- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                            ------------------------
 
                                   FORM 10-K
                                ---------------
 
(MARK ONE)
/X/ FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
 
                                       OR
 
/ / FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM             TO             .
 
                          COMMISSION FILE NO. 1-10410
 
                          HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
                                            
                  DELAWARE                                 I.R.S. NO. 62-1411755
          (State of Incorporation)                 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
1023 CHERRY ROAD MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE 38117 (Address of principal executive offices) (zip code) REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE: (901) 762-8600 ------------------- SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(B) OF THE ACT:
TITLE OF EACH CLASS NAME OF EACH EXCHANGE ON WHICH REGISTERED - ----------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------- Common Capital Stock, Par Value $0.10 per share* NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE CHICAGO STOCK EXCHANGE PACIFIC STOCK EXCHANGE PHILADELPHIA STOCK EXCHANGE 10 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2002 of Harrah's NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE Operating Company, Inc.**
- ------------ * Common Capital Stock also has special stock purchase rights listed on each of the same exchanges ** Securities guaranteed by Registrant SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(G) OF THE ACT: None Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes /X/ No / / Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. /X/ The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant based upon the closing price of $19.50 for the Common Stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange Composite Tape on January 31, 1997, is $1,973,647,143. Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of January 31, 1997. Common Stock............ 102,735,061 Shares
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE Portions of the definitive Proxy Statement for the 1997 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which will be filed within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year, are incorporated by reference into Part III hereof and portions of the Company's Annual Report to Stockholders for the year ended December 31, 1996 are incorporated by reference into Parts I and II hereof. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PART I ITEMS 1 AND 2. BUSINESS AND PROPERTIES. Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. (referred to herein, together with its subsidiaries where the context requires, as the "Company" or "Harrah's") is one of the leading casino entertainment companies in the United States. Harrah's, formerly named The Promus Companies Incorporated ("Promus"), was incorporated on November 2, 1989 under Delaware law. On June 30, 1995, Promus transferred its hotel business to a new entity, Promus Hotel Corporation ("PHC"), and spun off PHC as a separate public corporation which is not affiliated with the Company. Promus retained ownership of its casino entertainment business and changed its name to Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. Harrah's conducts its business through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Harrah's Operating Company, Inc. ("HOC") (formerly named Embassy Suites, Inc. ("Embassy")), and through HOC's subsidiaries. The principal asset of Harrah's is the stock of HOC, which holds, directly or indirectly through subsidiaries, substantially all of the assets of the Company's businesses. The principal executive offices of Harrah's are located at 1023 Cherry Road, Memphis, Tennessee 38117, telephone (901) 762-8600. Operating data for the three most recent fiscal years, together with corporate expense, interest expense and other income, is set forth on page 35 of the Annual Report. Information regarding mortgages on properties of the Company is set forth on pages 39 through 41 of the Annual Report. The preceding pages of the Annual Report are incorporated herein by reference. For information on operating results and a discussion of those results, see "Management's Discussion and Analysis--Results of Operations" on pages 25 through 33 of the Annual Report, which pages are incorporated herein by reference. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "safe harbor" for forward looking statements. Certain information included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and other materials filed or to be filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") (as well as information included in oral statements or other written statements made or to be made by the Company) contains statements that are forward looking. These include statements relating to the following activities, among others: (A) operations and expansions of existing properties, including future performance, anticipated scope and opening dates of expansions, and exit plans with respect to certain properties; (B) planned openings and development of Indian casinos that would be managed by the Company; (C) the anticipated opening of facilities in Maryland Heights, Missouri; (D) the plan of reorganization and its various facets for New Orleans; (E) implementation of the stock repurchase program and planned capital expenditures for 1997; and (F) the possible acquisition/construction of a second property in Las Vegas, Nevada. These activities involve important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward looking statements made by or on behalf of the Company. These include, but are not limited to, the following factors as well as other factors described from time to time in the Company's reports filed with the SEC: construction factors, including zoning issues, environmental restrictions, soil conditions, weather and other hazards, site access matters and building permit issues; access to available and feasible financing; regulatory and licensing approvals, third party consents and approvals, and relations with partners, owners and other third parties; business and economic conditions; litigation, judicial actions and political uncertainties, including gaming legislation and taxation; and effects of competition, including locations of competitors and operating and marketing competition. Any forward looking statements are made pursuant to the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and, as such, speak only as of the date made. 1 CASINO ENTERTAINMENT GENERAL Harrah's casino business commenced operations more than 59 years ago and is unique among casino entertainment companies in its broad geographic diversification. At year end, Harrah's operated casino hotels in the five traditional U.S. gaming markets of Reno, Lake Tahoe, Las Vegas and Laughlin, Nevada and Atlantic City, New Jersey. It also operated riverboat casinos in Joliet, Illinois; dockside casinos in Vicksburg and Tunica, Mississippi, Shreveport, Louisiana and North Kansas City, Missouri; casinos on two Indian reservations, one near Phoenix, Arizona and the other north of Seattle, Washington; and a land-based casino in Auckland, New Zealand, which opened on February 2, 1996. The Company also operates, until March 31, 1997, limited stakes casinos in Central City and Black Hawk, Colorado. As of December 31, 1996, Harrah's operated a total of approximately 701,200 square feet of casino space, 19,011 slot machines, 941 table games, 6,478 hotel rooms or suites, approximately 131,400 square feet of convention space, 56 restaurants, six showrooms and six cabarets. Harrah's marketing strategy is currently designed to appeal primarily to the broad middle-market gaming customer segment, with special emphasis on the rapidly growing segment of multi-market gamers. Harrah's strategic direction is focused on establishing a well-defined brand identity that communicates a consistent message of high quality and excellent service. LAND-BASED CASINOS ATLANTIC CITY The Harrah's Atlantic City casino hotel is situated on 24.17 acres in the Marina area of Atlantic City and at year end had approximately 80,600 square feet of casino space with 2,507 slot machines and 96 table games. It consists of dual 16-story hotel towers with 251 suites and 509 rooms and adjoining low rise buildings which house the casino space and the 26,100 square foot convention center. The facilities include seven restaurants, an 820-seat showroom, a health club with swimming pool, a teen center with video games, child care facilities and parking for 2,395 cars, including a substantial portion in a parking garage. The property also has a 72-slip marina. In 1995, the Company began a major expansion of the property, with project costs estimated at $83.7 million. In June 1996, construction was completed on the casino expansion which added approximately 13,500 feet of gaming space. Enhancement of the facility's restaurant offerings was completed in fourth quarter 1996. The expansion also includes construction of a new 416-room, 16-story hotel tower. The hotel tower construction began in February 1996 and is expected to be completed in late second quarter 1997. The Company has announced a possible second phase to its Atlantic City expansion, pending substantive progress on development of new casino hotel projects in the Marina area by other companies, appropriate regulatory approvals and adequate resolution of road and access improvements that have been the subject of discussions among the state, city and developers. This expansion would position Harrah's Atlantic City as one of the largest casino resorts in that market and would link Harrah's into the overall new development plan. This phase, if completed as currently envisioned, would include significant additional guest rooms and casino space, as well as enhancements in convention facilities, restaurant offerings, parking facilities and other nongaming amenities. At present, because of the uncertainties relating to this project, there is no assurance this second phase will proceed. The Company also owns approximately 8.45 acres of land adjacent to Harrah's Atlantic City and 170 acres of wetlands in the Marina area. Most of the casino's customers arrive by car from within a 150-mile radius which includes Philadelphia, New York and northern New Jersey, Harrah's Atlantic City's primary feeder markets. 2 LAS VEGAS Harrah's Las Vegas is located on approximately 17.3 acres on the Las Vegas Strip and consists of a 15-floor hotel tower, a 23-floor hotel tower, a 35-story hotel tower, and adjacent low-rise buildings which house the 15,000 square foot convention center and the casino. The hotel has 1,651 regular rooms and 46 suites. The Harrah's Las Vegas complex has approximately 79,800 square feet of casino space, with 1,980 slot machines and 85 table games. Also included are five restaurants, the 525-seat Commander's Theatre, a 367-seat cabaret, an arcade, a health club and a heated pool. There are 2,863 parking spaces available, including a substantial portion in a self-park garage. Construction commenced in first quarter 1996 on a $200 million expansion of Harrah's Las Vegas, including a new 35-story hotel tower, with 986 rooms, including 46 suites. The expansion also includes 22,200 additional square feet of casino space, three new restaurant facilities, a complete renovation of the facade of the casino located on the Strip, as well as significant additions and improvements to nongaming amenities. Completion of the casino expansion will be in phases, with the casino and facade additions and renovation expected to be finished during third quarter 1997. It is anticipated that the hotel tower will be completed by the end of third quarter 1997. The casino's primary feeder markets are the Midwest, California and Canada. In addition to this expansion of its current Las Vegas property, Harrah's has also stated its interest in constructing or acquiring a second Las Vegas casino property, subject to location and project economics. At the present time, however, no definitive plans have been completed, no property has been identified and, accordingly, there is no assurance the Company will construct or acquire such a property. LAKE TAHOE Harrah's Lake Tahoe is situated on 22.9 acres near Lake Tahoe and consists of an 18-story tower and adjoining low-rise building which house a 16,500 square foot convention center and approximately 63,200 square feet of casino space, with 1,871 slot machines and 109 table games. The casino hotel, with 79 suites and 453 luxury rooms, has seven restaurants, three snack bars, the 688-seat South Shore Showroom, a health club, retail shops, a heated pool and an arcade. The facility has customer parking for 854 cars in a garage and 1,098 additional spaces in an adjoining lot. Harrah's also operates Bill's Lake Tahoe Casino which is located on a 2.1 acre site adjacent to Harrah's Lake Tahoe. The casino includes approximately 18,000 square feet of casino space, with 590 slot machines and 20 table games, and two casual on-premise restaurants, Bennigan's and McDonald's, operated by non-affiliated restaurant companies. The primary feeder markets for both casinos are California and the Pacific Northwest. RENO Harrah's Reno, situated on approximately 3.7 acres, consists of a casino hotel complex with a 24-story structure, an approximate 14,500 square foot convention center and 57,000 square feet of casino space, with 1,613 slot machines and 76 table games. The facilities include a Harrah's hotel, with 557 rooms and eight suites, the 420-seat Sammy's Showroom, a 37-seat cabaret, a pool, a health club and an arcade. The property has one snack bar and seven restaurants, including a Planet Hollywood restaurant and lounge and a McDonald's restaurant operated by non-affiliated restaurant companies. The complex can accommodate guest parking for 1,232 cars, including a valet parking garage, a self-park garage and off-site valet parking. The Company owns a 408-room, 26-story Hampton Inn hotel adjacent to Harrah's Reno. The hotel, which is operated by Harrah's pursuant to a license agreement from Promus Hotels, Inc. (a subsidiary of PHC), provides high-quality, moderately-priced guest rooms to accommodate Harrah's guests. 3 The primary feeder markets for Harrah's Reno are northern California, the Pacific Northwest and Canada. LAUGHLIN Harrah's Laughlin is located in Laughlin, Nevada on a 44.9 acre site in a natural cove on the Colorado River and features a hotel with 1,635 standard rooms and 21 suites, a 90-seat cabaret, five restaurants and two snack bars, including a McDonald's and a Baskin Robbins which are operated by non-affiliated companies. Harrah's Laughlin has approximately 47,000 square feet of casino space, with 1,366 slot machines and 41 table games, and approximately 7,000 square feet of convention center space. The facility has customer parking for 2,604 cars, including a covered parking garage, and a park for recreational vehicles. In 1996, a 378-seat showroom was constructed at the property as well as a 3,164-seat outdoor amphitheater. Other amenities include a health club, swimming pools, an arcade and retail shops. It is the only property in Laughlin with a developed beachfront on the River. The casino's primary feeder markets are the Los Angeles and Phoenix metropolitan areas where a combined total of more than 17 million people reside. CENTRAL CITY AND BLACK HAWK Harrah's currently manages, for a fee, casinos in Central City and Black Hawk, Colorado that are owned by Eagle Gaming, L.P. and its related entities ("Eagle"). Both of the casinos are approximately 45 minutes from downtown Denver. Harrah's Central City consists of a casino with approximately 12,600 square feet of casino space, 244 slot machines, three table games, a bar, a cabaret, a restaurant and a gift shop. Harrah's Black Hawk casino has approximately 18,100 square feet of casino space, 615 slot machines, thirteen table games, a restaurant and a gift shop. There is parking available for 190 cars. Both of these casinos offer limited stakes gaming pursuant to Colorado law. The primary feeder market for both casinos is the Denver/Boulder metropolitan area. The Company owns an approximate 21.7 percent interest in Eagle. In December 1996, the Company notified Eagle of the termination of the Company's management agreements effective March 31, 1997, and, subject to regulatory approval, agreed to transfer the Company's interest in Eagle to Eagle effective as of December 24, 1996. Although the Company continues to guarantee $5 million of Eagle bank financing, the Company has the right to reacquire its interest in Eagle if the Company is not released from such guaranty by March 31, 1997. NEW ZEALAND Sky City, a casino entertainment facility in Auckland, New Zealand, opened in February 1996. The project is owned by Sky City Limited, a publicly-traded New Zealand corporation in which Harrah's ownership is 12.5%. Harrah's manages the facility for a fee under a long-term management contract. The facility is located on 3.1 acres of land and has approximately 45,000 square feet of casino space, 1,050 slot machines and 100 table games. It also features three restaurants, a 100-seat cabaret, several lounges, a snack bar, retail shops, a health club and a swimming pool. In May 1996, a hotel opened at the property that has 306 rooms and 38 suites. During third quarter 1996, construction was completed on a 700-seat theater/showroom and approximately 14,000 square feet of conference space. The facilities also include customer parking for approximately 2,600 cars, a portion of which is in an underground parking garage. Valet parking is also available. A special attraction of the facility is a 1,066-foot Sky Tower, which is scheduled to open by mid-1997. The Sky Tower, the tallest structure in the southern hemisphere, will feature two enclosed and one open-air observation decks and a revolving bar and restaurant. 4 NEW ORLEANS A Harrah's subsidiary owns an approximate 47% interest in Harrah's Jazz Company ("Harrah's Jazz"), a partnership formed for purposes of developing, owning and operating the exclusive land-based casino entertainment facility in New Orleans, Louisiana, on the site of the former Rivergate Convention Center (the "Rivergate"). On November 22, 1995, Harrah's Jazz and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Harrah's Jazz Finance Corp., filed petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. Prior to the filing, Harrah's Jazz was operating a temporary casino in the New Orleans, Louisiana Municipal Auditorium (the "Basin Street Casino") and constructing a new permanent casino facility on the Rivergate site (the "Rivergate Casino"). Harrah's Jazz ceased operation of the Basin Street Casino and construction of the Rivergate Casino on November 22, 1995 prior to the bankruptcy filings. Harrah's Jazz filed a plan of reorganization with the Bankruptcy Court on April 3, 1996 and has filed several subsequent amendments to the plan (the "Plan"). On February 28, 1997, the Bankruptcy Court approved the disclosure statement of Harrah's Jazz relating to the Plan and set a confirmation hearing to approve the Plan for April 14, 1997. Under the Plan, the assets and business of Harrah's Jazz would vest in Jazz Casino Corporation, a newly formed corporation ("JCC"), on the effective date of the Plan. JCC would be responsible for completing construction of the Rivergate Casino. Under the Plan, existing public debt of Harrah's Jazz would be cancelled and the holders of that debt would receive 37.1% of the equity in JCC's parent ("JCC Holding"). An additional 15% of the equity in JCC Holding would be allocated to debtholders who execute certain releases and an affiliate of the Company would receive, in exchange for equity investments and other consideration to be provided under the Plan, the remaining 47.9% of the equity in JCC Holding, a portion of which would be assigned to certain Harrah's Jazz partner-related parties. In addition, holders of the public debt would receive (i) $187.5 million in aggregate principal amount of 8% Senior Subordinated Notes of JCC due 2006 with contingent payments, and (ii) a pro rata share of Senior Subordinated Contingent Notes of JCC due 2006. During the course of the bankruptcy of Harrah's Jazz, a subsidiary of the Company has made debtor-in-possession loans to Harrah's Jazz, totalling approximately $17.2 million as of December 31, 1996, to fund certain obligations to the City of New Orleans and other cash requirements of Harrah's Jazz. The Company has proposed to make up to $25 million in such loans, however, it is likely that Harrah's Jazz will require debtor-in-possession loans from the Company in excess of the $25 million currently proposed. If the Plan is consummated, Harrah's would invest an additional $75 million in the project and deliver new completion guaranties. Any debtor-in-possession financing, including the approximately $17.2 million in financing already advanced and discussed above, would be repaid or converted into equity (and count toward the $75 million investment referred to above) upon consummation of the Plan. The Plan also provides that JCC will obtain a $180 million secured term loan and revolving credit facility to finance completion of the Rivergate Casino and provide JCC with working capital availability, and that Harrah's will guarantee or provide credit support for $120 million of this financing. If the Plan is consummated, it is anticipated that Harrah's will also make an additional $20 million subordinated loan to JCC to assist in financing construction of the Rivergate Casino. The Plan also contemplates the opening of the permanent casino at the Rivergate Casino site approximately nine months after the consummation of the Plan. If the Plan is consummated, it is expected that the consummation would occur in second quarter 1997. Under the Plan, there would be no temporary casino and the Basin Street Casino would not reopen. In addition to the matters discussed above, the Plan is subject to other amendments, and such other amendments may be material. There can be no assurance that definitive agreements necessary to consummate the Plan will be reached or that the amended Plan will be approved, or, if approved, that the conditions to consummation of the Plan will be met. Additionally, ongoing litigation and reorganization costs related to the Harrah's Jazz bankruptcy, which could be significant, will have a corresponding impact 5 on Harrah's future earnings and cash flows. In the event the Plan is consummated, the Company anticipates that a significant part of such litigation will be dismissed. See "Legal Proceedings" herein for a discussion of legal actions filed in connection with the New Orleans project. RIVERBOAT CASINOS JOLIET Harrah's Joliet is located in downtown Joliet, Illinois, on the Des Plaines River. The two riverboat casinos, the Harrah's Northern Star, a modern 210-foot mega-yacht, and the Southern Star II, a 210-foot riverboat, offer a combined total of 37,000 square feet of casino space with 56 table games and 988 slot machines. Each riverboat has the capacity to accommodate approximately 825 guests per cruise. Harrah's Joliet offers a total of 18 cruises per day. In April 1996, the Company completed an expansion of and improvements to the shoreside pavilion at Harrah's Joliet at an approximate cost of $7.2 million. The expansion added new meeting room facilities, enhanced restaurant facilities and improvements to the public area. At year end, the dockside facilities, which are situated on 6.8 acres, included three restaurants, two snack bars, a lounge, approximately 3,700 square feet of meeting space and a retail shop. Parking is available for 1,071 cars, including a 4-story parking garage with 580 spaces. The Company is evaluating a proposed expansion project in Joliet to add a 240-suite hotel, a 380-space parking garage and meeting facilities. A decision whether or not to proceed with the expansion will be made after completion of market assessments, including the impact of Indiana casinos, financial feasibility studies and planning and design work. A partnership, in which an indirect subsidiary of the Company is the 80 percent general partner, developed and owns the dockside facilities, the Harrah's Northern Star and the Southern Star II vessels, and the riverboat businesses. The businesses are operated by Harrah's for a fee under a long-term management contract. The Chicago metropolitan area is the primary feeder market for Harrah's Joliet, with Joliet being only 30 miles from downtown Chicago. TUNICA Harrah's Tunica Mardi Gras Casino is a stationary riverboat casino complex which opened in April 1996. It is situated on 88 acres of land in Tunica, Mississippi, approximately 30 miles south of downtown Memphis, Tennessee. The facilities include approximately 50,000 square feet of casino space, with 1,166 slot machines and 51 table games, three restaurants, a child care facility, an arcade, retail shop, a 13,500 square foot entertainment/ballroom area and customer parking for 2,560 cars. A Harrah's hotel, which features 181 rooms and 18 suites and exercise facilities, opened in June 1996. The riverboat casino facilities, which are owned by a partnership in which the Company is the 83% general partner, are operated by the Company for a fee under a long-term management contract. The underlying land is under a long term lease to the partnership. The partnership which owns the Harrah's Tunica Mardi Gras Casino has entered into agreements with two nearby competitors for the development of a golf course and related facilities adjacent to Harrah's Tunica Mardi Gras Casino. Construction on the project commenced in November 1996 with completion expected in first quarter 1998. The Company's investment in the golf course development is not expected to exceed $2 million. 6 Harrah's also operates another dockside riverboat casino in Tunica ("Tunica I") which is on 179 acres of land. The complex includes a stationary riverboat that has 27,000 square feet of casino space on two levels, with 970 slot machines, 18 table games and an entertainment lounge. The facilities also offer approximately 5,100 square feet of space for conventions, meetings and special events. Adjacent to the riverboat casino is a pavilion that houses a restaurant, employee facilities and executive offices. On-site parking is available for 1,336 cars with valet parking available. A partnership, of which the Company is the 83% general partner, owns the Tunica I facilities and the casino business. The underlying land, including adjoining land used for a private access road and a sewage treatment facility, is under long term lease to the partnership with options to purchase. The riverboat casino business is operated by Harrah's for a fee under a long-term management contract. The Company has announced that it will not operate the Tunica I facility long-term and plans to announce an exit strategy by mid-year 1997, subject to requisite regulatory and partnership approvals. The primary feeder market for both Harrah's casinos in Tunica is the Memphis metropolitan area. VICKSBURG Harrah's Vicksburg is the Company's dockside casino entertainment complex on approximately 10.3 acres in Vicksburg, Mississippi. The complex, which is located in downtown Vicksburg on the Yazoo Diversion Canal of the Mississippi River, includes a 297-foot stationary riverboat casino designed in the spirit of a traditional 1800's riverboat with approximately 11,800 square feet of casino space, 605 slot machines and 31 table games. The casino is docked next to the Company's shoreside complex which features two restaurants, a snack bar/lounge, child care facilities, an arcade, a retail outlet and an approximate 2,900 square foot meeting room/convention area. Adjacent to the riverboat is a Harrah's hotel, with 109 rooms and eight suites, which is owned and operated by the Company. Two covered parking garages are across the street with combined parking for 839 cars and additional parking is available for 272 cars. The Company owns the riverboat and holds long-term rights to all real property pertaining to the project. The casino's primary feeder markets are western and central Mississippi and eastern Louisiana. SHREVEPORT Harrah's Shreveport is the Company's dockside riverboat casino in downtown Shreveport, Louisiana, which includes a 254-foot 19th-century design paddlewheeler riverboat, the ShreveStar, with 28,000 square feet of gaming space with 1,033 slot machines and 42 table games. A pavilion, on 11.2 acres of land, adjoins the casino on the banks of the Red River and includes two restaurants and a 4,100 square foot area for private parties and group functions. Parking is available for 880 cars, including 750 spaces in a parking garage. The casino and related facilities are owned by the Company. The Company is evaluating a possible expansion of its current Shreveport facility to include a hotel as well as additional parking, restaurant and meeting facilities. The Company is also pursuing alternative plans for a possible joint venture development which would provide for a second riverboat to be owned and operated by another casino company and construction of two separately-branded 300-room hotels, with jointly-owned shoreside facilities that would be managed by Harrah's. Any expansion project is subject to the receipt of necessary regulatory approvals and reaching a definitive agreement with the City of Shreveport. The development of the joint venture project is subject to reaching definitive joint venture agreements. The primary feeder markets for the casino are northwestern Louisiana and east Texas, including the Dallas/Fort Worth metropolitan area. 7 NORTH KANSAS CITY The Company owns and operates riverboat casino facilities situated on 55 acres of land in North Kansas City, Missouri. The facilities include a 295-foot classic sternwheeler-designed stationary riverboat, the North Star, with approximately 31,600 square feet of casino space, 1,043 slot machines and 53 table games. In May 1996, the Company opened a second casino at the North Kansas City property, the Mardi Gras, which is constructed on a floating stationary barge. At year end, with both boats operational, the facilities offered a combined total of approximately 62,100 square feet of casino space, 1,938 slot machines and 98 table games. Shoreside facilities were expanded in 1996 and at year end included a pavilion that housed three restaurants and 10,000 square feet of meeting space. In March 1996, construction was completed on a three-story 1,060-car parking garage and new surface parking. Total on-site parking, including valet parking, is now available for 2,738 cars. In December 1996, the $78 million expansion of the Harrah's North Kansas City facilities was completed with the opening of a Harrah's hotel which features 181 rooms and 19 suites. Additional property amenities include two snack bars, an arcade, swimming pool and exercise room. The casino's primary feeder market is the Kansas City metropolitan area. UNDER DEVELOPMENT ST. LOUIS-RIVERPORT The Company is opening on March 11, 1997 a riverboat casino project with Players International, Inc. ("Players") along the Missouri River in Maryland Heights, Missouri, in northwest St. Louis County, 16 miles from downtown St. Louis. The partnership formed by Harrah's and Players leases space to both Harrah's and Players in which to operate their separately branded casinos and specialty restaurants. Each company will operate two riverboat casinos. Each of the Harrah's riverboats will include approximately 26,000 square feet of gaming space, with a total of approximately 1,230 slot machines and 80 table games. A shoreside pavilion will include three restaurants, a snack bar, an entertainment lounge and retail space. Additional amenities will include a special events center and child care facilities. Also included in the shoreside facilities will be a 7-story 291-room Harrah's hotel, an 1,850-car parking garage and surface parking for 3,000 cars. Harrah's will manage the shoreside pavilion, hotel and parking areas for a fee. Approximately 74 acres of land being used for the development is owned by the Company and leased to the partnership. Approximately 140 acres of additional land included in the development is owned by the partnership. The total estimated investment by the Company is $180 million. INDIAN GAMING AK-CHIN Harrah's Phoenix Ak-Chin casino is owned by the Ak-Chin Indian Community and is located on approximately 20 acres of land on the Community's reservation, approximately 25 miles south of Phoenix, Arizona. The casino includes 38,000 square feet of casino space with 475 slot machines, 41 poker tables, bingo, keno, two restaurants, an entertainment lounge, 3,250 square feet of meeting room space and a retail shop. The complex has customer parking for approximately 1,300 cars and has valet parking available. Harrah's manages the casino for a fee under a management contract expiring in December 1999. Renewal of the contract would require mutual agreement between Harrah's and the Ak-Chin Community and approval by the National Indian Gaming Commission ("NIGC"). The primary feeder markets for the casino are Phoenix and Tucson. 