Harrah's Observes One-Year Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina - Video Available

LAS VEGAS, Aug. 30  /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- One year ago Tuesday, the United States experienced one of the worst natural disasters in its history, as Hurricane Katrina made landfall on the Gulf Coast.  Among the millions affected by Katrina were nearly 8,000 employees of three Harrah's-owned casinos closed by the storm in New Orleans, Biloxi and Gulfport, Miss.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20021220/LAF055LOGO)

To view the Multimedia News Release, go to: http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/harrahs/22667/

In the hours and days that followed, Harrah's, its employees and its business partners marshaled their resources to assist affected colleagues:

  *  Affected employees were paid for 90 days following the storm.  The
     company ultimately paid $25.8 million in wages and benefits to affected
     employees;
  *  The company opened temporary relief shelters for employees in both
     Louisiana and Mississippi, and a Red Cross public shelter in Tunica,
     Miss.;
  *  And the Harrah's Foundation raised $6.6 million through the Harrah's
     Employee Relief Fund, which provided financial assistance to
     6,300 employees.



One year after Katrina, Harrah's returned; Harrah's New Orleans reopened February 17, while Grand Casino Biloxi resumed operations earlier this month. About 3,800 Harrah's employees have returned to their jobs in New Orleans and Biloxi, while another 750 have found employment at other company properties throughout the country.

Though the recovery process still has far to go, Harrah's is committed to both New Orleans and Mississippi, and looks forward to playing a key role in helping these communities build a brighter future than ever before.

Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. is the world's largest provider of branded casino entertainment through operating subsidiaries.  Since its beginning in Reno, Nevada 68 years ago, Harrah's has grown through development of new properties, expansions and acquisitions.  Harrah's Entertainment is focused on building loyalty and value with its customers through a unique combination of great service, excellent products, unsurpassed distribution, operational excellence and technology leadership.

More information about Harrah's is available at its Web site - http://www.harrahs.com/. 

http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20021220/LAF055LOGO

http://photoarchive.ap.org/

http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/harrahs/22667DATASOURCE: Harrah's Entertainment, Inc.



CONTACT:  Investors, Daniel Foley, [phone], or Media, Alberto

Lopez, [phone], both of Harrah's Entertainment, Inc.



Web site:  http://www.harrahs.com/ 

Copyright