Harrah's Entertainment Announces Management Changes At Rio

Press Release
July 10, 2001
LAS VEGAS, NV -- Harrah's Entertainment Inc. (NYSE:HET) yesterday announced that Tom Jenkin, senior vice president and general manager at Harrah's Las Vegas, will assume the additional duties of senior vice president and general manager at the Rio Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

Jenkin accepted the new responsibilities following the resignations today of Jay Sevigny, Rio division president, and Cary Rehm, Rio general manager, both of whom left the company to pursue other opportunities.

With the changes, which are effective immediately, the Rio will become part of the company's Western Division. Previously, the Rio was the only Harrah's property in Nevada that was not part of the Western Division. Jenkin, who reports to Western Division President Carlos Tolosa, will oversee all operations at both Las Vegas properties.

``Tom has done a tremendous job at Harrah's Las Vegas, where operating income is up nearly 30 percent through the first six months of this year alone,'' said Tolosa. ``His proven ability to direct an efficient management team capable of building a strong, loyal, growing and profitable customer base will serve Rio well as it continues to refine its marketing strategy.''

Jenkin joined Harrah's Las Vegas in 1975 and has served in several executive capacities at the property. He also was senior vice president and general manager of Harrah's Laughlin from 1993 through 1998.

``We appreciate the efforts of Jay Sevigny and Cary Rehm in guiding the Rio through turbulent times and wish them well in their new endeavors,'' said Gary Loveman, Harrah's Entertainment president and chief operating officer.

Founded more than 60 years ago, Harrah's Entertainment is the most recognized and respected name in the casino-entertainment industry, operating 21 casinos in 17 markets in the United States under the Harrah's, Rio, Showboat and Players brand names. With a combined database of more than 23 million customers, 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. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified by phrases such as the company ``believes,'' ``expects,'' ``anticipates,'' ``plans,'' ``foresees,'' ``forecasts,'' ``estimates'' or other words or phrases of similar import. Similarly, such statements herein that describe the company's business strategy, outlook, objectives, plans, intentions or goals are also forward-looking statements. All such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, economic, bank, equity and debt-market conditions; changes in laws or regulations; third-party relations and approvals; decisions of courts, regulators and governmental bodies; factors affecting leverage, including interest rates; abnormal gaming holds; construction disruptions and delays, ineffective marketing and effects of competition.

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Contact: 

     Harrah's Entertainment Inc., Las Vegas
     Gary Thompson, 702/407-6529 (media)
     Josh Hirsberg, 702/407-6376 (investors)