8 SKAGIT VALLEY Harrah's Skagit Valley casino is located on approximately ten acres of land on the Upper Skagit Indian Reservation, approximately 70 miles north of Seattle, Washington. The casino includes 26,000 square feet of casino space with an 800-seat bingo parlor, 51 gaming tables, nine poker tables, keno and pull tabs. Non-gaming amenities include a 68-seat lounge with live entertainment and two restaurants, as well as an arcade and gift shop. The complex has customer parking for approximately 1,000 cars with valet service provided. Harrah's manages the casino for a fee under a management contract expiring in December 2002. Renewal of the contract would require mutual agreement between Harrah's and the Upper Skagit Indian Tribe and approval by the NIGC. The Company has guaranteed the Tribe's repayment of a bank loan, the proceeds of which were used to construct the Upper Skagit facility. At year end 1996, $20.9 million of the loan was outstanding. In addition, the Company has made loans to the tribe. As of December 31, 1996, the total amount outstanding under these loans was $4.6 million. The primary feeder markets for the casino are northwestern Washington state and southwestern Canada, including the Seattle and Bellingham, Washington and Vancouver, British Columbia metropolitan areas. UNDER DEVELOPMENT CHEROKEE Harrah's is currently developing a casino for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians on their reservation in Cherokee, North Carolina. The casino will include approximately 60,000 square feet of casino space with an estimated 1,800 video gaming machines. Additional facilities will consist of a 20,000 square foot multi-purpose entertainment room and two restaurants, as well as a snack bar and child care facilities. Harrah's will manage the casino for a fee under a management contract that has a five year term, commencing on the date the casino opens to the public. Renewal of the contract would require mutual agreement between Harrah's and the Cherokee Indian Tribe and approval by the NIGC. Following NIGC approval of management and development agreements, construction of the facilities commenced in third quarter 1996, with completion targeted for fourth quarter 1997. Opening of the project is subject to various regulatory approvals. The Company has guaranteed the Tribe's repayment of a bank loan of $82 million, the proceeds of which are being used to construct the Cherokee facility. At year end 1996, $8.5 million of the loan had been drawn and was outstanding. PRAIRIE BAND The Company has entered into management and development agreements with the Prairie Band of Potawatomi Indians in connection with the proposed development of a casino on lands owned by that tribe approximately 17 miles north of Topeka, Kansas. These agreements were approved by the NIGC in January 1997. The casino facilities are expected to include 27,000 square feet of casino space with 500 electronic gaming devices, 40 table games and a 500-seat bingo hall. The complex will also include a restaurant, a lounge and a 100-room hotel. The facilities will be managed by the Company for a fee under a management contract that has a five year term, commencing on the date the casino opens to the public. Renewal of the contract would require mutual agreement between Harrah's and the Prairie Band and approval by the NIGC. Construction is expected to begin in April 1997 with completion expected in fourth quarter 1997. Opening of the project is subject to various regulatory approvals. The Company expects that the proposed project will be financed by a bank loan of approximately $37 million that would be guaranteed by the Company. 9 OTHER The Company has entered into preliminary management and development agreements with other Indian communities in connection with the proposed development of casino entertainment facilities on lands owned by the respective tribes. These agreements are subject to various conditions including approval by the NIGC and other governmental approvals. Development of the casino facilities, which would be managed by the Company for a fee, will not commence until NIGC approval and other required approvals are received. The Company expects the proposed projects will be financed by bank loans that would be guaranteed by the Company. SODAK GAMING, INC. The Company owns approximately 14% of Sodak Gaming, Inc. ("Sodak"), the stock of which is publicly-traded. Sodak is a leading distributor of electronic gaming machines and gaming-related products and systems. Under terms of an agreement with International Game Technology ("IGT") expiring in May 1998, Sodak is the exclusive distributor for IGT of its gaming equipment in the states of North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming, and on Native American Reservations in the United States (except Nevada, New Jersey and Hawaii). This distribution agreement continues from year to year after May 1998, until it is cancelled. Sodak also has an international distributorship agreement with IGT for gaming equipment. In addition, Sodak also is in the business of financing, developing and managing Native American and commercial casino businesses in the United States and abroad. OTHER In addition to the above, the Company is actively pursuing a variety of casino entertainment opportunities in various jurisdictions both domestically and abroad, including land-based, riverboat casino and Indian gaming projects in the United States. A number of these projects, if they go forward, could require significant capital investments by the Company. TRADEMARKS The following trademarks used herein are owned by the Company: Harrah's-Registered Trademark-; Bill's-Registered Trademark-; Harrah's Northern Star-SM-; Harrah's North Star-SM-; Harrah's Southern Star II-SM-; ShreveStar-SM-; Harrah's Tunica Mardi Gras Casino-SM-; and South Shore Showroom-SM-. The name "Harrah's" is registered as a service mark in the United States and in certain foreign countries, including New Zealand. The Company considers all of these marks, and the associated name recognition, to be valuable to its business. COMPETITION Harrah's, which operates land-based, dockside, riverboat and Indian casino facilities in all of the traditional, and many of the new, U.S. casino entertainment jurisdictions, as well as a land-based casino in New Zealand, competes with numerous casinos and casino hotels of varying quality and size in the market areas where its properties are located, with other resorts and vacation areas, and with various other casino entertainment businesses. The casino entertainment business is characterized by competitors which vary considerably by their size, number of operations, brand, marketing and growth strategies, level of amenities and geographic diversity. In certain areas such as Las Vegas, Harrah's competes with a wide range of casinos, some of which are significantly larger and newer and offer substantially more non-gaming activities to attract customers. 10 In most markets, Harrah's competes directly with other casino facilities operating in the immediate and surrounding market areas. In major casino destinations, such as Las Vegas and Atlantic City, Harrah's faces competition from other markets in addition to direct competition in its market areas. Harrah's believes it is well positioned to take advantage of any further legalization of casino gaming, the trend of positive consumer acceptance of casino gaming as an entertainment activity, and increased visitation to casino facilities. However, the expansion of casino entertainment also presents competitive issues for Harrah's. The expansion of existing casino entertainment properties, the increase in the number of properties and the aggressive marketing strategies of many of the Company's competitors has intensified competition in many markets in which the Company competes, particularly riverboat casino markets, and this intensification of competition can be expected to continue. These competitive pressures have adversely affected the financial performance of the Company in certain markets and, the Company believes, has also adversely affected the financial performance of certain other companies operating in these markets. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations--Effects of Current Economic and Political Conditions" on pages 32 and 33 and portions of "Management's Discussion and Analysis--Division Operating Results and Development Plans on pages 26 and 27 of the Annual Report, which pages are incorporated herein by reference. GOVERNMENTAL REGULATION GAMING-NEVADA The ownership and operation of casino gaming facilities in Nevada are subject to: (i) the Nevada Gaming Control Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder (collectively, "Nevada Act"); and (ii) various local ordinances and regulations. Harrah's gaming operations are subject to the licensing and regulatory control of the Nevada Gaming Commission ("Nevada Commission"), the Nevada State Gaming Control Board ("Nevada Board"), the Clark County Liquor and Gaming Licensing Board ("CCLGLB"), the City of Reno ("Reno"), and the Douglas County Sheriff's Department ("Douglas"). The Nevada Commission, the Nevada State Gaming Control Board, the CCLGLB, Reno, and Douglas are collectively referred to as the "Nevada Gaming Authorities." The laws, regulations and supervisory procedures of the Nevada Gaming Authorities are based upon declarations of public policy which are concerned with, among other things: (i) the prevention of unsavory or unsuitable persons from having a direct or indirect involvement with gaming at any time or in any capacity; (ii) the establishment and maintenance of responsible accounting practices and procedures; (iii) the maintenance of effective controls over the financial practices of licensees, including the establishment of minimum procedures for internal fiscal affairs and the safeguarding of assets and revenues, providing reliable record keeping and requiring the filing of periodic reports with the Nevada Gaming Authorities; (iv) the prevention of cheating and fraudulent practices; and (v) providing a source of state and local revenues through taxation and licensing fees. Changes in such laws, regulations and procedures could have an adverse effect on Harrah's Nevada gaming operations. HOC, a direct subsidiary of Harrah's, and Harrah's Las Vegas, Inc. and Harrah's Laughlin, Inc., each an indirect subsidiary of Harrah's (hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Gaming Subsidiaries"), are required to be licensed by the Nevada Gaming Authorities to enable Harrah's to operate casinos at Harrah's Lake Tahoe, Bill's Lake Tahoe Casino, Harrah's Reno, Harrah's Las Vegas, and Harrah's Laughlin. The gaming licenses require the periodic payment of fees and taxes and are not transferable. Harrah's is registered with the Nevada Commission as a publicly-traded corporation ("Registered Corporation"), and as such, it is required periodically to submit detailed financial and operating reports to the Nevada Commission and furnish any other information which the Nevada Commission may require. No person may become a stockholder of, or receive any percentage of profits from, the Gaming Subsidiaries without first obtaining licenses and approvals from the Nevada Gaming Authorities. Harrah's and the 11 Gaming Subsidiaries have obtained from the Nevada Gaming Authorities the various registrations, approvals, permits and licenses required in order to engage in gaming activities in Nevada. Harrah's has been found suitable to be the sole shareholder of HOC, which, in addition to being a gaming licensee, is a Registered Corporation (by virtue of being the obligor on certain outstanding debt securities) and has been found suitable to be the sole shareholder of Harrah's Las Vegas, Inc. and Harrah's Laughlin, Inc. HOC is also licensed as a manufacturer and distributor of gaming devices. Harrah's may not sell or transfer beneficial ownership of any of HOC's voting securities without prior approval of the Nevada Commission. The Nevada Gaming Authorities may investigate any individual who has a material relationship to, or material involvement with, Harrah's or the Gaming Subsidiaries in order to determine whether such individual is suitable or should be licensed as a business associate of a gaming licensee. Officers, directors and certain key employees of the Gaming Subsidiaries (except HOC) must file applications with the Nevada Gaming Authorities and may be required to be licensed or found suitable by the Nevada Gaming Authorities. Officers, directors and key employees of Harrah's and HOC who are actively and directly involved in gaming activities of the Gaming Subsidiaries may be required to be licensed or found suitable by the Nevada Gaming Authorities. The Nevada Gaming Authorities may deny an application for licensing for any cause which they deem reasonable. A finding of suitability is comparable to licensing, and both require submission of detailed personal and financial information followed by a thorough investigation. The applicant for licensing or a finding of suitability must pay all the costs of the investigation. Changes in licensed positions must be reported to the Nevada Gaming Authorities and in addition to their authority to deny an application for a finding of suitability or licensure, the Nevada Gaming Authorities have jurisdiction to disapprove a change in a corporate position. If the Nevada Gaming Authorities were to find an officer, director or key employee unsuitable for licensing or unsuitable to continue having a relationship with Harrah's or the Gaming Subsidiaries, the companies involved would have to sever all relationships with such person. In addition, the Nevada Commission may require Harrah's or the Gaming Subsidiaries to terminate the employment of any person who refuses to file appropriate applications. According to the Nevada Act, determinations of suitability or of questions pertaining to licensing are not subject to judicial review in Nevada. Harrah's and the Gaming Subsidiaries are required to submit detailed financial and operating reports to the Nevada Commission. Substantially all material loans, leases, sales of securities and similar financing transactions by the Gaming Subsidiaries must be reported to, or approved by, the Nevada Commission. If it were determined that the Nevada Act was violated by the Gaming Subsidiaries, the gaming licenses they hold could be limited, conditioned, suspended or revoked, subject to compliance with certain statutory and regulatory procedures. In addition, the Gaming Subsidiaries, Harrah's and the persons involved could be subject to substantial fines for each separate violation of the Nevada Act at the discretion of the Nevada Commission. Further, a supervisor could be appointed by the Nevada Commission to operate Harrah's gaming properties and, under certain circumstances, earnings generated during the supervisor's appointment (except for the reasonable rental value of the Company's gaming properties) could be forfeited to the State of Nevada. Limitation, conditioning or suspension of any gaming license or the appointment of a supervisor could (and revocation of any gaming license would) materially adversely affect Harrah's gaming operations. Any beneficial holder of Harrah's voting securities, regardless of the number of shares owned, may be required to file an application, be investigated, and have his suitability as a beneficial holder of Harrah's voting securities determined if the Nevada Commission has reason to believe that such ownership would otherwise be inconsistent with the declared policies of the state of Nevada. The applicant must pay all costs of investigation incurred by the Nevada Gaming Authorities in conducting any such investigation. 12 The Nevada Act requires any person who acquires more than 5% of Harrah's voting securities to report the acquisition to the Nevada Commission. The Nevada Act requires that beneficial owners of more than 10% of Harrah's voting securities apply to the Nevada Commission for a finding of suitability within thirty days after the Chairman of the Nevada Board mails the written notice requiring such filing. Under certain circumstances, an "institutional investor," as defined in the Nevada Act, which acquires more than 10%, but not more than 15%, of Harrah's voting securities may apply to the Nevada Commission for a waiver of such finding of suitability if such institutional investor holds the voting securities for investment purposes only. An institutional investor shall not be deemed to hold voting securities for investment purposes unless the voting securities were acquired and are held in the ordinary course of business as an institutional investor and not for the purpose of causing, directly or indirectly, the election of a majority of the members of the board of directors of Harrah's, any change in Harrah's corporate charter, bylaws, management, policies or operations of Harrah's, or any of its gaming affiliates, or any other action which the Nevada Commission finds to be inconsistent with holding Harrah's voting securities for investment purposes only. Activities which are not deemed to be inconsistent with holding voting securities for investment purposes only include: (i) voting on all matters voted on by stockholders; (ii) making financial and other inquiries of management of the type normally made by securities analysts for informational purposes and not to cause a change in its management, policies or operations; and (iii) such other activities as the Nevada Commission may determine to be consistent with such investment intent. If the beneficial holder of voting securities who must be found suitable is a corporation, partnership or trust, it must submit detailed business and financial information including a list of beneficial owners. The applicant is required to pay all costs of investigation. Any person who fails or refuses to apply for a finding of suitability or a license within thirty days after being ordered to do so by the Nevada Commission or the Chairman of the Nevada Board may be found unsuitable. The same restrictions apply to a record owner if the record owner, after request, fails to identify the beneficial owner. Any stockholder found unsuitable and who holds, directly or indirectly, any beneficial ownership of the common stock of a Registered Corporation beyond such period of time as may be prescribed by the Nevada Commission may be guilty of a criminal offense. Harrah's is subject to disciplinary action if, after it receives notice that a person is unsuitable to be a stockholder or to have any other relationship with Harrah's or the Gaming Subsidiaries, it: (i) pays that person any dividend or interest upon voting securities of Harrah's; (ii) allows that person to exercise, directly or indirectly, any voting right conferred through securities held by that person; (iii) pays remuneration in any form to that person for services rendered or otherwise; or (iv) fails to pursue all lawful efforts to require such unsuitable person to relinquish his voting securities for cash at fair market value. Additionally, the CCLGLB requires that any person who is required to be licensed or found suitable by the Nevada Commission must file a license application with the CCLGLB. The Nevada Commission may, in its discretion, require the holder of any debt security of a Registered Corporation to file applications, be investigated and be found suitable to own the debt security of a Registered Corporation. If the Nevada Commission determines that a person is unsuitable to own such security, then pursuant to the Nevada Act, the Registered Corporation can be sanctioned, including the loss of its approvals, if without the prior approval of the Nevada Commission, it: (i) pays to the unsuitable person any dividend, interest, or any distribution whatsoever; (ii) recognizes any voting right by such unsuitable person in connection with such securities; (iii) pays the unsuitable person remuneration in any form; or (iv) makes any payment to the unsuitable person by way of principal, redemption, conversion, exchange, liquidation, or similar transaction. Harrah's would normally be required to maintain a current stock ledger in Nevada which may be examined by the Nevada Gaming Authorities at any time, but instead, it has been required by the Nevada Commission to maintain its stock ledgers in its executive offices in Memphis, Tennessee which may be examined by the Nevada Board at any time. If any securities are held in trust by an agent or by a nominee, the record holder may be required to disclose the identity of the beneficial owner to the Nevada Gaming 13 Authorities. A failure to make such disclosure may be grounds for finding the record holder unsuitable. Harrah's also is required to render maximum assistance in determining the identity of the beneficial owner. The Nevada Commission has the power to require the Company's stock certificates to bear a legend indicating that the securities are subject to the Nevada Act. However, to date, the Nevada Commission has not imposed such a requirement on Harrah's. Harrah's and HOC may not make a public offering of their securities without the prior approval of the Nevada Commission if the securities or the proceeds therefrom are intended to be used to construct, acquire or finance gaming facilities in Nevada, or to retire or extend obligations incurred for such purposes. On April 25, 1996, the Nevada Commission granted Harrah's and HOC prior approval to make offerings for a period of one year, subject to certain conditions ("Shelf Approval"). The Shelf Approval does not constitute a finding, recommendation or approval by the Nevada Commission or the Nevada Board as to the accuracy or adequacy of the prospectus or the investment merits of the securities offered. Any representation to the contrary is unlawful. Harrah's and HOC are in the process of seeking a one year renewal of the Shelf Approval. Changes in control of Harrah's through merger, consolidation, stock or asset acquisitions, management or consulting agreements, or any act or conduct by a person whereby he obtains control, may not occur without the prior approval of the Nevada Commission. Entities seeking to acquire control of a Registered Corporation must satisfy the Nevada Board and Nevada Commission in a variety of stringent standards prior to assuming control of such Registered Corporation. The Nevada Commission may also require controlling stockholders, officers, directors and other persons having a material relationship or involvement with the entity proposing to acquire control, to be investigated and licensed as part of the approval process relating to the transaction. The Nevada legislature has declared that some corporate acquisitions opposed by management, repurchases of voting securities and corporate defense tactics affecting Nevada gaming licensees, and Registered Corporations that are affiliated with those operations, may be injurious to stable and productive corporate gaming. The Nevada Commission has established a regulatory scheme to ameliorate the potentially adverse effects of these business practices upon Nevada's gaming industry and to further Nevada's policy to: (i) assure the financial stability of corporate gaming operators and their affiliates; (ii) preserve the beneficial aspects of conducting business in the corporate form; and (iii) promote a neutral environment for the orderly governance of corporate affairs. Approvals are, in certain circumstances, required from the Nevada Commission before the Registered Corporation can make exceptional repurchases of voting securities above the current market price thereof and before a corporate acquisition opposed by management can be consummated. The Nevada Act also requires prior approval of a plan of recapitalization proposed by the Registered Corporation's Board of Directors in response to a tender offer made directly to the Registered Corporation's stockholders for the purposes of acquiring control of the Registered Corporation. License fees and taxes, computed in various ways depending on the type of gaming or activity involved, are payable to the State of Nevada and to the counties and cities in which the Gaming Subsidiaries' respective operations are conducted. Depending upon the particular fee or tax involved, these fees and taxes are payable either monthly, quarterly or annually and are based upon either: (i) a percentage of the gross revenues received; (ii) the number of gaming devices operated; or (iii) the number of table games operated. A casino entertainment tax is also paid by casino operations where entertainment is furnished in connection with the selling of food or refreshments. Nevada licensees that hold a license as an operator of a slot route, or a manufacturer's or distributor's license, also pay certain fees and taxes to the State of Nevada. Any person who is licensed, required to be licensed, registered, required to be registered, or is under common control with such persons (collectively, "Licensees") and who proposes to become involved in a gaming venture outside of Nevada is required to deposit with the Nevada Board, and thereafter maintain, 14 a revolving fund in the amount of $10,000 to pay the expenses of investigation of the Nevada Board of their participation in such foreign gaming. The revolving fund is subject to increase or decrease in the discretion of the Nevada Commission. Thereafter, Licensees are required to comply with certain reporting requirements imposed by the Nevada Act. Licensees are also subject to disciplinary action by the Nevada Commission if they knowingly violate any laws of the foreign jurisdiction pertaining to the foreign gaming operation, fail to conduct the foreign gaming operation in accordance with the standards of honesty and integrity required of Nevada gaming operations, engage in activities that are harmful to the State of Nevada or its ability to collect gaming taxes and fees, or employ a person in the foreign operation who has been denied a license or finding of suitability in Nevada on the ground of personal unsuitability. The Company is currently in material compliance with all applicable gaming laws, rules and regulations promulgated by the State of Nevada. GAMING-NEW JERSEY As a holding company of Marina Associates ("Marina"), which holds a license to operate Harrah's Atlantic City in New Jersey, Harrah's is subject to the provisions of the New Jersey Casino Control Act (the "New Jersey Act"). The ownership and operation of casino hotel facilities in Atlantic City, New Jersey, are the subject of pervasive state regulation under the New Jersey Act and the regulations adopted thereunder by the New Jersey Casino Control Commission (the "New Jersey Commission"). The New Jersey Commission is empowered to regulate a wide spectrum of gaming and non-gaming related activities and to approve the form of ownership and financial structure of not only the casino licensee, Marina, but also its intermediary and ultimate holding companies, including Harrah's and HOC. In addition to taxes imposed by the State of New Jersey on all businesses, the New Jersey Act imposes certain fees and taxes on casino licensees, including an 8% gross gaming revenue tax, an investment alternative obligation of 1.25% (or an investment alternative tax of 2.5%) of gross gaming revenue (generally defined as gross receipts less payments to customers as winnings) and various license fees. No casino hotel facility may operate unless the appropriate licenses and approvals are obtained from the New Jersey Commission, which has broad discretion with regard to the issuance, renewal and revocation or suspension of the non-transferable casino license (which licenses are issued initially for a one-year period and renewable for one-year periods for the first two renewals and four-year periods thereafter), including the power to impose conditions which are necessary to effectuate the purposes of the New Jersey Act. Each applicant for a casino license must demonstrate, among other things, its financial stability (including establishing ability to maintain adequate casino bankroll, meet ongoing operating expenses, pay all local, state and federal taxes, make necessary capital improvements and pay, exchange, refinance, or extend all long and short term debt due and payable during the license term), its financial integrity and responsibility, its reputation for good character, honesty and integrity, the suitability of the casino and related facilities and that it has sufficient business ability and casino experience to establish the likelihood of creation or maintenance of a successful, efficient casino operation. With the exception of licensed lending institutions and certain "institutional investors" waived from the qualification requirements under the New Jersey Act, each applicant is also required to establish the reputation of its financial sources including, but not limited to, its financial backers, investors, mortgagees and bond holders. The New Jersey Act requires that all officers, directors and principal employees of the casino licensee be licensed. In addition, each person who directly or indirectly holds any beneficial interest or ownership of the casino licensee and any person who in the opinion of the New Jersey Commission has the ability to control the casino licensee must obtain qualification approval. Each holding and intermediary company having an interest in the casino licensee must also obtain qualification approval by meeting essentially the same standards as that required of the casino licensee. All directors, officers and persons who directly or indirectly hold any beneficial interest, ownership or control in any of the intermediary or ultimate holding companies of the casino licensee may have to seek qualification from the New Jersey Commission. Lenders, underwriters, agents, employees and security holders of both equity and debt of the intermediary 15 and holding companies of the casino licensee and any other person whom the New Jersey Commission deems appropriate may also have to seek qualification from the New Jersey Commission. Since Harrah's and HOC are publicly-traded holding companies (as defined by the New Jersey Act), however, the persons described in the two previous sentences may be waived from compliance with the qualification process if the New Jersey Commission, with the concurrence of the Director of the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, determines that they are not significantly involved in the activities of Marina and, in the case of security holders, that they do not have the ability to control Harrah's (or its subsidiaries) or elect one or more of its directors. Any person holding 5% or more of a security in an intermediary or ultimate holding company, or having the ability to elect one or more of the directors of a company, is presumed to have the ability to control the company and thus may be required to seek qualification unless the presumption is rebutted. Notwithstanding this presumption of control, the New Jersey Act permits the waiver of the qualification requirements for passive "institutional investors" (as defined by the New Jersey Act), when such institutional holdings are for investment purposes only and where such securities represent less than 10% of the equity securities of a casino licensee's holding or intermediary companies or debt securities of a casino licensee's holding or intermediary companies not exceeding 20% of a company's total outstanding debt or 50% of an individual debt issue. The waiver, which is subject to certain specified conditions including, upon request, the filing of a certified statement that the investor has no intention of influencing the affairs of the issuer, may be granted to an "institutional investor" holding a higher percentage of such securities upon a showing of good cause. If an "institutional investor" is granted a waiver of the qualification requirements and subsequently changes its investment intent, the New Jersey Act provides that no action other than divestiture may be taken by the investor without compliance with the Interim Casino Authorization Act (the "Interim Act") described below. In the event a security holder of either equity or debt is required to qualify under the New Jersey Act, the provisions of the Interim Act may be triggered requiring, among other things, either: (i) the filing of a completed application for qualification within 30 days after being ordered to do so, which application must include an approved Trust Agreement pursuant to which all securities of Harrah's (or its respective subsidiaries) held by the security holder must be placed in trust with a trustee who has been approved by the New Jersey Commission; or (ii) the divestiture of all securities of Harrah's (or its respective subsidiaries) within 120 days after the New Jersey Commission determines that qualification is required or declines to waive qualification, provided the security holder files a notice of intent to divest within 30 days after the determination of qualification. If a security holder files an application under the Interim Act, during the period the Trust Agreement remains in place, such holder may, through the approved trustee, continue to exercise all rights incident to the ownership of the securities with the exception that: (i) the security holder may only receive a return on its investment in an amount not to exceed the actual cost of the investment (as defined by the New Jersey Act) until the New Jersey Commission finds such holder qualified; and (ii) in the event the New Jersey Commission finds there is reasonable cause to believe that the security holder may be found unqualified, the Trust Agreement will become fully operative vesting the trustee with all rights incident to ownership of the securities pending a determination on such holder's qualifications; provided, however, that during the period the securities remain in trust, the security holder may petition the New Jersey Commission to: (a) direct the trustee to dispose of the trust property; and (b) direct the trustee to distribute proceeds thereof to the security holder in an amount not to exceed the lower of the actual cost of the investment or the value of the securities on the date the Trust became operative. If the security holder is ultimately not found to be qualified, the trustee is required to sell the securities and to distribute the proceeds of the sale to the applicant in an amount not exceeding the lower of the actual cost of the investment or the value of the securities on the date the Trust became operative (if not already sold and distributed at the direction of the security holder) and to distribute the remaining proceeds to the Casino Revenue Fund. If the security holder is found qualified, the Trust Agreement will be terminated. The New Jersey Commission can find that any holder of the equity or debt securities issued by Harrah's or its subsidiaries is not qualified to own such securities. If a security holder of Harrah's or its 16 subsidiaries is found disqualified, the New Jersey Act provides that it is unlawful for the security holder to: (i) receive any dividends or interest payment on such securities; (ii) exercise, directly or indirectly, any rights conferred by the securities; or (iii) receive any remuneration from the company in which the security holder holds an interest. To implement these provisions, the New Jersey Act requires, among other things, casino licensees and their holding companies to adopt provisions in their certificate of incorporation providing for certain remedial action in the event that a holder of any security of such company is found disqualified. The required certificate of incorporation provisions vary depending on whether such company is a publicly or privately traded company as defined by the New Jersey Act. The Certificates of Incorporation of Harrah's and HOC (both "publicly-traded companies" as defined by the New Jersey Act) contain provisions which provide Harrah's and HOC, respectively, with the right to redeem the securities of disqualified holders, if necessary, to avoid any regulatory sanctions, to prevent the loss or to secure the reinstatement of any license or franchise held by Harrah's or HOC or their affiliates, or if such holder is determined by any gaming regulatory agency to be unsuitable, has an application for a license or permit rejected, or has a previously issued license or permit rescinded, suspended, revoked or not renewed. The Certificates of Incorporation of Harrah's and HOC also contain provisions defining the redemption price and the rights of a disqualified security holder. In the event a security holder is disqualified, the New Jersey Commission is empowered to propose any necessary action to protect the public interest, including the suspension or revocation of the casino license of Marina. The New Jersey Act provides, however, that the New Jersey Commission shall not take action against a casino licensee or its parent companies with respect to the continued ownership of the security interest by the disqualified holder, if the New Jersey Commission finds that: (i) such company has a certificate of incorporation provision providing for the disposition of such securities as discussed above; (ii) such company has made a good faith effort to comply with any order requiring the divestiture of the security interest held by the disqualified holder; and (iii) the disqualified holder does not have the ability to control the casino licensee or its parent companies or to elect one or more members to the board of directors of such company. The Certificate of Incorporation of HOC further provides that debt securities issued by HOC are held subject to the condition that if a holder is found unsuitable by any governmental agency the corporation shall have the right to redeem the securities. If, at any time, it is determined that Marina or its holding companies have violated the New Jersey Act or regulations promulgated thereunder or that such companies cannot meet the qualification requirements of the New Jersey Act, Marina could be subject to fines or its license could be suspended or revoked. If Marina's license is suspended or revoked, the New Jersey Commission could appoint a Conservator to operate and dispose of the casino hotel facilities of Marina. A Conservator would be vested with title to the assets of Marina, subject to valid liens, claims and encumbrances. The Conservator would be required to act under the general supervision of the New Jersey Commission and would be charged with the duty of conserving, preserving and, if permitted, continuing the operation of the casino hotel. During the period of any such conservatorship, the Conservator may not make any distributions of net earnings without the prior approval of the New Jersey Commission. The New Jersey Commission may direct that all or part of such net earnings be paid to the Casino Revenue Fund, provided, however, that a suspended or former licensee is entitled to a fair rate of return. The New Jersey Commission granted Marina a plenary casino license in connection with Harrah's Atlantic City in November 1981, and it has been renewed since then. In April 1996, the New Jersey Commission renewed the license for a four-year period and also found Harrah's and HOC to be qualified as holding companies of Marina. The Company is currently in material compliance with all applicable gaming laws, rules and regulations promulgated by the State of New Jersey. 17 GAMING-COLORADO As previously discussed under Items 1 and 2 (see page four herein), the Company has agreed to sell its interest in Eagle to Eagle, effective December 24, 1996, subject to approval by the Colorado Gaming Authorities, as hereinafter defined. Although the Company continues to guarantee $5 million in Eagle bank financing, the Company has the right to reacquire its interest if it is not released from the guaranty by March 31, 1997. The Company will terminate its management of the Central City and Black Hawk casinos owned by Eagle no later than March 31, 1997. Through the termination date, the Company's operations in Colorado have been and will be regulated as detailed below. The ownership and operation of limited gaming facilities in the State of Colorado are subject to extensive state and local regulation. In Colorado, the two casinos managed and partially owned by subsidiaries of Harrah's (Harrah's Central City and Harrah's Black Hawk) are subject to licensing by and regulatory control of both the State of Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission and the State of Colorado Division of Gaming (hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Colorado Gaming Authorities"). As Harrah's is a public company, the casinos must comply with specific rules relating to public companies involved in limited gaming. The Colorado Gaming Authorities examine and decide upon the suitability of persons owning any interest in a limited gaming establishment, as well as those persons associated with such owners. Persons employed in connection with gaming operations must also be licensed as either "key employees" or "support employees." The State of Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission also has the power to levy substantial taxes with respect to gaming revenues, and with respect to gaming devices. The licenses held by Harrah's Central City and Harrah's Black Hawk are not transferable, and must be renewed on an annual basis. A Colorado constitutional amendment passed in November 1990, legalized limited stakes gaming ($5.00 or less per bet) in three Colorado cities: Central City, Black Hawk, and Cripple Creek. The constitutional amendment restricts limited gaming to the commercially zoned districts of each respective city. At each limited gaming location, no more than thirty-five percent (35%) of the total square footage of a building, and no more than fifty percent (50%) of the square footage of any single floor may be used for limited gaming purposes. The Colorado Gaming Authorities have broad power to insure compliance with the statute and regulations currently in force in the State of Colorado. The Colorado Gaming Authorities may inspect, without notice, any premises where gaming is being conducted, and may seize, impound, or remove any gaming device. The statute and regulations require licensees to maintain certain minimum operating, security and payoff procedures, as well as books and records that are audited on an annual basis. There are specific reporting procedures and approval requirements for transfers of interests and other involvement with publicly traded corporations directly or indirectly involved in limited gaming in the State of Colorado. In addition to the reporting requirements, certain provisions must be included in the Articles of Organization or other similar chartering documents of any entity licensed as either an operator or retailer in the State of Colorado. The State of Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission may require that any individual who has a material relationship to or a material involvement with a licensee, or otherwise, must apply for a finding of suitability by the Commission, or apply for a key employee license. If an individual or person has been deemed to be unsuitable by the State of Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission, the Commission may require a licensee to pursue all lawful efforts to require that the unsuitable person relinquish all voting securities in addition to certain other powers granted to the Commission. The Colorado Gaming Authorities have full and complete access to any records of a licensee, as well as individuals associated with licensees, authority to investigate the background and conduct of licensees and their employees, and are empowered to bring disciplinary actions against licensees. The Colorado Gaming Authorities have the power to investigate the background of creditors of licensees as well. No interest in a licensee, once approved by the Commission, may be alienated in any fashion without the prior 18 approval of the State of Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission. Any person or entity may not have an interest in more than three retail gaming licenses. All persons, places or practices connected with limited gaming must be "suitable" as determined by the Colorado Gaming Authorities. In this regard, the burden is always on any applicant to prove by clear and convincing evidence that the applicant is qualified for the licenses applied for. Thus, licensees must be able to demonstrate that any equity holder, or any person providing financing in connection with the establishment or operation of a licensee, must be: (i) of good moral character; (ii) a person whose prior activities, criminal record, reputation, habits and associations do not pose a threat to the public interests of the State of Colorado; (iii) a person who has not served a sentence upon a conviction of a felony or been under the supervision of a probation department within ten years prior to the date of application; (iv) and, a person who has not seriously or repeatedly violated the provisions of the "Limited Gaming Act of 1991" in Colorado. At the request of the Colorado Gaming Authorities, any person connected with limited gaming must disclose personal background and financial information, including criminal records, and any and all other information requested by the Colorado Gaming Authorities. The constitutional amendment gave the State of Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission the power to tax up to forty percent (40%) of the adjusted gross proceeds (generally defined as gross receipts less payments to customers as winnings) received by a licensee from limited gaming. Effective October 1, 1994, the tax schedule for the gaming year (October 1 to September 30) is as follows:
ADJUSTED GROSS PROCEEDS PERCENTAGE TAX - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------- Up to $2,000,000.............................................................. 2% $2,000,001 to $4,000,000...................................................... 8% $4,000,001 to $5,000,000...................................................... 15% $5,000,001 and over........................................................... 18%
For the same gaming year, the State gaming device fee is Seventy-Five Dollars ($75) per gaming device. In addition, local device fees are assessed by both Central City and Black Hawk. In Central City the current device fee is One Thousand Two Hundred Sixty-Five Dollars ($1,265) per device per year. In Black Hawk, Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750) per device per year is the current device fee. The Company is currently in material compliance with all applicable gaming laws, rules and regulations promulgated by the State of Colorado. GAMING-NEW ZEALAND The ownership and operation of casino gaming facilities in New Zealand are subject to the Casino Control Act of 1990 ("Casino Act") and the regulations promulgated thereunder. The gaming operations of Harrah's Sky City are subject to the licensing and regulatory control of the Casino Control Authority ("Authority"). Pursuant to the Casino Act: (1) the predecessor of Harrah's Sky City applied for and was granted a Casino Premises License by the Authority; (2) Harrah's New Zealand, Inc., an indirect subsidiary of the Company, applied for and was granted a Casino Operator's License by the Authority; and (3) Harrah's Sky City entered into a Casino Agreement ("Management Agreement") with Harrah's New Zealand, Inc., which was approved by the Authority. Prior to granting the Licenses and approving the Management Agreement, the Authority conducted the relevant inquiries required by the Casino Act, including a thorough investigation into the honesty, financial stability, business skills and management structure of Harrah's Sky City, Harrah's New Zealand, Inc. and their respective associated persons and entities, and found both companies suitable for licensure. The Casino Premises License has a term of 25 years from the commencement of casino operations and is renewable. The Casino Operator's License has no stated term, but it can be used only in a facility 19 with a Casino Premises License and pursuant to an approved Management Agreement. No additional casino premises licenses can be granted by the Authority for sites on the North Island of New Zealand (where Auckland is located) for a period of two years after the opening of Harrah's Sky City Casino. In addition, no further casino premises licenses can be granted within a radius of 100 kilometers of the site of Harrah's Sky City Casino for a period of five years from the commencement of casino operations. Neither the Casino Premises License, the Casino Operator's License nor the Management Agreement may be amended, mortgaged, assigned or transferred without the prior approval of the Authority. The Casino Act requires that all persons and/or entities which: (1) own a share of, and are entitled to receive income from, the casino business; (2) occupy the position of director, manager or other executive position and secretary of the casino business; or (3) exercise directorial, managerial or executive power over the casino business (all "Associated Persons"), must be found suitable by the Authority. No person can become an Associated Person without prior approval of the Authority. In addition all employees who are to be employed in a casino in any capacity related to the conduct of gaming, the movement of money or chips, cashiering, the operation, maintenance, construction or repair of gaming equipment and the supervision or management of any such activities must obtain a Certificate of Approval from the Authority prior to employment. Under the Casino Act, the day-to-day regulatory oversight at a casino is performed by persons designated as inspectors, who may be members of the police, and who report to the Authority. The inspectors have broad authority to supervise gaming activities, inspect gaming equipment, supervise casino counts and investigate customer complaints regarding the conduct of gaming. In the exercise of their authority, inspectors have the power to enter and remain in any part of a casino and require the production of documents, information and gaming equipment or chips to ensure compliance with the Casino Act. The Casino Act gives the Authority the power to cancel, suspend or vary or add conditions to a Casino Premises License, a Casino Operator's License or a Certificate of Approval after appropriate notice and hearing, which actions are appealable to New Zealand's judicial system. The Authority also can levy fines for various gaming-related offenses, allowing minors (under 20 years of age) in the casino, obstructing inspectors and other specified offenses. The costs of the Authority and the costs of administering and enforcing the Casino Act are borne by the holders of casino premises licenses. The Company is currently in material compliance with the Casino Act and all regulations promulgated thereunder. GAMING-LOUISIANA (NEW ORLEANS) On November 22, 1995, Harrah's Jazz Company (referred to in this section as the "Casino Operator" or "HJC"), the partnership in which an indirect subsidiary of Harrah's owns an approximate 47% interest, and which has the contract (the "Casino Operating Contract") with the Louisiana Gaming Control Board ("LGCB") and previously with the LEDGC to operate the sole land-based casino (the "Gaming Facilities") in New Orleans, Louisiana, filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code and ceased operation of the Basin Street Casino. See "New Orleans" and "Legal Proceedings" herein for further discussions of the New Orleans project and the legal proceedings filed in connection with the New Orleans project. Under the Casino Operating Contract, the Casino Operator has the authority to engage a separate indirect subsidiary of Harrah's, Harrah's New Orleans Management Company (the "Casino Manager" or "HNOMC"), to manage the Gaming Facilities. The ownership and operation of the Rivergate Casino are subject to pervasive governmental regulation, including regulation by the LEDGC and now by the LGCB 20 in accordance with the terms of the Louisiana Economic Development and Gaming Corporation ("Gaming Act"), the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder from time to time (the "Rules and Regulations"), and the Casino Operating Contract. The LGCB is empowered to regulate a wide spectrum of gaming and non-gaming related activities. The Gaming Act authorized the LEDGC and now the LGCB, among other things, to enter into a casino operating contract with a casino operator for the conduct of casino gaming operations at a single land-based gaming establishment, having at least 100,000 square feet of useable space, to be located at the Rivergate site. The term of the contract is not to exceed a total of 20 years with one ten-year renewal option. Under the Plan filed in the bankruptcy proceedings, the minimum compensation payable to the LGCB from gaming operations at the Rivergate Casino will be 18 1/2% of gross gaming revenues, or $100 million annually, whichever is greater. The Gaming Act and the Rules and Regulations establish significant regulatory requirements with respect to gaming activities and the casino operator, including, without limitation, requirements with respect to minimum accounting and financial practices, standards for gaming devices and surveillance, licensure requirements for vendors and employees, standards for credit extension and collection, and permissible food services. Failure to comply with the Gaming Act and the Rules and Regulations could result in disciplinary action, including fines and suspension or revocation of a license or suitability. Certain regulatory violations could also constitute an event of default under the Casino Operating Contract. Under the Gaming Act, no person is eligible to receive a license or enter into a contract to conduct casino gaming operations unless, among other things, the LGCB is satisifed the applicant is suitable. The Gaming Act and the Rules and Regulations also require suitability findings for, among others, the casino manager, anyone with a direct ownership interest or the ability to control the casino operator or casino manager (as well as their intermediary and holding companies), certain officers and directors of such companies, and certain vendors and employees of the casino operator. Suitability requires a demonstration by each applicant, by clear and convincing evidence, that, among other things, (i) he is a person of good character, honesty and integrity, (ii) his prior activities, criminal record, if any, reputation, habits and associations do not pose a threat to the public interest of the State or the regulation and control of casino gaming or create or enhance the dangers of unsuitable, unfair or illegal practices, methods and activities in the conduct of gaming or the carrying on of the business and financial arrangements incidental thereto, and (iii) he is capable of and is likely to conduct the activities for which a license or contract is sought. In addition, to be found suitable for purposes of the Casino Operating Contract, the casino operator must demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that: (i) it has or guarantees acquisition of adequate business competence and experience in the operation of casino gaming operations; (ii) the proposed financing is adequate for the proposed operation and is from suitable sources; and (iii) it has or is capable of and guarantees the obtaining of a bond or satisfactory financial guarantee of sufficient amount, as determined by the LGCB, to guarantee successful completion of and compliance with the Casino Operating Contract or such other projects that are regulated by the LGCB. Under the Gaming Act and Rules and Regulations, the LGCB can also require that the holder of debt securities issued by the casino operator or its affiliated companies and the holders of equity interests in holding companies of the casino operator be found suitable. Any person holding or controlling a five percent or more equity interest in a non-publicly traded, direct or indirect, holding company of the casino operator or casino manager or ten percent or more equity interest in a publicly traded direct or indirect holding company of the casino operator or casino manager, is presumed to have the ability to control the casino operator or casino manager, as the case may be, requiring a finding of suitability, unless, among other things; (i) the presumption is rebutted by clear and convincing evidence; or (ii) the holder is one of several specified types of passive institutional investors holding a stated minimum amount of assets and, upon request, such institution files a certification stating that they do not have an intention to influence the affairs of the casino operator or casino manager. 