and slots it has noticed there it a lot of shopping going on.  With that perspective, Harrahs is banking on the people spending there money at the forum shops and rewarding them with everything from Rooms to free meals.

Harrahs has already started this with there total rewards credit card, which is a great deal if you go to Vegas alot and stay in Harrahs properties.  This is a pretty good secret, so do not let it out.

Harrah’s is planning changes at Caesars Palace. The outdoor area with the cement grand stands, bar and carry-out window, to the left of Caesars Palace if you are looking at the casino from the strip, will be torn down and replaced with more casino floor space.

I was not too pleased with the previous construction because it came all the way out to the sidewalk by the Strip, Las Vegas Blvd.  Caesars Palace had a great presentation from the Strip with the fountains, very picturesque; when the pavilion was built it crowded the fountains and the view.  Another gripe is the extended forum shops and the theater is also crowding the strip.  Most of you will hate the fact I wish the moving sidewalks were back.  I loved telling the story about how Caesars Palace will let you relax and ride the people movers on the way in but make you hike to get back out. From the rumor mill: Expect another hotel tower to be built on the southwest corner, behind the Augustus tower.   -Check the building commision for the latest news  -Thanks Five hundy - Five Hundy by Midnight website
      

The Producers are coming to Paris this February 2007.  The Producers will feature David Hasselhoff as the flamboyant Roger Debris.  He is hot in Germany so I guess playing a German roll will be good for him.  I am sure many of you can’t wait to see him dress in drag.

The Musical is to have some of the biggest sets and costumes for a show of this type.  If you haven’t seen the Musical or the Movie, the Musical is about a crooked producer that takes advice from his accountant that if he makes a flop, he will make more money.  The previous show and movie were a great success and I enjoyed both.  I will go see the show and let you know what I think.

Opening is Wednesday, January 31st 2007

Time 8:00p

Price $75 - $143

Call 888-828-3838 or Check the Harrah’s website for tickes and more information on The Producers