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Harrah's Prairie Band Casino-Topeka Breaks Ground

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- The Prairie Band of Potawatomi Indians and Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. broke ground for a new $37 million casino facility on tribal lands north of Topeka, Kansas.

Harrah's Prairie Band Casino-Topeka will feature a 63,000 square foot casino entertainment complex and an adjoining 100-room hotel. The casino's 26,000 square feet of gaming space will include 500 slot machines; 40 table games consisting of blackjack, poker, craps, roulette and other games; and a 500-seat bingo hall. Additional amenities include an entertainment lounge and Fresh Market Square Buffet, Harrah's signature buffet restaurant.

The facility, located just off Highway 75 approximately 17 miles north of Topeka, will be owned by the Tribe and managed by Harrah's Kansas Casino Corporation, a subsidiary of Harrah's. The casino entertainment complex is expected to employ approximately 800 people. Pending the necessary approvals, the Tribe and Harrah's anticipate that the casino will open in late 1997. The city of Topeka and Harrah's in this project which will create jobs and spur economic development throughout the region."

As part of the ground breaking ceremonies, Harrah's presented the Tribe with a $150,000 check which the Tribe has designated for use in the preservation of its culture.

Until the permanent casino opens, the Tribe will continue to operate a temporary casino in its existing Potawatomi Bingo facility located on the reservation. The temporary casino facility features 171 slot machines, bingo and a snack bar.

Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. is the most geographically diversified casino company in North America operating in 13 U.S. markets and New Zealand. Harrah's celebrates its 60th year of operations during 1997.

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