21 Under the Gaming Act and Rules and Regulations, the LGCB has the authority to deny, revoke, suspend, limit, condition, or restrict any finding of suitability. Under the Rules and Regulations, the LGCB also has the authority to take further action on the grounds that the person found suitable is associated with, or controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, an unsuitable or disqualified person. Under the Rules and Regulations and the Casino Operating Contract, if at any time the LGCB finds that any person required to be and remain suitable has failed to demonstrate suitability, the LGCB may, consistent with the Gaming Act and the Casino Operating Contract, take any action that the LGCB deems necessary to protect the public interest. Under the Rules and Regulations, however, if a person associated with the casino operator or an affiliate, intermediary, or holding company thereof has failed to be found or remain suitable, the LGCB shall not declare the casino operator or its affiliate, intermediary, or holding company, as the case may be, unsuitable if such companies comply with the conditional licensing provisions, take immediate good faith action and comply with any order of the LGCB to cause such person to dispose of its interest, and, before such disposition, ensure that the disqualified person does not receive any ownership benefits. The above safe harbor protections do not apply if: (i) the casino manager has failed to remain suitable, (ii) the casino operator is engaged in a relationship with the unsuitable person and had actual or constructive knowledge of the wrongdoing causing the LGCB's action, (iii) the casino operator is so tainted by such person that it affects the suitability of the casino operator under the standards of the Gaming Act, or (iv) the casino operator cannot meet the suitability standard contained in the Gaming Act and the Rules and Regulations. On July 15, 1994, the LEDGC entered into the Casino Operating Contract with HJC, which sets forth the general parameters of, among other things, the location and design and construction requirements of the Rivergate Casino, the agreed upon compensation requirements due to the LEDGC from gaming operations, the requirements for financing the Rivergate Casino, and other contractual and regulatory requirements. In connection with the execution of the Casino Operating Contract, the LEDGC found HJC, HNOMC and certain related intermediary and holding companies and certain of their officers and directors to be suitable. Since the bankruptcy filing by HJC, neither the LEDGC nor the LGCB has informed HJC or any other person required to be found suitable that it is taking action to revoke any finding of suitability in accordance with the Gaming Act or Rules and Regulations, nor has the LEDGC or the LGCB given any notice of default under the Casino Operating Contract. Under the Gaming Act, the LGCB has the right to set aside or renegotiate the provisions of the Casino Operating Contract if the casino operator is voluntarily or involuntarily placed in bankruptcy, receivership, conservatorship or similar status. It is believed that certain provisions of this statute may be unenforceable pursuant to Sections 365(e)(1) and 525 of the Bankruptcy Code. Nevertheless, the LGCB maintains it has the right to renegotiate the Casino Operating Contract in connection with the Plan. In addition, a law enacted as a result of the special session of the State legislature purports to provide authority to the Governor, subject to legislative approval, or to the State legislature, to set aside or order renegotiation or revocation of the Casino Operating Contract when the casino operator is placed in bankruptcy. Under the Plan and subject to certain approvals from the LGCB, the Casino Operating Contract requirements would be amended in certain respects, including the elimination of temporary casino operations, alterations of the size and scope of the Rivergate Casino and permission for a revised opening schedule for the Rivergate Casino. In addition, in connection with the Plan, certain rulings, approvals and findings of suitability will be required, including, findings of suitability with respect to any directors of the JCC entities and any persons having the ability to significantly affect the affairs thereof and certain other approvals relating to the modified design of the Rivergate Casino and the revised opening schedule. GAMING-ILLINOIS The ownership and operation of a gaming riverboat in Illinois is subject to extensive regulation under Illinois gaming laws and regulations. A five-member Illinois Gaming Board is charged with such regulatory 22 authority, including the issuance of riverboat gaming licenses not to exceed 10 in number. The granting of an owner's license involves a preliminary approval procedure in which the Illinois Gaming Board issues a finding of preliminary suitability to a license applicant and effectively reserves a gaming license for such applicant. The Board has issued all 10 licenses. Des Plaines Development Limited Partnership, of which 80% is owned by Harrah's Illinois Corporation, an indirect subsidiary of Harrah's, received an owner's license in 1993. Harrah's Illinois Corporation also holds a supplier's license, which entitles it to manage the Joliet riverboats for the partnership for a fee. 23 To obtain an owner's license (and a finding of preliminary suitability), applicants must submit comprehensive application forms, be fingerprinted and undergo an extensive background investigation by the Illinois Gaming Board. Each license granted entitles a licensee to own and operate up to two riverboats (with a combined maximum of 1,200 gaming positions) and equipment thereon from a specific location. The duration of the license initially runs for a period of three years (with a fee of $25,000 for the first year and $5,000 for the following two years). Thereafter, the license is subject to renewal on an annual basis upon payments of a fee of $5,000 and a determination by the Illinois Gaming Board that the licensee continues to be eligible for an owner's license pursuant to the Illinois legislation and the Illinois Gaming Board's rules. An applicant is ineligible to receive an owner's license if the applicant, any of its officers, directors or managerial employees or any person who participates in the management or operation of gaming operations: (i) has been convicted of a felony; (ii) has been convicted of any violation under Article 28 of the Illinois Criminal Code or any similar statutes in any other jurisdiction; (iii) has submitted an application which contains false information; or (iv) is a member of the Illinois Gaming Board. In addition, an applicant is ineligible to receive an owners' license if the applicant owns more than a 10% ownership interest in an entity holding another Illinois owner's license, or if a license of the applicant issued under the Illinois legislation or a license to own or operate gaming facilities in any other jurisdiction has been revoked. In determining whether to grant a license, the Illinois Gaming Board considers: (i) the character, reputation, experience and financial integrity of the applicants; (ii) the type of facilities (including riverboat and docking facilities) proposed by the applicant; (iii) the highest prospective total revenue to be derived by the state from the conduct of riverboat gaming; (iv) affirmative action plans of the applicant, including minority training and employment; and (v) the financial ability of the applicant to purchase and maintain adequate liability and casualty insurance. Municipal (or county, if an operation is located outside of a municipality) approval of a proposed applicant is required, and all documents, resolutions, and letters of support must be submitted with the initial application. A holder of a license is subject to the imposition of fines, suspension or revocation of its license for any act that is injurious to the public health, safety, morals, good order, and general welfare of the people of the state of Illinois, or that would discredit or tend to discredit the Illinois gaming industry or the state of Illinois, including without limitation: (i) failing to comply with or make provision for compliance with the legislation, the rules promulgated thereunder or any federal, state or local law or regulation; (ii) failing to comply with any rule, order or ruling of the Illinois Gaming Board or its agents pertaining to gaming; (iii) receiving goods or services from a person or business entity who does not hold a supplier's license but who is required to hold such license by the rules; (iv) being suspended or ruled ineligible or having a license revoked or suspended in any state or gaming jurisdiction; (v) associating with, either socially or in business affairs, or employing persons of, notorious or unsavory reputation or who have extensive police records, or who have failed to cooperate with any official constituted investigatory or administrative body and would adversely affect public confidence and trust in gaming; and (vi) employing in any Illinois riverboat's gaming operation any person known to have been found guilty of cheating or using any improper device in connection with any game. Fines may be made of up to $5,000 against individuals and up to the greater of $10,000 or an amount equal to the daily gross receipts against licensees for each violation. An ownership interest in a license or in a business entity, other than a publicly held business entity which holds an owner's license, may not be transferred without approval of the Illinois Gaming Board. In addition, an ownership interest in a license or in a business entity, other than a publicly held business entity, which holds either directly or indirectly an owner's license, may not be pledged as collateral without approval of the Illinois Gaming Board. 23 A person employed at a riverboat gaming operation must hold an occupational license which permits the holder to perform only activities included within such holder's level of occupation license or any lower level of occupation license. In addition, the Illinois Gaming Board issues suppliers licenses which authorize the supplier licensee to sell or lease gaming equipment and supplies to any licensee involved in the ownership and management of gaming operations. Riverboat cruises are limited to a duration of four hours, and no gaming may be conducted while the boat is docked, with the exceptions: (i) of 30-minute time periods at the beginning of and at the end of a cruise while the passengers are embarking and debarking (total gaming time is limited to four hours, however, including the pre- and post-docking periods); and (ii) when weather or mechanical problems prevent the boat from cruising. Minimum and maximum wagers on games are set by the licensee and wagering may be conducted only with a cashless wagering system, whereby money is converted to tokens, electronic cards or chips which can only be used for wagering. No person under the age of 21 is permitted to wager, and wagers may only be taken from a person present on a licensed riverboat. With respect to electronic gaming devices, the payout percentage may not be less than 80% nor more than 100%. The legislation imposes a 20% wagering tax on adjusted receipts (generally defined as gross receipts less payments to customers as winnings) from gambling games. The tax imposed is to be paid by the licensed owner to the Illinois Gaming Board on the day after the day when the wagers were made. Of the proceeds of that tax, 25% goes to the local government where the home dock is located, a small portion goes to the Illinois Gaming Board for administration and enforcement expenses, and the remainder goes to the state education assistance fund. The legislation also requires that licensees pay a $2.00 admission tax for each person admitted to a gaming cruise. Of this admission tax, the host municipality or county receives $1.00. The licensed owner is required to maintain public books and records clearly showing amounts received from admission fees, the total amount of gross receipts and the total amount of adjusted gross receipts. All use, occupancy and excise taxes which apply to food and beverages and all taxes imposed on the sale or use of tangible property apply to sales aboard riverboats. The Company is currently in material compliance with all applicable gaming laws, rules and regulations promulgated by the State of Illinois. Bills have been introduced in the Illinois legislature proposing graduated gaming taxes that would be in excess of the taxes currently imposed. There has also been discussion of increasing the number of riverboat gaming licenses. There can be no assurance that these bills will not become law, or that similar legislation, legislation increasing the number of licenses or other legislation will not be introduced in the future, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the operating results of the Company's riverboats. GAMING-MISSISSIPPI The ownership and operation of a gaming business in the State of Mississippi is subject to extensive laws and regulations, including the Mississippi Gaming Control Act (the "Mississippi Act") and the regulations (the "Mississippi Regulations") promulgated thereunder by the Mississippi Gaming Commission (the "Mississippi Commission"), which is empowered to oversee and enforce the Mississippi Act. Gaming in Mississippi can be legally conducted only on vessels of a certain minimum size in navigable waters within any county bordering the Mississippi River or in waters of the State of Mississippi which lie adjacent and to the south (principally in the Gulf of Mexico) of the Counties of Hancock, Harrison and Jackson, provided that the county in question has not voted by referendum not to permit gaming in that county. The underlying policy of the Mississippi Act is to ensure that gaming operations in Mississippi are conducted: (i) honestly and competitively; (ii) free of criminal and corruptive influences; and (iii) in a manner which protects the rights of the creditors of gaming operations. 24 The Mississippi Act requires that a person (including any corporation or other entity) be licensed to conduct gaming activities in the State of Mississippi. A license will be issued only for a specified location which has been approved in advance as a gaming site by the Mississippi Commission. Harrah's Vicksburg Corporation, an indirect subsidiary of Harrah's, is licensed to operate a riverboat casino in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Harrah's Tunica Corporation, another indirect subsidiary, is the general partner of Tunica Partners L.P. and Tunica Partners L.P.II, each of which is the licensed operator of a riverboat casino in Tunica, Mississippi. In addition, a parent company of a company holding a license must register under the Mississippi Act. Harrah's and HOC are registered with the Mississippi Commission. The Mississippi Act also requires that each officer or director of a gaming licensee, or other person who exercises a material degree of control over the licensee, either directly or indirectly, be found suitable by the Mississippi Commission. In addition, any employee of a licensee who is directly involved in gaming must obtain a work permit from the Mississippi Commission. The Mississippi Commission will not issue a license or make a finding of suitability unless it is satisfied, after an investigation paid for by the applicant, that the persons associated with the gaming licensee or applicant for a license are of good character, honesty and integrity, with no relevant or material criminal record. In addition, the Mississippi Commission will not issue a license unless it is satisfied that the licensee is adequately financed or has a reasonable plan to finance its proposed operations from acceptable sources, and that persons associated with the applicant have sufficient business probity, competence and experience to engage in the proposed gaming enterprise. The Mississippi Commission may refuse to issue a work permit to a gaming employee: (i) if the employee has committed larceny, embezzlement or any crime of moral turpitude, or has knowingly violated the Mississippi Act or Mississippi Regulations; or (ii) for any other reasonable cause. There can be no assurance that such persons will be found suitable by the Mississippi Commission. An application for licensing, finding of suitability or registration may be denied for any cause deemed reasonable by the issuing agency. Changes in licensed positions must be reported to the issuing agency. In addition to its authority to deny an application for a license, finding of suitability or registration, the Mississippi Commission has jurisdiction to disapprove a change in corporate position. If the Mississippi Commission were to find a director, officer or key employee unsuitable for licensing or unsuitable to continue having a relationship with the licensee, such entity would be required to suspend, dismiss and sever all relationships with such person. The licensee would have similar obligations with regard to any person who refuses to file appropriate applications. Each gaming employee must obtain a work permit which may be revoked upon the occurrence of certain specified events. Any individual who is found to have a material relationship to, or material involvement with, Harrah's may be required to submit to an investigation in order to be found suitable or be licensed as a business associate of any subsidiary holding a gaming license. Key employees, controlling persons or others who exercise significant influence upon the management or affairs of Harrah's may be deemed to have such a relationship or involvement. The Mississippi Commission has the power to deny, limit, condition, revoke and suspend any license, finding of suitability or registration, or to fine any person, as it deems reasonable and in the public interest, subject to an opportunity for a hearing. The Mississippi Commission may fine any licensee or person who was found suitable up to $100,000 for each violation of the Mississippi Act or the Mississippi Regulations which is the subject of an initial complaint, and up to $250,000 for each such violation which is the subject of any subsequent complaint. The Mississippi Act provides for judicial review of any final decision of the Mississippi Commission by petition to a Mississippi Circuit Court, but the filing of such petition does not necessarily stay any action taken by the Mississippi Commission pending a decision by the Circuit Court. Each gaming licensee must pay a license fee to the State of Mississippi based upon "gaming receipts" (generally defined as gross receipts less payouts to customers as winnings). The license fee equals four percent of gaming receipts of $50,000 or less per month, six percent of gaming receipts over $50,000 and up to $134,000 per month, and eight percent of gaming receipts over $134,000. The foregoing license fees are 25 allowed as a credit against Mississippi state income tax liability for the year paid. An additional license fee, based upon the number of games conducted or planned to be conducted on the gaming premises, is payable to the State of Mississippi annually in advance. Also, up to a four percent additional tax on gaming revenues may be imposed at the local level of government. The Company also is subject to certain audit and record-keeping requirements, primarily intended to ensure compliance with the Mississippi Act, including compliance with the provisions relating to the payment of license fees. Under the Mississippi Regulations, a person is prohibited from acquiring control of Harrah's without prior approval of the Mississippi Commission. Harrah's also is prohibited from consummating a plan of recapitalization proposed by management in opposition to an attempted acquisition of control of Harrah's and which involves the issuance of a significant dividend to Common Stock holders, where such dividend is financed by borrowings from financial institutions or the issuance of debt securities. In addition, Harrah's is prohibited from repurchasing any of its voting securities under circumstances (subject to certain exemptions) where the repurchase involves more than one percent of Harrah's outstanding Common Stock at a price in excess of 110 percent of the then-current market value of Harrah's Common Stock from a person who owns and has for less than one year owned more than three percent of Harrah's outstanding Common Stock, unless the repurchase has been approved by a majority of Harrah's shareholders voting on the issue (excluding the person from whom the repurchase is being made) or the offer is made to all other shareholders of Harrah's. Under the Mississippi Regulations, a gaming license may not be held by a publicly held corporation, although an affiliated corporation, such as Harrah's, may be publicly held so long as Harrah's registers with and gets the approval of the Mississippi Commission. Harrah's must obtain prior approval from the Mississippi Commission for any subsequent public offering of the securities of Harrah's if any part of the proceeds from that offering are intended to be used to pay for or reduce debt used to pay for the construction, acquisition or operation of any gaming facility in Mississippi. In addition, in order to register with the Mississippi Commission as a publicly held holding corporation, Harrah's must provide further documentation which is satisfactory to the Mississippi Commission, which includes all documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any person who, directly or indirectly, or in association with others, acquires beneficial ownership of more than five percent of the Common Stock of Harrah's must notify the Mississippi Commission of this acquisition. Regardless of the amount of securities owned, any person who has any beneficial ownership in the Common Stock of Harrah's may be required to be found suitable if the Mississippi Commission has reason to believe that such ownership would be inconsistent with the declared policies of the State of Mississippi. Any person who is required to be found suitable must apply for a finding of suitability from the Mississippi Commission within 30 days after being requested to do so, and must deposit a sum of money which is adequate to pay the anticipated investigatory costs associated with such finding. Any person who is found not to be suitable by the Mississippi Commission shall not be permitted to have any direct or indirect ownership in Harrah's Common Stock. Any person who is required to apply for a finding of suitability and fails to do so, or who fails to dispose of his or her interest in Harrah's Common Stock if found unsuitable, is guilty of a misdemeanor. If a finding of suitability with respect to any person is not applied for where required, or if it is denied or revoked by the Mississippi Commission, Harrah's is not permitted to pay such person for services rendered, or to employ or enter into any contract with such person. Harrah's is required to maintain current stock ledgers in the State of Mississippi which may be examined by a representative of the Mississippi Commission at any time. If any securities are held in trust by an agent or by a nominee, the record holder may be required to disclose the identity of the beneficial owner to the Mississippi Commission. A failure to make such disclosure may be grounds for finding the 26 record holder unsuitable. Harrah's also is required to render maximum assistance in determining the identity of the beneficial owner. Because Harrah's is licensed to conduct gaming in the State of Mississippi, neither Harrah's nor any subsidiary may engage in gaming activities in Mississippi while also conducting gaming operations outside of Mississippi without approval of the Mississippi Commission. The Mississippi Commission has approved the conduct of gaming in all jurisdictions in which Harrah's has ongoing operations or approved projects. There can be no assurance that any future approvals will be obtained. The failure to obtain such approvals could have a materially adverse effect on Harrah's. The Company is currently in material compliance with all applicable gaming laws, rules and regulations promulgated by the State of Mississippi. GAMING-LOUISIANA (RIVERBOAT) The ownership and operation of a gaming riverboat in Louisiana is subject to extensive regulation under Louisiana gaming laws and regulations. A seven-member LGCB and the Riverboat Gaming Enforcement Division ("Division"), a part of the Louisiana State Police, are charged with such regulatory authority, including the issuance of riverboat gaming licenses. The number of licenses to conduct gaming on a riverboat is limited by statute to 15. No more than six licenses may be granted for the operation of gaming activities on riverboats in any one parish (county). In general, riverboat gaming in Louisiana can be conducted legally only on approved riverboats that cruise with certain exceptions including exceptions for certain portions of the Red River where riverboats can be continuously docked. Harrah's Shreveport Investment Company, Inc. an indirect subsidiary of Harrah's, is the general partner of, and owns 99% of, Red River Entertainment of Shreveport Partnership in Commendam, a Louisiana partnership which was granted a gaming license in April, 1994, to operate a continuously docked gaming riverboat. Harrah's Shreveport Management Company, Inc., another subsidiary, owns the remaining one percent of the Partnership and manages the riverboat, pursuant to an agreement with the Partnership. To obtain a gaming license, applicants must obtain certain Certificates of Approval from the LGCB and submit comprehensive application forms, be fingerprinted and undergo an extensive background investigation by the Division. An applicant is ineligible to receive a gaming license if the applicant has not established good character, honesty and integrity. Each license granted entitles a licensee to operate a riverboat and equipment thereon from a specific location. The duration of the license initially runs for five years; renewals are for one year terms. In determining whether to grant a license, the Division considers: (i) the good character, honesty and integrity of the applicant; (ii) the applicant's ability to conduct gaming operations; (iii) the adequacy and source of the applicant's financing; (iv) the adequacy of the design documents submitted; (v) the docking facilities to be used; (vi) applicant's plan to recruit, train, and upgrade minorities in employment and to provide for minority-owned business participation. A holder of a license is subject to the imposition of penalties, suspension or revocation of its license for any act that is injurious to the public health, safety, morals, good order, and general welfare of the people of the state of Louisiana, or that violates the gaming laws and regulations. The transfer of a license or an interest in a license is prohibited. In addition, an ownership interest of five percent or more in a business entity which holds a gaming license may not be sold, assigned, transferred or pledged without the Division's approval. No person may be employed as a gaming employee unless such person holds a gaming employee permit issued by the Division. In addition, the Division issues suppliers licenses which authorize the supplier licensee to sell or lease gaming equipment and supplies to any licensee. 27 Minimum and maximum wagers on games are set by the licensee and wagering may be conducted only with a cashless wagering system, whereby all money is converted to tokens, electronic cards, or chips used only for wagering in the gaming establishment. No person under the age of 21 is permitted to wager, and wagers may only be taken from a person present on a licensed riverboat. The legislation imposes a franchise fee for the right to operate on Louisiana waterways of 15% of net gaming proceeds and a license fee of $50,000 (first year) and $100,000 (subsequent years) plus three and one-half percent of net gaming proceeds. All fees are paid to the Division. In addition, the legislation authorizes local governing authorities the power to levy an admission fee for each person boarding the riverboat. Currently that amount is paid by the license holder. The Company's operation is currently paying an admission fee of $3.00 per person. The Company is currently in material compliance with all applicable gaming laws, rules and regulations promulgated by the State of Louisiana with respect to riverboat casinos. GAMING-MISSOURI The ownership and operation of a gaming riverboat in Missouri is subject to extensive regulation under Missouri gaming laws and regulations. A five-member Missouri Gaming Commission ("Commission") is charged with such regulatory authority, including the issuance of riverboat gaming licenses. Harrah's North Kansas City Corporation, an indirect subsidiary of Harrah's, has been issued two licenses by the Commission to conduct riverboat gaming at its North Kansas City location. Harrah's Maryland Heights LLC, also an indirect subsidiary of the Company, has been issued two licenses by the Commission to conduct riverboat gaming at its Maryland Heights location. Gaming in Missouri can be conducted legally only on either excursion gambling boats or floating facilities approved by the Commission on the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. Unless permitted to be continuously docked by the Commission for certain stated reasons, including safety, excursion gambling boats must cruise. The Commission has approved dockside gaming for the Company's riverboats in North Kansas City and Maryland Heights. To obtain a gaming license, applicants must submit comprehensive application forms, be fingerprinted and undergo an extensive background investigation by the Commission. An applicant is ineligible to receive an owner's license if the applicant has not established good reputation and moral character or if the applicant, any of its officers, directors or managerial employees or any person who participates in the management or operation of gaming operations has been convicted of a felony. There are separate licenses for owners and operators of riverboat gambling operations, which can be applied for and held concurrently. Each license granted entitles a licensee to own and/or operate an excursion gambling boat and equipment thereon from a specific location. The duration of the license initially runs for two one-year terms followed by two-year terms. The Commission also licenses the serving of alcoholic beverages on riverboats and adjacent facilities. All local income, earnings, use, property and sales taxes are applicable to licensees. In determining whether to grant a license, the Commission considers: (i) the integrity of the applicants; (ii) the types and variety of games to be offered; (iii) the quality of the physical facility, together with improvements and equipment, and how soon the project will be completed; (iv) the financial ability of the applicant to develop and operate the facility successfully; (v) the status of governmental actions required for the facility; (vi) management ability of the applicant; (vii) compliance with applicable laws, rules, charters, and ordinances; (viii) the economic, ecological and social impact of the facility as well as the cost of public improvements; (ix) the extent of public support or opposition; (x) the plan adopted by the home dock city or county; and (xi) effects on competition. A holder of a license is subject to the imposition of penalties, suspension or revocation of its license for any act that is injurious to the public health, safety, morals, good order, and general welfare of the people of the state of Missouri, or that would discredit or tend to discredit the Missouri gaming industry or the state of Missouri, including without limitation: (i) failing to comply with or make provision for 28 compliance with the legislation, the rules promulgated thereunder or any federal, state or local law or regulation; (ii) failing to comply with any rules, order or ruling of the Commission or its agents pertaining to gaming; (iii) receiving goods or services from a person or business entity who does not hold a supplier's license but who is required to hold such license by the legislation or the rules; (iv) being suspended or ruled ineligible or having a license revoked or suspended in any state or gaming jurisdiction; (v) associating with, either socially or in business affairs, or employing persons of notorious or unsavory reputation or who have extensive police records, or who have failed to cooperate with any official constituted investigatory or administrative body and would adversely affect public confidence and trust in gaming; (vi) employing in any Missouri gaming operation any person known to have been found guilty of cheating or using any improper device in connection with any game; (vii) use of fraud, deception, misrepresentation or bribery in securing any license or permit issued pursuant to the legislation; (viii) obtaining any fee, charge, or other compensation by fraud, deception or misrepresentation; and (ix) incompetence, misconduct, gross negligence, fraud, misrepresentation or dishonesty in the performance of the functions or duties regulated by the legislation. An ownership interest in a license or in a business entity, other than a publicly held business entity which holds an owner's license, may not be transferred without the approval of the Commission. In addition, an ownership interest in a license or in a business entity, other than a publicly held business entity, which holds either directly or indirectly an owner's license, may not be pledged as collateral to other than a regulated bank or saving and loan association without the Commission's approval. Every employee participating in a riverboat gaming operation must hold an occupational license which permits the holder to perform only activities included within such holder's level of occupation license or any lower level of occupation license. In addition, the Commission will issue suppliers licenses which authorize the supplier licensee to sell or lease gaming equipment and supplies to any licensee involved in the ownership and management of gaming operations. Even if continuously docked, licensed riverboats must establish and abide by a cruise schedule. Riverboat cruises are required to be a minimum of two hours and a maximum of four hours. For the Company's riverboats in North Kansas City and Maryland Heights, which are and will be, respectively, continuously docked, passengers may board the riverboats for a 45-minute period at the beginning of a cruise. They may disembark at any time. There is a maximum loss per person per cruise of $500. Minimum and maximum wagers on games are set by the licensee and wagering may be conducted only with a cashless wagering system, whereby money is converted to tokens, electronic cards or chips which can only be used for wagering. No person under the age of 21 is permitted to wager, and wagers may only be taken from a person present on a licensed excursion gambling boat. The legislation imposes a 20% wagering tax on adjusted gross receipts (generally defined as gross receipts less payments to customers as winnings) from gambling games. The tax imposed is to be paid by the licensed owner to the Commission on the day after the day when the wagers were made. Of the proceeds of that tax, 10% goes to the local government where the home dock is located, and the remainder goes to the state education assistance fund. The legislation also requires that licensees pay a $2.00 admission tax for each person admitted to a gaming cruise. The licensed owner is required to maintain public books and records clearly showing amounts received from admission fees, the total amount of gross receipts and the total amount of adjusted gross receipts. The Company is currently in material compliance with all applicable gaming laws, rules and regulations promulgated by the State of Missouri. 29 INDIAN GAMING The terms and conditions of management contracts and the operation of casinos and all gaming on Indian land in the United States are subject to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988 ("IGRA"), which is administered by the NIGC. IGRA is subject to interpretation by the Secretary of the Interior (the "Secretary") and NIGC and may be subject to judicial and legislative clarification or amendment. IGRA requires NIGC approval of management contracts for Class II and Class III gaming as well as the review of all agreements collateral to the management contracts. All contracts relating to Harrah's Phoenix Ak-Chin and Harrah's Skagit Valley casinos were approved by the NIGC. The NIGC will not approve a management contract if a director or a 10% shareholder of the management company: (i) is an elected member of the Indian tribal government which owns the facility purchasing or leasing the games; (ii) has been or is convicted of a felony gaming offense; (iii) has knowingly and willfully provided materially false information to the NIGC or the tribe; (iv) has refused to respond to questions from the NIGC; or (v) is a person whose prior history, reputation and associations pose a threat to the public interest or to effective gaming regulation and control, or create or enhance the chance of unsuitable activities in gaming or the business and financial arrangements incidental thereto. In addition, the NIGC will not approve a management contract if the management company or any of its agents have attempted to unduly influence any decision or process of tribal government relating to gaming, or if the management company has materially breached the terms of the management contract or the tribe's gaming ordinance, or a trustee, exercising due diligence, would not approve such management contract. A management contract can be approved only after NIGC determines that the contract provides, among other things, for: (i) adequate accounting procedures and verifiable financial reports, which must be furnished to the tribe; (ii) tribal access to the daily operations of the gaming enterprise, including the right to verify daily gross revenues and income; (iii) minimum guaranteed payments to the tribe, which must have priority over the retirement of development and construction costs; (iv) a ceiling on the repayment of such development and construction costs and (v) a contract term not exceeding five years and a management fee not exceeding 30% of net revenues (as determined by the NIGC); provided that the NIGC may approve up to a seven year term and a management fee not to exceed 40% of net revenues if NIGC is satisfied that the capital investment required, and the income projections for the particular gaming activity require the larger fee and longer term. There is no periodic or ongoing review of approved contracts by the NIGC. The only post-approval action which could result in possible modification or cancellation of a contract would be as the result of an enforcement action taken by the NIGC based on a violation of the law or an issue affecting suitability. IGRA established three separate classes of tribal gaming--Class I, Class II and Class III. Class I includes all traditional or social games solely for prizes of minimal value played by a tribe in connection with celebrations or ceremonies. Class II gaming includes games such as bingo, pulltabs, punchboards, instant bingo and non-banked card games (those that are not played against the house), such as poker. Class III gaming is casino-style gaming and includes banked table games such as blackjack, craps and roulette, and gaming machines such as slots, video poker, lotteries and parimutuel wagering. Both Harrah's Phoenix Ak-Chin and Harrah's Skagit Valley provide Class II gaming and as limited by the tribal-state compact, Class III gaming. IGRA prohibits all forms of Class III gaming unless the tribe has entered into a written agreement with the state that specifically authorizes the types of Class III gaming the tribe may offer (a "tribal-state compact"). IGRA requires states to negotiate in good faith with tribes that seek tribal-state compacts and grants Indian tribes the right to seek a federal court order to compel such negotiations. Some states have refused to enter into such negotiations. Tribes in several states sought federal court orders to compel such negotiations. The U. S. Supreme Court in the case of SEMINOLE V. STATE OF FLORIDA AND LAWTON CHILES, determined that this provision of IGRA is unconstitutional as a violation of the Eleventh Amendment to the United States Constitution which immunizes states from suit without the state's consent. The Court did 30 not address, however, the possibility that IGRA allows the Secretary of the Department of the Interior to prescribe Class III gaming procedures where states refuse to enter into compacts with Indian tribes. Subsequent to this decision, the Secretary of the Interior gave advance notice of rule making related to Class III gaming. The issue of whether the Secretary has the authority to issue such regulations either generally or under IGRA can be expected to be litigated. These compacts provide among other things the manner and extent to which each state will conduct background investigations and certify the suitability of the manager, its officers, directors, and key employees to conduct gaming on tribal lands. The Company received temporary certification pending completion of its background check from the Arizona gaming authorities prior to opening the Phoenix Ak-Chin casino (and since has received its permanent certification) and certification from the Washington gaming authorities prior to the opening of the Skagit Valley casino. Title 25, Section 81 of the United States Code states that "no agreement shall be made by any person with any tribe of Indians, or individual Indians not citizens of the United States, for the payment or delivery of any money or other thing of value . . . in consideration of services for said Indians relative to their lands . . . unless such contract or agreement be executed and approved" by the Secretary or his or her designee. An agreement or contract for services relative to Indian lands which fails to conform with the requirements of Section 81 is void and unenforceable. All money or other thing of value paid to any person by any Indian or tribe for or on his or their behalf, on account of such services, in excess of any amount approved by the Secretary or his or her authorized representative will be subject to forfeiture. The Company believes that it has complied with the requirements of section 81 with respect to its management contracts for Harrah's Phoenix Ak-Chin and Harrah's Skagit Valley and intends to comply with Section 81 with respect to any other contract to manage casinos located on Indian land in the United States. Indian tribes are sovereign with their own governmental systems, which have primary regulatory authority over gaming on land within the tribes' jurisdiction. Therefore, persons engaged in gaming activities, including the Company, are subject to the provisions of tribal ordinances and regulations on gaming. These ordinances are subject to review by the NIGC under certain standards established by IGRA. The NIGC may determine that some or all of the ordinances require amendment, and that additional requirements, including additional licensing requirements, may be imposed on the Company. The Company has received no such notification regarding the Ak-Chin and Skagit Valley casinos. The possession of valid licenses from the Ak-Chin Indian Community and the Upper Skagit Indian Tribe are ongoing conditions of the Ak-Chin and Upper Skagit agreements. The Company is currently in material compliance with the IGRA and all applicable rules and regulations promulgated by the NIGC. OTHER REGULATIONS The Company's businesses are subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations in addition to gaming laws. These laws and regulations include, but are not limited to, restrictions and conditions concerning alcoholic beverages, environmental matters, employees, currency transactions, taxation, zoning and building codes, and marketing and advertising. Such laws and regulations could change or could be interpreted differently in the future, or new laws and regulations could be enacted. Material changes, new laws or regulations, or material differences in interpretations by courts or governmental authorities could adversely affect the operating results of the Company. FUEL SHORTAGES AND COSTS; WEATHER Although gasoline supplies are now in relative abundance, gasoline shortages and price increases may have adverse effects on the casino business of Harrah's. Access to several Harrah's casino entertainment facilities, including the Lake Tahoe and Reno areas of northern Nevada and Atlantic City, New Jersey, may be restricted from time to time during the winter months by bad weather which can cause road closures. 31 Such closures have at times adversely affected operating results at Harrah's Lake Tahoe, Harrah's Reno, Bill's Lake Tahoe Casino and Harrah's Atlantic City. EMPLOYEE RELATIONS Harrah's, through its subsidiaries, has approximately 22,000 employees. Labor relations with employees are good. Harrah's subsidiaries have collective bargaining agreements covering approximately 2,800 employees. These agreements relate to certain casino, hotel and restaurant employees at Harrah's Atlantic City and Harrah's Las Vegas. Approximately 1,600 of these 2,800 employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements expiring in 1997. Negotiations for successor agreements will begin later this year prior to the expiration of the current contracts. ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS. On September 26, 1995, Harrah's New Orleans Investment Company ("HNOIC"), an indirect subsidiary of the Company, filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana a suit styled HARRAH'S NEW ORLEANS INVESTMENT COMPANY V. NEW ORLEANS LOUISIANA DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, Civil No. 95-3166. At issue in the suit is the percentage of ownership that New Orleans/Louisiana Development Corporation ("NOLDC") holds in Harrah's Jazz Company ("HJC"), a Louisiana partnership whose general partners are HNOIC, NOLDC and Grand Palais Casino, Inc. This declaratory judgment action seeks to confirm that, as of September 26, 1995, NOLDC's percentage interest in the Harrah's Jazz Company partnership was only 13.73% and, therefore, NOLDC is not a "Material Partner" in HJC. This case was put on "administrative hold" after the filing by NOLDC of a Chapter 11 bankruptcy petition on November 21, 1995. Should it be put back on the active list, HNOIC or the appropriate post-bankruptcy entity would vigorously prosecute it. At the time the case was put on "administrative hold," no discovery on the merits had been taken and no answer had been filed by NOLDC. On September 28, 1995, NOLDC filed suit against the Company and various of its corporate affiliates in NEW ORLEANS LOUISIANA DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION V. HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT, FORMERLY D/B/A THE PROMUS COMPANIES, HARRAH'S NEW ORLEANS INVESTMENT COMPANY, HARRAH'S NEW ORLEANS MANAGEMENT COMPANY, HARRAH'S JAZZ COMPANY, AND PROMUS HOTELS, FORMERLY D/B/A EMBASSY SUITES, INC., Civil No. 95-14653, filed in the Civil District Court for the Parish of Orleans. The case was subsequently removed by defendants to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. In this suit, NOLDC seeks to realign ownership interests in HJC among HNOIC and NOLDC. NOLDC also seeks an unspecified dollar amount of damages sufficient to compensate it for the losses it alleges it has suffered as a result of actions of defendants. NOLDC has indicated that it intends to seek to remand the suit to the Civil District Court. The case was also put on "administrative hold" by the District Court Judge as a result of NOLDC's bankruptcy filing. The Company and other defendants intend to vigorously defend the action should it be put back on the active case list. At the time it was put on "administrative hold," no answer had been filed by any defendant and no discovery had been taken. Beginning on November 28, 1995, eight separate class action suits were filed against the Company and various of its corporate affiliates, officers and directors in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. They are BEN F. D'ANGELO, TRUSTEE FOR BEN F. D'ANGELO REVOCABLE TRUST V. HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT CORP., MICHAEL D. ROSE, PHILIP G. SATRE AND RON LENCZYCKI; MAX FENSTER V. HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT, INC., HARRAH'S NEW ORLEANS INVESTMENT COMPANY, GRAND PALAIS CASINO, INC., PHILIP G. SATRE, COLIN V. REED, MICHAEL N. REGAN, CHRISTOPHER B. HEMMETER, DONALDSON, LUFKIN & JENRETTE SECURITIES CORPORATION, SALOMON BROTHERS, INC., AND BT SECURITIES CORP.; GOLDIE ROSENBLOOM V. HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT CORP., MICHAEL D. ROSE, PHILIP G. SATRE AND RON LENCZYCKI; BARRY ROSS V. HARRAH'S NEW ORLEANS INVESTMENT COMPANY, PHILIP G. SATRE, COLIN V. REED, LAWRENCE L. FOWLER, MICHAEL N. REGAN, CEZAR M. FROELICH, ULRIC 32 HAYNES, JR., WENDELL GAUTHIER, T. GEORGE SOLOMON, JR., DUPLAIN W. RHODES, III, HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT, INC., DONALDSON, LUFKIN & JENRETTE SECURITIES CORPORATION, SALOMON BROTHERS INC., AND BT SECURITIES CORP.; LOUIS SILVERMAN V. HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT, INC., HARRAH'S NEW ORLEANS INVESTMENT COMPANY, GRAND PALAIS CASINO, INC., PHILIP G. SATRE, COLIN V. REED, MICHAEL N. REGAN, CHRISTOPHER B. HEMMETER, AND DONALDSON, LUFKIN & JENRETTE SECURITIES CORPORATION; FLORENCE KESSLER V. PHILIP G. SATRE, COLIN V. REED, CHARLES A. LEDSINGER, JR., MICHAEL N. REGAN, LAWRENCE L. FOWLER, CHRISTOPHER B. HEMMETER, CEZAR M. FROELICH, ULRIC HAYNES, JR., WENDELL H. GAUTHIER, T. GEORGE SOLOMON, JR., DUPLAIN W. RHODES, III, DONALDSON, LUFKIN & JENRETTE SECURITIES CORPORATION, SALOMON BROTHERS INC., AND BT SECURITIES CORPORATION; WARREN ZEILLER AND JUDITH M.R. ZEILLER V. HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT CORP., MICHAEL D. ROSE, PHILIP G. SATRE, AND RON LENCZYCKI; AND CHARLES ZWERVING AND HELENE ZWERVING V. HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT CORP., PHILIP G. SATRE, COLIN V. REED, CHRISTOPHER B. HEMMETER, AND DONALDSON, LUFKIN & JENRETTE SECURITIES CORPORATION. Per Court Order of January 26, 1996, the above plaintiffs filed a consolidated complaint in the action numbered 95-3925 IN RE HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT, INC. SECURITIES LITIGATION. The consolidated complaint alleges that various misstatements and omissions were made in connection with the sale of Harrah's Jazz Company 14.25% First Mortgage Notes and thereafter, and seeks unspecified damages, as well as costs of legal proceedings. On February 26, 1997 the Company and all other defendants reached a tentative settlement agreement with plaintiffs. Pursuant to that agreement, members of the class will be entitled to receive certain shares in JCC Holding Company pursuant to the Plan of Reorganization for HJC or other monetary consideration from a settlement pool of $3.8 million. The settlement is contingent upon both plaintiffs' confirmation of certain data provided to them in the course of settlement discussions and approval by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. On December 6, 1995 Centex Landis, the general contractor for the permanent casino being developed by HJC, filed suit against the Company, among others, in the Civil District Court for The Parish of Orleans in CENTEX LANDIS CONSTRUCTION CO., INC. V. HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT, INC. FORMALLY D/B/A THE PROMUS COMPANIES, INC.; AND RONALD A. LENCZYCKI, Civil No. 95-18101. Defendants removed the case to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana and it was subsequently transferred to the Bankruptcy Court handling the HJC bankruptcy. This suit seeks to collect more than $40 million allegedly owed to Centex Landis by HJC from the Company under guarantee, fraud, fraudulent advertising and unfair trade practice theories. The Company and the other defendant intend to vigorously defend the action and have filed an answer denying all of plaintiff's allegations. No discovery has been taken in the action. RUSSELL M. SWODY, ET AL. V. HARRAH'S NEW ORLEANS MANAGEMENT COMPANY AND HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT, INC., Civil No. 95-4118, was filed against the Company on December 13, 1995 in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, and subsequently amended. Swody is a class action lawsuit under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act ("WARN Act") and seeks damages for alleged failure to timely notify workers terminated by Harrah's New Orleans Management Company at the time of the HJC bankruptcy. Plaintiffs seek unspecified damages, as well as costs of legal proceedings, for themselves and all members of the class. An answer has been filed denying all of plaintiffs' allegations. SWODY was consolidated with SUSAN N. POIRIER, DARLENE A. MOSS, ET AL. V. HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT, INC., HARRAH'S NEW ORLEANS MANAGEMENT COMPANY, AND HARRAH'S OPERATING COMPANY, Civil No. 96-0215, which was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana on January 17, 1996, and subsequently amended. POIRIER seeks not only damages under the WARN Act, but also under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act ("ERISA") for the alleged wrongful failure to provide severance to those terminated. Similar proofs of claims were filed by Ms. Poirier in the Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana in the HJC, HNOIC and Harrah's Jazz Finance Corp. bankruptcy cases. A settlement has been reached with the SWODY and POIRIER plaintiffs, which calls for a payment to be made by HJC in exchange for the dismissal of all actions, which settlement is contingent on the consummation of the Plan of Reorganization for HJC. That settlement has already been determined to be fair to all class members by the Bankruptcy Court. 33 On December 29, 1995 in the Civil District Court for The Parish of Orleans, the City of New Orleans filed suit against the Company and others in City of NEW ORLEANS AND RIVERGATE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION V. HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT, INC. (F/K/A THE PROMUS COMPANIES, INC.), GRAND PALAIS CASINO, INC., EMBASSY SUITES, INC., FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF COMMERCE AND RONALD A. LENCZYCKI, Civil No. 95-19285. This suit seeks to require the Company, among others, to complete construction of the permanent casino being developed by HJC under theories of breach of completion guarantee contract, breach of implied duty of good faith, detrimental reliance, misrepresentation, and false advertising. Plaintiff seeks unspecified damages, as well as costs of legal proceedings. Defendants have removed the suit to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana and it was then transferred to the Bankruptcy Court handling the HJC bankruptcy. The Company and the other defendants have filed an answer denying all of plaintiffs' allegations and intend to vigorously defend the action. LOUISIANA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND GAMING CORPORATION V. HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT, INC. AND HARRAH'S OPERATING COMPANY, INC., Civil No. 424328, was filed on January 23, 1996 in the Nineteenth Judicial Court of the State of Louisiana, Parish of East Baton Rouge. On February 21, 1996, the Company and the other defendants removed the case to the Federal District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana and asked that it be transferred to the Bankruptcy Court handling the HJC bankruptcy. The case has been transferred. A motion for reconsideration has been filed by LEDGC. In this suit LEDGC seeks to require the Company and Harrah's Operating Company to complete construction of the permanent casino being developed by HJC under theories of breach of completion guarantee contract, breach of implied duty of good faith, detrimental reliance, misrepresentation and, in the alternative, seeks damages. The Company has filed an answer and counterclaim against LEDGC. LEDGC has moved to have that counterclaim dismissed and/or for summary judgment. No ruling has yet been made by the court. The defendants intend to vigorously defend the action and prosecute their counterclaim. ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS. Not Applicable. 34 EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
POSITIONS AND OFFICES HELD AND PRINCIPAL NAME AND AGE OCCUPATIONS OR EMPLOYMENT DURING PAST 5 YEARS - ------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Philip G. Satre (47)................. Director since 1989, Chairman of the Board since January 1997, President since April 1991 and Chief Executive Officer since April 1994 of Harrah's. Chief Operating Officer of Harrah's (1991-1994). President (1984-1995) of Harrah's Gaming Group. He is a member of the Executive Committee of Harrah's Jazz Company and a director and President of Harrah's Jazz Finance Corp., both of which filed petitions under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in November 1995. He is also a director and President of Harrah's New Orleans Investment Company which filed a petition under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in December 1995. Colin V. Reed (49)................... Executive Vice President of Harrah's since September 1995. Senior Vice President, Corporate Development of Harrah's from May 1992 to September 1995. Vice President, Corporate Development of Harrah's from November 1989 to May 1992. He is also a director of Sodak Gaming, Inc. He is also a member of the Executive Committee of Harrah's Jazz Company and a director and a Senior Vice President of Harrah's Jazz Finance Corp., both of which filed petitions under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in November 1995. He is a director and Senior Vice President of Harrah's New Orleans Investment Company which filed a petition under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in December 1995. John M. Boushy (42).................. Senior Vice President, Information Technology and Corporate Marketing Services of Harrah's since June 1993. Vice President, Strategic Marketing of Harrah's from April 1989 to June 1993. Charles A. Ledsinger, Jr. (47)....... Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Harrah's since August 1990. Treasurer of Harrah's from August 1996 to October 1996. He also is a director of Perkins Management Company, Inc., a privately-held general partner of Perkins Family Restaurants, L.P., a publicly-traded limited partnership, and he is a director of TBC Corporation. He is a Senior Vice President of Harrah's Jazz Finance Corp. which filed a petition under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in November 1995. Bradford W. Morgan (51).............. Senior Vice President, Marketing of Harrah's since May 1995. Executive Vice President, Marketing of the Company's Gaming Group from June 1994 to May 1995. Executive Vice President, Marketing & Sales of Visa U.S.A. from July 1988 to June 1994. Ben C. Peternell (51)................ Senior Vice President, Corporate Human Resources and Communications of Harrah's since November 1989. He is also a director of Promus Hotel Corporation. E. O. Robinson, Jr. (57)............. Senior Vice President and General Counsel of Harrah's since April 1993 and Secretary of Harrah's from November 1989 to October 1995. Vice President and Associate General Counsel of Harrah's from November 1989 to April 1993.
35 PART II ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE COMPANY'S COMMON STOCK AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS. The Company's Common Stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and traded under the ticker symbol "HET". The stock is also listed on the Chicago Stock Exchange, the Pacific Stock Exchange and the Philadelphia Stock Exchange. The following table sets forth the high and low price per share of the Company's Common Stock for the last two years:
HIGH LOW ----- ----- 1995 First Quarter*................................................................ 37 7/8 30 Second Quarter*............................................................... 45 7/8 37 Third Quarter................................................................. 33 1/8 25 Fourth Quarter................................................................ 29 3/8 22 1/8 1996 First Quarter................................................................. 30 1/4 24 Second Quarter................................................................ 38 7/8 27 Third Quarter................................................................. 28 3/8 17 1/4 Fourth Quarter................................................................ 21 3/4 16 3/8
- ------------------------ * Prior to July 3, 1995, prices include the value of shares of Promus Hotel Corporation ("PRH") which was spun off to stockholders on June 30, 1995, in the form of a special dividend, on a basis of one share of PRH stock for each two shares of Harrah's. The average of the high and low share prices of PRH on July 3, 1995, its first day of trading, was $22.625 or $11.31 per Harrah's share. The approximate number of holders of record of the Company's Common Stock as of January 31, 1997, is as follows:
APPROXIMATE NUMBER OF TITLE OF CLASS HOLDERS OF RECORD - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- Common Stock, Par Value $0.10 per share............................... 13,241
The Company does not presently intend to declare cash dividends. The terms of the Company's bank facility substantially limit the Company's ability to pay cash dividends on Common Stock and limitations are also contained in agreements covering other debt of the Company. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis--Intercompany Dividend Restriction" on page 33 of the Annual Report and Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements on page 46 of the Annual Report, which pages are incorporated herein by reference. When permitted under the terms of the bank facility and the other debt, the declaration and payment of dividends is at the discretion of the Board of Directors of the Company. In October 1996, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a stock repurchase plan which authorizes the purchase of up to ten percent of the Company's outstanding common stock. The repurchase of stock under this plan, which expires December 31, 1997, is treated as a dividend for purposes of the Company's debt agreements. The Board of Directors of the Company intends to reevaluate its dividend policy in the future in light of the Company's results of operations, financial condition, cash requirements, future prospects and other factors deemed relevant by the Board of Directors. ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA. See the information for the years 1992 through 1996 set forth under "Financial and Statistical Highlights" on pages 4 and 5 of the Annual Report, which pages are incorporated herein by reference. 36 ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS. See the information set forth on pages 25 through 33 of the Annual Report, which pages are incorporated herein by reference. ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA. See the information set forth on pages 34 through 49 of the Annual Report, which pages are incorporated herein by reference. ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE. Not Applicable PART III ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS. DIRECTORS See the information regarding the names, ages, positions and prior business experience of the directors of the Company set forth in the section entitled "Board of Directors" of the Proxy Statement, which information is incorporated herein by reference. EXECUTIVE OFFICERS See "Executive Officers of the Registrant" on page 35 in Part I hereof. ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION. See the information set forth in the sections of the Proxy Statement entitled "Compensation of Directors," "Summary Compensation Table," "Option Grants in the Last Fiscal Year," "Aggregated Option Exercises in 1996 and December 31, 1996 Option Values," "Ten-year Option/SAR Repricings" and "Certain Employment Arrangements," which sections are incorporated herein by reference. ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT. See the information set forth in the sections of the Proxy Statement entitled "Ownership of Harrah's Entertainment Securities" and "Certain Stockholders," which sections are incorporated herein by reference. ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS. See the information set forth in the section of the Proxy Statement entitled "Certain Transactions," which section is incorporated herein by reference. 37 PART IV ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K. (a) 1. Financial statements (including related notes to consolidated financial statements)* filed as part of this report are listed below: Report of Independent Public Accountants. Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1996 and 1995. Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994. Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994. 2. Schedules for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, are as follows:
NO. - ----------- I -Condensed financial information of registrant II -Consolidated valuation and qualifying accounts
Schedules III, IV, and V are not applicable and have therefore been omitted. 3. Exhibits (footnotes appear on pages 46 and 47)
NO. - ------------ 3(1) -Certificate of Incorporation of The Promus Companies Incorporated; Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of The Promus Companies Incorporated dated April 29, 1994; Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of The Promus Companies Incorporated dated May 26, 1995; and Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of The Promus Companies Incorporated dated June 30, 1995, changing its name to Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. (25) 3(2) -Bylaws of the Company, as amended April 5, 1995. (5) 4(1) -Rights Agreement dated as of October 5, 1996, between Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. and The Bank of New York, which includes the form of Certificate of Designations of Series A Special Stock of Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. as Exhibit A, the form of Right Certificate as Exhibit B and the Summary of Rights to Purchase Special Shares as Exhibit C. (3) **4(2) -First Amendment, dated as of February 21, 1997, to Rights Agreement between Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. and The Bank of New York. **4(3) -Certificate of Elimination of Series B Special Stock of Harrah's Entertainment, Inc., dated February 21, 1997. **4(4) -Certificate of Designations of Series A Special Stock of Harrah's Entertainment, Inc., dated February 21, 1997.
- ------------------------ * Incorporated by reference from pages 34 through 48 of the Annual Report. ** Filed herewith 38 4(5) -Indenture dated as of April 1, 1992, with respect to the 10 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2002, among The Bank of New York, as trustee, The Promus Companies Incorporated, as guarantor, and Embassy Suites, Inc., as issuer; Form of Note for 10 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2002. (18) 4(6) -First Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 2, 1995, with respect to the 10 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2002, among Embassy Suites, Inc., as issuer, The Promus Companies Incorporated, as guarantor, and The Bank of New York, as trustee. (2) 4(7) -Indenture dated as of August 1, 1993, with respect to the 8 3/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2000, among The Bank of New York, as trustee, The Promus Companies Incorporated, as guarantor, and Embassy Suites, Inc., as issuer; Form of Note for 8 3/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2000. (6) 4(8) -First Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 2, 1995, with respect to the 8 3/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2000, among Embassy Suites, Inc., as issuer, The Promus Companies Incorporated, as guarantor, and The Bank of New York, as trustee. (2) 4(9) -Interest Swap Agreement between The Sumitomo Bank, Limited and Embassy Suites, Inc. dated October 22, 1992; Interest Swap Agreement between The Bank of Nova Scotia and Embassy Suites, Inc. dated October 22, 1992; Interest Swap Agreement between The Nippon Credit Bank and Embassy Suites, Inc. dated October 22, 1992. (18) 4(10) -Interest Swap Agreement between Bank of America National Trust and Savings Association and Embassy Suites, Inc. dated May 14, 1993. (6) 4(11) -Interest Swap Agreement between NationsBank of North Carolina, N. A. and Embassy Suites, Inc. dated May 18, 1993. (6) 4(12) -Interest Swap Agreement between Bank of America National Trust and Savings Association and Harrah's Operating Company, Inc. dated December 21, 1995. (25) 4(13) -Interest Swap Agreement between NationsBank, N. A. (Carolinas) and Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. dated December 21, 1995. (25) 4(14) -Interest Swap Agreement between The Bank of Nova Scotia and Embassy Suites, Inc. dated January 25, 1995 and amended February 2, 1995. (7) 4(15) -Interest Swap Agreement between The Bank of Nova Scotia and Embassy Suites, Inc. dated March 16, 1995. (7) 4(16) -Interest Swap Agreement between Bankers Trust Company and Embassy Suites, Inc. dated May 16, 1995. (10) 4(17) -Interest Swap Agreement between The Sumitomo Bank, Limited and Embassy Suites, Inc. dated June 5, 1995. (10) 4(18) -Interest Swap Agreement between Bankers Trust Company and Embassy Suites, Inc. dated June 6, 1995. (10) 10(1) -Credit Agreement, dated as of July 22, 1993 and amended and restated as of June 9, 1995, among The Promus Companies Incorporated, Embassy Suites, Inc., certain subsidiaries of Embassy Suites, Inc., various banks, Bankers Trust Company, The Bank of New York, CIBC, Inc., Credit Lyonnais, Atlanta Agency, First Interstate Bank of California, The Long-Term Credit Bank of Japan, Limited, New York Branch, NationsBank of Georgia, N.A., Societe Generale and Sumitomo Bank, Limited, New York Branch, as Agents, and Bankers Trust Company, as Administrative Agent. (2)
39 10(2) -Credit Agreement, dated as of June 9, 1995, among The Promus Companies Incorporated, Embassy Suites, Inc., certain subsidiaries of Embassy Suites, Inc., various banks, Bankers Trust Company, The Bank of New York, CIBC, Inc., Credit Lyonnais, Atlanta Agency, First Interstate Bank of California, The Long-Term Credit Bank of Japan, Limited, New York Branch, NationsBank of Georgia, N.A., Societe Generale and The Sumitomo Bank, Limited, New York Branch, as Agents, and Bankers Trust Company, as Administrative Agent. (2) **10(3) -Second Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of October 15, 1996, among Harrah's Entertainment, Inc., Harrah's Operating Company, Inc., Marina Associates, various lending institutions, Bankers Trust Company, The Bank of New York, CIBC, Inc., Credit Lyonnais, Atlanta Agency, First Interstate Bank of Nevada, N.A., The Long-Term Credit Bank of Japan, Limited, New York Branch, NationsBank of Georgia, N.A., Societe Generale and The Sumitomo Bank, Limited, New York Branch, as Agents, and Bankers Trust Company, as Administrative Agent. 10(4) -Amended and Restated Reimbursement Agreement, dated as of July 22, 1993, among Embassy Suites, Inc., The Promus Companies Incorporated, Marina Associates and The Sumitomo Bank, Limited, New York Branch. (19) 10(5) -Master Collateral Agreement, dated as of July 22, 1993, among The Promus Companies Incorporated, Embassy Suites, Inc., the other Collateral Grantors parties thereto, Bankers Trust Company, as Administrative Agent, and Bankers Trust Company as Collateral Agent. (19) 10(6) -First Amendment to Master Collateral Agreement, dated as of June 30, 1995, among The Promus Companies Incorporated, Embassy Suites, Inc., the other Collateral Grantors parties thereto, Bankers Trust Company, as Administrative Agent, and Bankers Trust Company as Collateral Agent amending the Master Collateral Agreement, dated as of July 22, 1993, among The Promus Companies Incorporated, Embassy Suites, Inc., the other Collateral Grantors parties thereto, Bankers Trust Company, as Administrative Agent, and Bankers Trust Company as Collateral Agent. (10) 10(7) -Security Agreement dated as of July 22, 1993, among Embassy Suites, Inc., the Collateral Grantors parties thereto and Bankers Trust Company, as Collateral Agent. (19) 10(8) -First Amendment to Security Agreement, dated as of June 30, 1995, among Embassy Suites, Inc., the Collateral Grantors parties thereto and Bankers Trust Company, as Collateral Agent, amending the Security Agreement dated as of July 22, 1993, among Embassy Suites, Inc., the Collateral Grantors parties thereto and Bankers Trust Company, as Collateral Agent. (10) 10(9) -Deed of Trust, Leasehold Deed of Trust, Assignment, Assignment of Leases and Rents, Security Agreement and Financing Statement, dated as of July 22, 1993, from Embassy Suites, Inc., Harrah's Laughlin, Inc., and Harrah's Reno Holding Company, Inc., the Grantors, to First American Title Company of Nevada, as Trustee, for the benefit of Bankers Trust Company, as Beneficiary. (19)
- ------------------------ ** Filed herewith 40 10(10) -First Amendment to Deed of Trust, Leasehold Deed of Trust, Assignment, Assignment of Leases and Rents, Security Agreement and Financing Statement, dated as of June 30, 1995, among Embassy Suites, Inc., Harrah's Laughlin, Inc., Harrah's Reno Holding Company, Inc., Harrah's, Harrah's Club and Harrah's Las Vegas, Inc., the Collateral Grantors, and Bankers Trust Company as Collateral Agent and Beneficiary, amending the Deed of Trust, Leasehold Deed of Trust, Assignment, Assignment of Leases and Rents, Security Agreement and Financing Statement, dated as of July 22, 1993, from Embassy Suites, Inc., Harrah's Laughlin, Inc., and Harrah's Reno Holding Company, Inc., the Grantors, to First American Title Company of Nevada, as Trustee, for the benefit of Bankers Trust Company, as Beneficiary. (10) 10(11) -Mortgage, Leasehold Mortgage, Assignment, Assignment of Leases and Rents and Security Agreement, dated as of July 22, 1993, from Marina Associates and Embassy Suites, Inc., the Mortgagors, to Bankers Trust Company, as Collateral Agent and the Mortgagee. (19) 10(12) -First Amendment to Mortgage, Leasehold Mortgage, Assignment, Assignment of Leases and Rents and Security Agreement, dated as of June 30, 1995, among Embassy Suites, Inc., Marina Associates, the Mortgagors, to Bankers Trust Company, as Collateral Agent and the Mortgagee, amending the Mortgage, Leasehold Mortgage, Assignment, Assignment of Leases and Rents and Security Agreement, dated as of July 22, 1993, from Marina Associates and Embassy Suites, Inc., the Mortgagors, to Bankers Trust Company, as Collateral Agent and the Mortgagee. (10) 10(13) -Pledge Agreement, dated as of July 22, 1993, between The Promus Companies Incorporated and Bankers Trust Company, as Collateral Agent. (19) 10(14) -First Amendment to Parent Pledge Agreement, dated as of June 30, 1995, among The Promus Companies Incorporated and Bankers Trust Company, as Collateral Agent, amending the Pledge Agreement, dated as of July 22, 1993, between The Promus Companies Incorporated and Bankers Trust Company, as Collateral Agent. (10) 10(15) -Pledge Agreement, dated as of July 22, 1993, among Embassy Suites, Inc., ESI Equity Development Corporation, Harrah's, Harrah's Club, Casino Holding Company, and Bankers Trust Company, as the General Collateral Agent, and Bank of America Nevada as the Nevada Collateral Agent. (19) 10(16) -First Amendment to Company/Sub Pledge Agreement, dated as of June 30, 1995, among Embassy Suites, Inc., Harrah's, Harrah's Club, and Bankers Trust Company, as the General Collateral Agent, and Bank of America Nevada as the Nevada Collateral Agent, amending the Pledge Agreement, dated as of July 22, 1993, among Embassy Suites, Inc., ESI Equity Development Corporation, Harrah's, Harrah's Club, Casino Holding Company, and Bankers Trust Company, as the General Collateral Agent, and Bank of America Nevada as the Nevada Collateral Agent. (10) 10(17) -Consent dated as of April 17, 1996 to Credit Agreement, dated as of June 9, 1995, among Harrah's Entertainment, Inc., Harrah's Operating Company, Inc., Marina Associates, various banks, Bankers Trust Company, The Bank of New York, CIBC, Inc., Credit Lyonnais, Atlanta Agency, First Interstate Bank of Nevada, N.A., The Long-Term Credit Bank of Japan, Limited, New York Branch, NationsBank of Georgia, N.A., Societe Generale and The Sumitomo Bank, Limited, New York Branch, as Agents, and Bankers Trust Company, as Administrative Agent. (11) 10(18) -Plan of Reorganization and Distribution Agreement, dated June 30, 1995, between The Promus Companies Incorporated and Promus Hotel Corporation. (10)
41 10(19) -Employee Benefits and Other Employment Matters Allocation Agreement, dated June 30, 1995, between The Promus Companies Incorporated and Promus Hotel Corporation. (10) 10(20) -Risk Management Allocation Agreement, dated June 30, 1995, between The Promus Companies Incorporated and Promus Hotel Corporation. (10) 10(21) -Tax Sharing Agreement, dated June 30, 1995, between The Promus Companies Incorporated and Promus Hotel Corporation. (10) +10(22) -Form of Indemnification Agreement entered into by The Promus Companies Incorporated and each of its directors and executive officers. (1) +10(23) -Financial Counseling Plan of Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. as amended January 1996. (25) +10(24) -The Promus Companies Incorporated 1996 Non-Management Director's Stock Incentive Plan dated April 5, 1995. (9) +10(25) -The Promus Companies Incorporated Key Executive Officer Annual Incentive Plan dated February 24, 1995. (10) **+10(26) -Summary Plan Description of Executive Term Life Insurance Plan. +10(27) -Form of Harrah's Entertainment, Inc.'s Annual Management Bonus Plan, as amended 1995. (25) +10(28) -Form of Severance Agreement dated July 30, 1993, entered into with E. O. Robinson, Jr. and John M. Boushy. (22) +10(29) -Severance Agreement, dated June 30, 1995, with Bradford W. Morgan. (10) +10(30) -Amended and Restated Severance Agreement dated as of May 1, 1992 between The Promus Companies Incorporated and Michael D. Rose. (18) **+10(31) -Form of Amendment, dated October 25, 1996, to Severance Agreements entered into with Michael D. Rose and Philip G. Satre. +10(32) -Form of Amended and Restated Severance Agreement dated November 5, 1992, entered into with Charles A. Ledsinger, Jr., Ben C. Peternell, Philip G. Satre and Colin V. Reed. (18) +10(33) -Amendment, dated February 25, 1994 and effective April 29, 1994, to Amended and Restated Severance Agreement dated November 5, 1992, between The Promus Companies Incorporated and Philip G. Satre. (21) **+10(34) -Form of Amendment, dated October 25, 1996, to Severance Agreements entered into with Colin V. Reed, Charles A. Ledsinger, Jr., Ben C. Peternell, E. O. Robinson, Jr., Bradford W. Morgan and John M. Boushy. +10(35) -Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated June 30, 1995, between Michael D. Rose and Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. (10) +10(36) -Amendment dated as of December 19, 1995, to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Michael D. Rose and Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. (25) +10(37) -Agreement, dated April 28, 1995, between Michael D. Rose and The Promus Companies Incorporated concerning treatment of stock options in spin-off. (10)
- ------------------------ ** Filed herewith + Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed as an exhibit to this form pursuant to Item 14(c) of Form 10-K. 42 +10(38) -Agreement, dated May 1, 1995, between Michael D. Rose and The Promus Companies Incorporated concerning treatment of Executive Deferred Compensation Plan account in spin-off. (10) +10(39) -Employment Agreement dated as of February 25, 1994, and effective April 29, 1994, between The Promus Companies Incorporated and Philip G. Satre including exhibits thereto. (17) +10(40) -The Promus Companies Incorporated 1990 Stock Option Plan. (12) +10(41) -The Promus Companies Incorporated 1990 Stock Option Plan (as amended as of April 30, 1993). (20) +10(42) -The Promus Companies Incorporated 1990 Stock Option Plan, as amended April 29, 1994. (8) +10(43) -The Promus Companies Incorporated 1990 Stock Option Plan, as amended July 29, 1994. (21) **+10(44) -Amendment, dated April 5, 1995, to The Promus Companies Incorporated 1990 Stock Option Plan as adjusted on December 12, 1996. +10(45) -Revised Form of Stock Option (1990 Stock Option Plan). (25) **+10(46) -Revised Form of Stock Option with attachments (1990 Stock Option Plan). +10(47) -Form of memorandum agreement dated July 2, 1991, eliminating stock appreciation rights under stock options held by Charles A. Ledsinger, Jr., Ben C. Peternell and Philip G. Satre. (14) +10(48) -Form of Agreement to Cancel Options dated as of December 16, 1994 entered into with Michael D. Rose, Philip G. Satre, Charles A. Ledsinger, Jr., Ben C. Peternell, Colin V. Reed, E. O. Robinson, Jr. and John M. Boushy. (7) +10(49) -The Promus Companies Incorporated 1990 Restricted Stock Plan. (12) +10(50) -Amendment, dated April 5, 1995, to The Promus Companies Incorporated 1990 Restricted Stock Plan. (9) +10(51) -Revised Forms of Restricted Stock Award (1990 Restricted Stock Plan). (25) **+10(52) -Revised Form of Restricted Stock Award (1990 Restricted Stock Plan). +10(53) -Administrative Regulations, Long Term Compensation Plan (Restricted Stock Plan and Stock Option Plan) dated October 27, 1995. (25) **+10(54) -Amendment to Administrative Regulations, Long Term Compensation Plan (Restricted Stock Plan and Stock Option Plan) dated December 12, 1996. +10(55) -Deferred Compensation Plan dated October 16, 1991. (15) +10(56) -Amendment, dated May 26, 1995, to The Promus Companies Incorporated Deferred Compensation Plan. (2) +10(57) -Forms of Deferred Compensation Agreement. (25)
- ------------------------ ** Filed herewith + Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed as an exhibit to this form pursuant to Item 14(c) of Form 10-K. 43 +10(58) -Amended and Restated Executive Deferred Compensation Plan dated as of October 27, 1995. (25) **+10(59) -Restated Amendment, dated July 18, 1996, to Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. Executive Deferred Compensation Plan. +10(60) -Forms of Executive Deferred Compensation Agreement. (25) +10(61) -Escrow Agreement dated February 6, 1990 between The Promus Companies Incorporated, certain subsidiaries thereof, and Sovran Bank, as escrow agent. (12) +10(62) -First Amendment to Escrow Agreement dated January 31, 1990 among Holiday Corporation, certain subsidiaries thereof and Sovran Bank, as escrow agent. (12) +10(63) -Amendment to Escrow Agreement dated as of October 29, 1993 among The Promus Companies Incorporated, certain subsidiaries thereof, and NationsBank, formerly Sovran Bank. (24) +10(64) -Amendment, dated as of June 7, 1995, to Escrow Agreement among The Promus Companies Incorporated, certain subsidiaries thereof and NationsBank. (2) +10(65) -Amendment, dated as of July 18, 1996, to Escrow Agreement between Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. and NationsBank. (26) **+10(66) -Time Accelerated Restricted Stock Award Plan ("TARSAP") program dated December 12, 1996. **+10(67) -Form of TARSAP Award. **+10(68) -Form of Agreement, dated October 30, 1996, regarding cancellation and reissue of stock options, entered into with Michael D. Rose, Philip G. Satre, Colin V. Reed, Charles A. Ledsinger, Jr., Ben C. Peternell, E.O. Robinson, Jr., John M. Boushy and Bradford W. Morgan; and Form of Reissued Stock Option. 10(69) -Amended and Restated Partnership Agreement of Harrah's Jazz Company, dated as of March 15, 1994, among Harrah's New Orleans Investment Company, New Orleans/ Louisiana Development Corporation and Grand Palais Casino, Inc.; First Amendment to the Amended and Restated Partnership Agreement of Harrah's Jazz Company, effective as of March 15, 1994. (24) 10(70) -Second Amendment dated March 31, 1994 to the Amended and Restated Partnership Agreement of Harrah's Jazz Company. (8) 10(71) -Amended and Restated Third Amendment to the Amended and Restated Partnership Agreement of Harrah's Jazz Company. (16) 10(72) -Fourth Amendment to the Amended and Restated Partnership Agreement of Harrah's Jazz Company. (16) 10(73) -Indenture dated as of November 15, 1994 between Harrah's Jazz Company, Harrah's Jazz Finance Corp. and First National Bank of Commerce as Trustee for the First Mortgage Notes including form of First Mortgage Note. (16)
- ------------------------ ** Filed herewith + Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed as an exhibit to this form pursuant to Item 14(c) of Form 10-K. 44 10(74) -Cash Collateral and Disbursement Agreement among First National Bank of Commerce as Trustee, First National Bank of Commerce as Collateral Agent, Harrah's Jazz Company and Harrah's Jazz Finance Corp., dated November 16, 1994. (16) 10(75) -Collateral Mortgage Note by Harrah's Jazz Company dated November 15, 1994. (16) 10(76) -Act of Collateral Mortgage and Collateral Assignment of Proceeds by Harrah's Jazz Company dated November 15, 1994. (16) 10(77) -Act of Collateral Assignment of Leases and Rents between Harrah's Jazz Company and First National Bank of Commerce as Collateral Agent dated November 15, 1994. (16) 10(78) -Act of Security Agreement and Pledge between Harrah's Jazz Company and First National Bank of Commerce as Collateral Agent dated November 15, 1994. (16) 10(79) -Pledge Agreement between Harrah's Jazz Company, Harrah's Jazz Finance Corp. and First National Bank of Commerce as Collateral Agent dated as of November 16, 1994. (16) 10(80) -Security Agreement among Harrah's Jazz Company, Harrah's Jazz Finance Corp. and First National Bank of Commerce as Collateral Agent dated as of November 16, 1994. (16) 10(81) -Security Agreement (Cash Collateral) among Harrah's Jazz Company, Harrah's Jazz Finance Corp. and First National Bank of Commerce as Trustee dated November 16, 1994. (16) 10(82) -Manager Subordination Agreement (First Mortgage Notes) among Harrah's Jazz Company, Harrah's New Orleans Management Company and First National Bank of Commerce as Trustee dated as of November 16, 1994. (16) 10(83) -Amended Lease Agreement between the Rivergate Development Corporation, as Landlord and Harrah's Jazz Company, as Tenant and City of New Orleans, as Intervenor dated March 15, 1994. (13) 10(84) -Amended General Development Agreement between Rivergate Development Corporation and Harrah's Jazz Company and City of New Orleans, as Intervenor dated March 15, 1994. (4) 10(85) -Amendment to Amended Lease Agreement between Rivergate Development Corporation, as Landlord and Harrah's Jazz Company, as Tenant and City of New Orleans, as Intervenor dated October 5, 1994. (13) 10(86) -Agreement among the Rivergate Development Corporation, the City of New Orleans and Embassy Suites, Inc. and Harrah's Jazz Company, as intervenor, dated October 5, 1994 (the "Embassy Access Agreement"). (13) 10(87) -Casino Operating Contract between the Louisiana Economic Development and Gaming Corporation and Harrah's Jazz Company dated July 15, 1994. (4) 10(88) -First Amendment to Casino Operating Contract between the Louisiana Economic Development and Gaming Corporation and Harrah's Jazz Company dated August 31, 1994. (13) 10(89) -Amended and Restated Management Agreement between Harrah's New Orleans Management Company and Harrah's Jazz Company dated March 14, 1994. (4) 10(90) -Construction Agreement between Harrah's Jazz Company and Centex Landis Construction Co., Inc. dated October 10, 1994, for the construction of the Permanent Casino. (13)
45 10(91) -Design and Construction Agreement between Harrah's Jazz Company and Broadmoor dated October 10, 1994, for the construction of the parking structure. (13) 10(92) -Owner's Policy issued March 16, 1994 by First American Title Insurance Company to Harrah's Jazz Company with attachments. (16) 10(93) -Lender's Title Insurance Policy issued November 16, 1994 by First American Title Insurance Company together with reinsurance agreements. (16) 10(94) -Construction Lien Indemnity Obligation Agreement between Harrah's Jazz Company and Embassy Suites, Inc. dated October 12, 1994. (23) 10(95) -First Amendment to the Construction Lien Indemnity Obligation Agreement. (16) 10(96) -Specimen form of 14 1/4% First Mortgage Note Due 2001 of Harrah's Jazz Company and Harrah's Jazz Finance Corp. (16) 10(97) -Limited Partnership Agreement of Des Plaines Limited Partnership between Harrah's Illinois Corporation and John Q. Hammons, dated February 28, 1992; First Amendment to Limited Partnership Agreement of Des Plaines Limited Partnership dated as of October 5, 1992. (24) **11 -Computations of per share earnings. **12 -Computations of ratios. **13 -Portions of Annual Report to Stockholders for the year ended December 31, 1996. (27) **21 -List of subsidiaries of Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. **27 -Financial Data Schedule
- ------------------------ ** Filed herewith FOOTNOTES (1) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Registration Statement on Form 10, File No. 1-10410, filed on December 13, 1989. (2) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed June 15, 1995, File No. 1-10410. (3) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed August 9, 1996, File No. 1-10410. (4) Incorporated by reference from Amendment No. 3 to Form S-1 Registration Statement of Harrah's Jazz Company and Harrah's Jazz Finance Corp., File No. 33-73370, filed August 4, 1994. (5) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1995, filed May 15, 1995, File No. 1-10410. (6) Incorporated by reference from the Company's and Embassy Suites, Inc.'s Amendment No. 2 to Form S-4 Registration Statement, File No. 33-49509-01, filed July 16, 1993. (7) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1994, filed March 21, 1995, File No. 1-10410. (8) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1994, filed May 12, 1994, File No. 1-10410. 46 (9) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Proxy Statement for the May 26, 1995 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, filed April 25, 1995. (10) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1995, filed August 14, 1995, File No. 1-10410. (11) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1996, filed August 13, 1996, File No. 1-10410. (12) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 1989, filed March 28, 1990, File No. 1-10410. (13) Incorporated by reference from Amendment No. 4 to Form S-1 Registration Statement of Harrah's Jazz Company and Harrah's Jazz Finance Corp., File No. 33-73370, filed October 12, 1994. (14) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 27, 1991, filed November 8, 1991, File No. 1-10410. (15) Incorporated by reference from Amendment No. 2 to the Company's and Embassy's Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 33-43748, filed March 18, 1992. (16) Incorporated by reference from Harrah's Jazz Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1994, filed December 21, 1994, File No. . (17) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1994, filed November 14, 1994, File No. 1-10410. (18) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1992, filed March 12, 1993, File No. 1-10410. (19) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 6, 1993, File No. 1-10410. (20) Incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Company's Form S-8 Registration Statement, File No. 33-32864-01, filed July 22, 1993. (21) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1994, filed August 11, 1994, File No. 1-10410. (22) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1993, filed November 12, 1993, File No. 1-10410. (23) Incorporated by reference from Amendment No. 5 to Form S-1 Registration Statement of Harrah's Jazz Company and Harrah's Jazz Finance Corp., File No. 33-73370, filed October 26, 1994. (24) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1993, filed March 28, 1994, File No. 1-10410. (25) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995, filed March 6, 1996, File No. 1-10410. (26) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1996, filed November 12, 1996, File No. 1-10410. (27) Filed herewith to the extent portions of such report are specifically included herein by reference. (b) No Reports on Form 8-K were filed during the fourth quarter of 1996 and thereafter through March 1, 1997. 47 SIGNATURES PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION 13 OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, THE REGISTRANT HAS DULY CAUSED THIS REPORT TO BE SIGNED ON ITS BEHALF BY THE UNDERSIGNED, THEREUNTO DULY AUTHORIZED. HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT, INC. Dated: March 11, 1997 By: /S/ PHILIP G. SATRE .......................................... (Philip G. Satre, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer) PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, THIS REPORT HAS BEEN SIGNED BELOW BY THE FOLLOWING PERSONS ON BEHALF OF THE REGISTRANT IN THE CAPACITIES AND ON THE DATES INDICATED.
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------- /S/ JAMES L. BARKSDALE Director ............................................................ March 11, 1997 (James L. Barksdale) /S/ SUSAN CLARK-JOHNSON Director ............................................................ March 11, 1997 (Susan Clark-Johnson) /S/ JAMES B. FARLEY Director ............................................................ March 11, 1997 (James B. Farley) /S/ JOE M. HENSON Director ............................................................ March 11, 1997 (Joe M. Henson) /S/ RALPH HORN Director ............................................................ March 11, 1997 (Ralph Horn) /S/ R. BRAD MARTIN Director ............................................................ March 11, 1997 (R. Brad Martin) /S/ WALTER J. SALMON Director ............................................................ March 11, 1997 (Walter J. Salmon) /S/ PHILIP G. SATRE Director, Chairman, President and ............................................................ Chief Executive Officer March 11, 1997 (Philip G. Satre) /S/ BOAKE A. SELLS Director ............................................................ March 11, 1997 (Boake A. Sells) /S/ EDDIE N. WILLIAMS Director ............................................................ March 11, 1997 (Eddie N. Williams) /S/ SHIRLEY YOUNG Director ............................................................ March 11, 1997 (Shirley Young) /S/ CHARLES A. LEDSINGER, JR. Chief Financial Officer ............................................................ March 11, 1997 (Charles A. Ledsinger, Jr. ) /S/ MICHAEL N. REGAN Controller And Principal ............................................................ Accounting Officer March 11, 1997 (Michael N. Regan)
48 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS To Harrah's Entertainment, Inc.: We have audited in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, the financial statements included in Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. 1996 annual report to stockholders incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K, and have issued our report thereon dated February 3, 1997 (except with respect to the matter discussed in Note 16, as to which the date is February 28, 1997). Our audits were made for the purpose of forming an opinion on those statements taken as a whole. The schedules listed under Item 14(a)2 are the responsibility of the Company's management and are presented for purposes of complying with the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and are not part of the basic financial statements. These schedules have been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audit of the basic financial statements, and in our opinion, fairly state in all material respects the financial data required to be set forth therein in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole. ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP Memphis, Tennessee, February 3, 1997. SCHEDULE I HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT, INC. CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT BALANCE SHEETS (IN THOUSANDS)
DECEMBER 31, ---------------------- 1996 1995 ---------- ---------- ASSETS Cash...................................................................................... $ - $ - Investments in and advances to subsidiaries (eliminated in consolidation)................. 719,821 585,624 ---------- ---------- $ 719,821 $ 585,624 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Accrued taxes, including federal income taxes............................................. $ 75 $ 75 ---------- ---------- Commitments and contingencies (Notes 2, 3, 7 and 8) Stockholders' equity (Note 4) Common stock, $0.10 par value, authorized-360,000,000 shares, outstanding-102,969,699 and 102,673,828 shares (net of 771,571 and 19,026 held in treasury)................... 10,297 10,267 Capital surplus......................................................................... 385,941 362,783 Retained earnings....................................................................... 290,797 204,838 Unrealized gain on marketable equity securities held by a subsidiary.................... 51,394 10,552 Deferred compensation related to restricted stock....................................... (18,683) (2,891) ---------- ---------- 719,746 585,549 ---------- ---------- $ 719,821 $ 585,624 ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of these balance sheets. S-1 SCHEDULE I (CONTINUED) HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT, INC. CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT STATEMENTS OF INCOME (IN THOUSANDS)
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, -------------------------------- 1996 1995 1994 --------- ---------- --------- Revenues........................................................................ $ - $ - $ - Costs and expenses.............................................................. 150 182 466 --------- ---------- --------- Loss before income taxes and equity in subsidiaries' continuing earnings........................................................... (150) (182) (466) Income tax benefit.............................................................. 57 64 163 --------- ---------- --------- Loss before equity in subsidiaries' continuing earnings......................... (93) (118) (303) Equity in subsidiaries' continuing earnings..................................... 98,990 78,928 50,287 --------- ---------- --------- Income from continuing operations............................................... 98,897 78,810 49,984 Discontinued operations (Note 1) Equity in subsidiaries' income from discontinued operations................... - 21,230 36,319 Spin-off transaction expenses, net of tax benefit of $5,134................... - (21,194) - --------- ---------- --------- Income before cumulative effect of change in accounting policy.................. 98,897 78,846 86,303 Cumulative effect of change in accounting policy, net of tax benefit of $4,317 (Note 6)...................................................................... - - (7,932) --------- ---------- --------- Net income...................................................................... $ 98,897 $ 78,846 $ 78,371 --------- ---------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------
The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements. S-2 SCHEDULE I (CONTINUED) HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT, INC. CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (IN THOUSANDS)
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, ---------------------------------- 1996 1995 1994 ---------- ---------- ---------- Cash flows from operating activities Net income.................................................................. $ 98,897 $ 78,846 $ 78,371 Adjustment to reconcile net income to cash flows from operating activities Equity in undistributed continuing earnings of subsidiaries............... (98,990) (78,928) (50,287) Amortization.............................................................. - 31 271 Discontinued operations Equity in subsidiaries' income from discontinued operations............. - (21,230) (36,319) Spin-off transaction expenses, before income taxes...................... - 26,328 - Cumulative effect of change in accounting policy, before income taxes..... - - 13,924 Other noncash items....................................................... 93 (5,047) (5,960) ---------- ---------- ---------- Cash flows from operating activities................................ - - - ---------- ---------- ---------- Cash flows from financing activities Distributions from subsidiary............................................... 13,014 - - Treasury stock purchases (Note 4)........................................... (13,014) - - ---------- ---------- ---------- Cash flows from financing activities................................ - - - ---------- ---------- ---------- Net change in cash............................................................ - - - Cash, beginning of period..................................................... - - - ---------- ---------- ---------- Cash, end of period........................................................... $ - $ - $ - ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements. S-3 SCHEDULE I HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT, INC. CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE 1--BASIS OF ORGANIZATION Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. ("Harrah's" or the "Company"), a Delaware corporation, is a holding company, the principal assets of which are the capital stock of two subsidiaries, Harrah's Operating Company, Inc. ("HOC") and Aster Insurance Ltd. ("Aster"). These condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of Harrah's and subsidiaries. On June 30, 1995, the Company completed a spin-off of its hotel business (the "PHC Spin-off") with the distribution to its stockholders on a one-for-two basis of the stock of a new entity, Promus Hotel Corporation ("PHC"). The Company had transferred its hotel operations to PHC prior to the PHC Spin-off. Through its subsidiaries, Harrah's, formerly The Promus Companies Incorporated, retained ownership of the casino entertainment business. As a result of the PHC Spin-off, Harrah's statements of income and cash flows for periods prior to the PHC Spin-off reflect the hotel business as discontinued operations. NOTE 2--INVESTMENT IN ASTER The value of Harrah's investment in Aster has been reduced below zero. Harrah's negative investment in Aster at December 31, 1996 and 1995 was $10.4 million and $12.7 million, respectively, and is included in Investments in and advances to subsidiaries on the balance sheet. In addition, Harrah's has guaranteed the future payment by Aster of certain insurance-related liabilities. NOTE 3--LONG-TERM DEBT Harrah's has no long-term debt obligations. Harrah's has guaranteed certain long-term debt obligations of HOC. NOTE 4--STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY In addition to its common stock, Harrah's has the following classes of stock authorized but unissued: Preferred stock, $100 par value, 150,000 shares authorized Special stock, 2,000,000 shares authorized - Series A, $1.125 par value In October 1996, Harrah's Board of Directors approved a plan which authorized the purchase in open market and other transactions of up to 10% of Harrah's outstanding shares of common stock. As of December 31, 1996, 759,400 shares had been purchased at an average price of $17.14 per share, and are being held in treasury. The Company expects to acquire additional shares from time to time at prevailing market prices through the December 31, 1997, expiration of the approved plan. In July 1996, Harrah's Board of Directors adopted a stockholder rights plan to replace the existing rights which expired on October 5, 1996. The new plan provides for one special stock purchase right (a "Right") to be attached to each outstanding share of Harrah's common stock. These Rights entitle the holder to purchase, under certain conditions, units consisting of fractional shares of Special Stock-Series A at a purchase price of $130 per unit, subject to adjustment. The Rights also, under certain conditions, entitle holders to purchase $260 worth of Harrah's common stock for $130. Under certain conditions, including a merger or business combination in which the Company is not the surviving corporation, each holder of a Right will have the right to purchase shares of common stock of the acquiring company with a market value equal to two times the then current exercise price of the Right. The Rights expire on S-4 SCHEDULE I (CONTINUED) HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT, INC. CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) NOTE 4--STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (CONTINUED) October 5, 2006, unless Harrah's Board of Directors decides it is in the best interests of the Company's stockholders to redeem them earlier at $0.01 per Right or upon occurrence of certain other events. On June 30, 1995, the PHC Spin-off was completed and the Company distributed to its stockholders the stock of PHC as a dividend on a one-for-two basis. To reflect this distribution, the $139.6 million book value of the net assets of discontinued operations as of the Spin-off date was charged against the Company's retained earnings. NOTE 5--INCOME TAXES Harrah's files a consolidated tax return with its subsidiaries. NOTE 6--CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING POLICY Effective January 1, 1994, Harrah's changed its accounting policy for its consolidated casinos relating to preopening costs. As a result of this change, operating results for the year ended December 31, 1994, reflect the cumulative charge against earnings, net of income taxes, of $7.9 million, or $0.08 per share, to write-off the unamortized preopening costs balances related to projects opened in prior years. NOTE 7--COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES A Harrah's subsidiary owns an approximate 47% interest in a partnership named Harrah's Jazz Company ("Harrah's Jazz"). On November 22, 1995, Harrah's Jazz and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Harrah's Jazz Finance Corp., filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Prior to the filing, Harrah's Jazz was operating a temporary casino in the New Orleans, Louisiana Municipal Auditorium (the "Temporary Casino") and constructing a new permanent casino facility on the site of the former Rivergate Convention Center in downtown New Orleans (the "Permanent Casino"). Harrah's Jazz ceased operation of the Temporary Casino and construction of the Permanent Casino on November 22, 1995 prior to the bankruptcy filings. Harrah's Jazz filed a plan of reorganization (the "Plan") with the Bankruptcy Court on April 3, 1996, and has filed several subsequent amendments to the Plan. If the Plan is consummated, such Harrah's subsidiary would invest an additional $75 million in the project and Harrah's and HOC would deliver new completion guaranties. Harrah's has also committed to provide up to $25 million in debtor-in-possession loans to Harrah's Jazz (which would count toward the $75 million investment referred to above). At December 31, 1996, HOC had advanced $17.2 million of this committed amount. If the Plan is consummated, Harrah's is also expected to provide additional guarantees or credit support related to reorganization financing. NOTE 8--LITIGATION Harrah's and certain of its subsidiaries have been named as defendants in a number of lawsuits arising from the suspension of development of a land-based casino, and the closing of the temporary gaming facility, in New Orleans, Louisiana, by Harrah's Jazz. The ultimate outcomes of these lawsuits cannot be predicted at this time, and no provisions for the claims are included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. The Company intends to defend these actions vigorously. S-5 SCHEDULE I (CONTINUED) HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT, INC. CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) NOTE 8--LITIGATION (CONTINUED) In March 1995, the Company entered into a settlement agreement (the Settlement) with Bass PLC (Bass) of all claims related to the Merger Agreement and Tax Sharing Agreement arising from the 1990 Spin-off of Promus and acquisition of the Holiday Inn hotel business by Bass. As a result of the Settlement, a charge of $49.2 million was recorded in 1994 on the books of HOC to accrue the estimated cost of the settlement, the related legal fees and other associated expenses. S-6 SCHEDULE II HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT, INC. CONSOLIDATED VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
(IN THOUSANDS) - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- COLUMN A COLUMN B COLUMN C COLUMN D COLUMN E - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ADDITIONS ------------------- CHARGED BALANCE BALANCE AT TO COSTS CHARGED DEDUCTIONS AT CLOSE BEGINNING AND TO OTHER FROM OF DESCRIPTION OF PERIOD EXPENSES ACCOUNTS RESERVES PERIOD - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 Allowance for doubtful accounts Current............................................................ $10,910 $ 7,814 $ - $ (4,660)(A) $14,064 ------- -------- -------- ---------- -------- ------- -------- -------- ---------- -------- Long-term.......................................................... $ 75 $ - $ - $ 4,553 $ 4,628 ------- -------- -------- ---------- -------- ------- -------- -------- ---------- -------- Reserve for impairment of long-lived assets.......................... $ - $ 33,369 $ - $ - $33,369 ------- -------- -------- ---------- -------- ------- -------- -------- ---------- -------- Reserve for contingent liability exposure............................ $ - $ 14,034 $ - $ (4,553) $ 9,481 ------- -------- -------- ---------- -------- ------- -------- -------- ---------- -------- Insurance allowances and reserves.................................... $49,821 $ 39,829 $ - $(40,060) $49,590 ------- -------- -------- ---------- -------- ------- -------- -------- ---------- -------- YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 Allowance for doubtful accounts Current............................................................ $ 9,551 $ 5,910 $ - $ (4,551)(A) $10,910 ------- -------- -------- ---------- -------- ------- -------- -------- ---------- -------- Long-term.......................................................... $ 75 $ - $ - $ - $ 75 ------- -------- -------- ---------- -------- ------- -------- -------- ---------- -------- Allowance for losses on property dispositions........................ $11,231 $ - $ - $(11,231)(B) $ - ------- -------- -------- ---------- -------- ------- -------- -------- ---------- -------- Insurance allowances and reserves.................................... $49,448 $ 40,412 $ - $(40,039) $49,821 ------- -------- -------- ---------- -------- ------- -------- -------- ---------- -------- YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994 Allowance for doubtful accounts Current............................................................ $ 9,252 $ 5,731 $ - $ (5,432)(A) $ 9,551 ------- -------- -------- ---------- -------- ------- -------- -------- ---------- -------- Long-term.......................................................... $ - $ 75 $ - $ - $ 75 ------- -------- -------- ---------- -------- ------- -------- -------- ---------- -------- Allowance for losses on property dispositions........................ $11,000 $ 231 $ - $ - $11,231 ------- -------- -------- ---------- -------- ------- -------- -------- ---------- -------- Insurance allowances and reserves.................................... $39,859 $ 52,908 $ - $(43,319) $49,448 ------- -------- -------- ---------- -------- ------- -------- -------- ---------- --------
- ------------------------ (A) Uncollectible accounts written off, net of amounts recovered. (B) Reduction of reserve due to disposition of subject property. S-7 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation of our report dated February 3, 1997 (except with respect to the matter discussed in Note 16, as to which the date is February 28, 1997), included in this Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996, into the Company's previously filed Registration Statements File Nos. 33-32863, 33-32864, 33-32865, 33-59991, 33-59969, 33-59975, 33-59971 and 33-62783. ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP Memphis, Tennessee, March 10, 1997. EXHIBIT INDEX
NO. - ------------ 3(1) -Certificate of Incorporation of The Promus Companies Incorporated; Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of The Promus Companies Incorporated dated April 29, 1994; Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of The Promus Companies Incorporated dated May 26, 1995; and Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of The Promus Companies Incorporated dated June 30, 1995, changing its name to Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. (25) 3(2) -Bylaws of the Company, as amended April 5, 1995. (5) 4(1) -Rights Agreement dated as of October 5, 1996, between Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. and The Bank of New York, which includes the form of Certificate of Designations of Series A Special Stock of Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. as Exhibit A, the form of Right Certificate as Exhibit B and the Summary of Rights to Purchase Special Shares as Exhibit C. (3) **4(2) -First Amendment, dated as of February 21, 1997, to Rights Agreement between Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. and The Bank of New York. **4(3) -Certificate of Elimination of Series B Special Stock of Harrah's Entertainment, Inc., dated February 21, 1997. **4(4) -Certificate of Designations of Series A Special Stock of Harrah's Entertainment, Inc., dated February 21, 1997. 4(5) -Indenture dated as of April 1, 1992, with respect to the 10 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2002, among The Bank of New York, as trustee, The Promus Companies Incorporated, as guarantor, and Embassy Suites, Inc., as issuer; Form of Note for 10 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2002. (18) 4(6) -First Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 2, 1995, with respect to the 10 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2002, among Embassy Suites, Inc., as issuer, The Promus Companies Incorporated, as guarantor, and The Bank of New York, as trustee. (2) 4(7) -Indenture dated as of August 1, 1993, with respect to the 8 3/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2000, among The Bank of New York, as trustee, The Promus Companies Incorporated, as guarantor, and Embassy Suites, Inc., as issuer; Form of Note for 8 3/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2000. (6) 4(8) -First Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 2, 1995, with respect to the 8 3/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2000, among Embassy Suites, Inc., as issuer, The Promus Companies Incorporated, as guarantor, and The Bank of New York, as trustee. (2) 4(9) -Interest Swap Agreement between The Sumitomo Bank, Limited and Embassy Suites, Inc. dated October 22, 1992; Interest Swap Agreement between The Bank of Nova Scotia and Embassy Suites, Inc. dated October 22, 1992; Interest Swap Agreement between The Nippon Credit Bank and Embassy Suites, Inc. dated October 22, 1992. (18) 4(10) -Interest Swap Agreement between Bank of America National Trust and Savings Association and Embassy Suites, Inc. dated May 14, 1993. (6)
- ------------------------ ** Filed herewith 4(11) -Interest Swap Agreement between NationsBank of North Carolina, N. A. and Embassy Suites, Inc. dated May 18, 1993. (6) 4(12) -Interest Swap Agreement between Bank of America National Trust and Savings Association and Harrah's Operating Company, Inc. dated December 21, 1995. (25) 4(13) -Interest Swap Agreement between NationsBank, N. A. (Carolinas) and Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. dated December 21, 1995. (25) 4(14) -Interest Swap Agreement between The Bank of Nova Scotia and Embassy Suites, Inc. dated January 25, 1995 and amended February 2, 1995. (7) 4(15) -Interest Swap Agreement between The Bank of Nova Scotia and Embassy Suites, Inc. dated March 16, 1995. (7) 4(16) -Interest Swap Agreement between Bankers Trust Company and Embassy Suites, Inc. dated May 16, 1995. (10) 4(17) -Interest Swap Agreement between The Sumitomo Bank, Limited and Embassy Suites, Inc. dated June 5, 1995. (10) 4(18) -Interest Swap Agreement between Bankers Trust Company and Embassy Suites, Inc. dated June 6, 1995. (10) 10(1) -Credit Agreement, dated as of July 22, 1993 and amended and restated as of June 9, 1995, among The Promus Companies Incorporated, Embassy Suites, Inc., certain subsidiaries of Embassy Suites, Inc., various banks, Bankers Trust Company, The Bank of New York, CIBC, Inc., Credit Lyonnais, Atlanta Agency, First Interstate Bank of California, The Long-Term Credit Bank of Japan, Limited, New York Branch, NationsBank of Georgia, N.A., Societe Generale and Sumitomo Bank, Limited, New York Branch, as Agents, and Bankers Trust Company, as Administrative Agent. (2) 10(2) -Credit Agreement, dated as of June 9, 1995, among The Promus Companies Incorporated, Embassy Suites, Inc., certain subsidiaries of Embassy Suites, Inc., various banks, Bankers Trust Company, The Bank of New York, CIBC, Inc., Credit Lyonnais, Atlanta Agency, First Interstate Bank of California, The Long-Term Credit Bank of Japan, Limited, New York Branch, NationsBank of Georgia, N.A., Societe Generale and The Sumitomo Bank, Limited, New York Branch, as Agents, and Bankers Trust Company, as Administrative Agent. (2) **10(3) -Second Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of October 15, 1996, among Harrah's Entertainment, Inc., Harrah's Operating Company, Inc., Marina Associates, various lending institutions, Bankers Trust Company, The Bank of New York, CIBC, Inc., Credit Lyonnais, Atlanta Agency, First Interstate Bank of Nevada, N.A., The Long-Term Credit Bank of Japan, Limited, New York Branch, NationsBank of Georgia, N.A., Societe Generale and The Sumitomo Bank, Limited, New York Branch, as Agents, and Bankers Trust Company, as Administrative Agent. 10(4) -Amended and Restated Reimbursement Agreement, dated as of July 22, 1993, among Embassy Suites, Inc., The Promus Companies Incorporated, Marina Associates and The Sumitomo Bank, Limited, New York Branch. (19) 10(5) -Master Collateral Agreement, dated as of July 22, 1993, among The Promus Companies Incorporated, Embassy Suites, Inc., the other Collateral Grantors parties thereto, Bankers Trust Company, as Administrative Agent, and Bankers Trust Company as Collateral Agent. (19)
- ------------------------ ** Filed herewith 10(6) -First Amendment to Master Collateral Agreement, dated as of June 30, 1995, among The Promus Companies Incorporated, Embassy Suites, Inc., the other Collateral Grantors parties thereto, Bankers Trust Company, as Administrative Agent, and Bankers Trust Company as Collateral Agent amending the Master Collateral Agreement, dated as of July 22, 1993, among The Promus Companies Incorporated, Embassy Suites, Inc., the other Collateral Grantors parties thereto, Bankers Trust Company, as Administrative Agent, and Bankers Trust Company as Collateral Agent. (10) 10(7) -Security Agreement dated as of July 22, 1993, among Embassy Suites, Inc., the Collateral Grantors parties thereto and Bankers Trust Company, as Collateral Agent. (19) 10(8) -First Amendment to Security Agreement, dated as of June 30, 1995, among Embassy Suites, Inc., the Collateral Grantors parties thereto and Bankers Trust Company, as Collateral Agent, amending the Security Agreement dated as of July 22, 1993, among Embassy Suites, Inc., the Collateral Grantors parties thereto and Bankers Trust Company, as Collateral Agent. (10) 10(9) -Deed of Trust, Leasehold Deed of Trust, Assignment, Assignment of Leases and Rents, Security Agreement and Financing Statement, dated as of July 22, 1993, from Embassy Suites, Inc., Harrah's Laughlin, Inc., and Harrah's Reno Holding Company, Inc., the Grantors, to First American Title Company of Nevada, as Trustee, for the benefit of Bankers Trust Company, as Beneficiary. (19) 10(10) -First Amendment to Deed of Trust, Leasehold Deed of Trust, Assignment, Assignment of Leases and Rents, Security Agreement and Financing Statement, dated as of June 30, 1995, among Embassy Suites, Inc., Harrah's Laughlin, Inc., Harrah's Reno Holding Company, Inc., Harrah's, Harrah's Club and Harrah's Las Vegas, Inc., the Collateral Grantors, and Bankers Trust Company as Collateral Agent and Beneficiary, amending the Deed of Trust, Leasehold Deed of Trust, Assignment, Assignment of Leases and Rents, Security Agreement and Financing Statement, dated as of July 22, 1993, from Embassy Suites, Inc., Harrah's Laughlin, Inc., and Harrah's Reno Holding Company, Inc., the Grantors, to First American Title Company of Nevada, as Trustee, for the benefit of Bankers Trust Company, as Beneficiary. (10) 10(11) -Mortgage, Leasehold Mortgage, Assignment, Assignment of Leases and Rents and Security Agreement, dated as of July 22, 1993, from Marina Associates and Embassy Suites, Inc., the Mortgagors, to Bankers Trust Company, as Collateral Agent and the Mortgagee. (19) 10(12) -First Amendment to Mortgage, Leasehold Mortgage, Assignment, Assignment of Leases and Rents and Security Agreement, dated as of June 30, 1995, among Embassy Suites, Inc., Marina Associates, the Mortgagors, to Bankers Trust Company, as Collateral Agent and the Mortgagee, amending the Mortgage, Leasehold Mortgage, Assignment, Assignment of Leases and Rents and Security Agreement, dated as of July 22, 1993, from Marina Associates and Embassy Suites, Inc., the Mortgagors, to Bankers Trust Company, as Collateral Agent and the Mortgagee. (10) 10(13) -Pledge Agreement, dated as of July 22, 1993, between The Promus Companies Incorporated and Bankers Trust Company, as Collateral Agent. (19) 10(14) -First Amendment to Parent Pledge Agreement, dated as of June 30, 1995, among The Promus Companies Incorporated and Bankers Trust Company, as Collateral Agent, amending the Pledge Agreement, dated as of July 22, 1993, between The Promus Companies Incorporated and Bankers Trust Company, as Collateral Agent. (10)
10(15) -Pledge Agreement, dated as of July 22, 1993, among Embassy Suites, Inc., ESI Equity Development Corporation, Harrah's, Harrah's Club, Casino Holding Company, and Bankers Trust Company, as the General Collateral Agent, and Bank of America Nevada as the Nevada Collateral Agent. (19) 10(16) -First Amendment to Company/Sub Pledge Agreement, dated as of June 30, 1995, among Embassy Suites, Inc., Harrah's, Harrah's Club, and Bankers Trust Company, as the General Collateral Agent, and Bank of America Nevada as the Nevada Collateral Agent, amending the Pledge Agreement, dated as of July 22, 1993, among Embassy Suites, Inc., ESI Equity Development Corporation, Harrah's, Harrah's Club, Casino Holding Company, and Bankers Trust Company, as the General Collateral Agent, and Bank of America Nevada as the Nevada Collateral Agent. (10) 10(17) -Consent dated as of April 17, 1996 to Credit Agreement, dated as of June 9, 1995, among Harrah's Entertainment, Inc., Harrah's Operating Company, Inc., Marina Associates, various banks, Bankers Trust Company, The Bank of New York, CIBC, Inc., Credit Lyonnais, Atlanta Agency, First Interstate Bank of Nevada, N.A., The Long-Term Credit Bank of Japan, Limited, New York Branch, NationsBank of Georgia, N.A., Societe Generale and The Sumitomo Bank, Limited, New York Branch, as Agents, and Bankers Trust Company, as Administrative Agent. (11) 10(18) -Plan of Reorganization and Distribution Agreement, dated June 30, 1995, between The Promus Companies Incorporated and Promus Hotel Corporation. (10) 10(19) -Employee Benefits and Other Employment Matters Allocation Agreement, dated June 30, 1995, between The Promus Companies Incorporated and Promus Hotel Corporation. (10) 10(20) -Risk Management Allocation Agreement, dated June 30, 1995, between The Promus Companies Incorporated and Promus Hotel Corporation. (10) 10(21) -Tax Sharing Agreement, dated June 30, 1995, between The Promus Companies Incorporated and Promus Hotel Corporation. (10) +10(22) -Form of Indemnification Agreement entered into by The Promus Companies Incorporated and each of its directors and executive officers. (1) +10(23) -Financial Counseling Plan of Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. as amended January 1996. (25) +10(24) -The Promus Companies Incorporated 1996 Non-Management Director's Stock Incentive Plan dated April 5, 1995. (9) +10(25) -The Promus Companies Incorporated Key Executive Officer Annual Incentive Plan dated February 24, 1995. (10) **+10(26) -Summary Plan Description of Executive Term Life Insurance Plan. +10(27) -Form of Harrah's Entertainment, Inc.'s Annual Management Bonus Plan, as amended 1995. (25) +10(28) -Form of Severance Agreement dated July 30, 1993, entered into with E. O. Robinson, Jr. and John M. Boushy. (22) +10(29) -Severance Agreement, dated June 30, 1995, with Bradford W. Morgan. (10)
- ------------------------ ** Filed herewith + Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed as an exhibit to this form pursuant to Item 14(c) of Form 10-K. +10(30) -Amended and Restated Severance Agreement dated as of May 1, 1992 between The Promus Companies Incorporated and Michael D. Rose. (18) **+10(31) -Form of Amendment, dated October 25, 1996, to Severance Agreements entered into with Michael D. Rose and Philip G. Satre. +10(32) -Form of Amended and Restated Severance Agreement dated November 5, 1992, entered into with Charles A. Ledsinger, Jr., Ben C. Peternell, Philip G. Satre and Colin V. Reed. (18) +10(33) -Amendment, dated February 25, 1994 and effective April 29, 1994, to Amended and Restated Severance Agreement dated November 5, 1992, between The Promus Companies Incorporated and Philip G. Satre. (21) **+10(34) -Form of Amendment, dated October 25, 1996, to Severance Agreements entered into with Colin V. Reed, Charles A. Ledsinger, Jr., Ben C. Peternell, E. O. Robinson, Jr., Bradford W. Morgan and John M. Boushy. +10(35) -Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated June 30, 1995, between Michael D. Rose and Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. (10) +10(36) -Amendment dated as of December 19, 1995, to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Michael D. Rose and Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. (25) +10(37) -Agreement, dated April 28, 1995, between Michael D. Rose and The Promus Companies Incorporated concerning treatment of stock options in spin-off. (10) +10(38) -Agreement, dated May 1, 1995, between Michael D. Rose and The Promus Companies Incorporated concerning treatment of Executive Deferred Compensation Plan account in spin-off. (10) +10(39) -Employment Agreement dated as of February 25, 1994, and effective April 29, 1994, between The Promus Companies Incorporated and Philip G. Satre including exhibits thereto. (17) +10(40) -The Promus Companies Incorporated 1990 Stock Option Plan. (12) +10(41) -The Promus Companies Incorporated 1990 Stock Option Plan (as amended as of April 30, 1993). (20) +10(42) -The Promus Companies Incorporated 1990 Stock Option Plan, as amended April 29, 1994. (8) +10(43) -The Promus Companies Incorporated 1990 Stock Option Plan, as amended July 29, 1994. (21) **+10(44) -Amendment, dated April 5, 1995, to The Promus Companies Incorporated 1990 Stock Option Plan as adjusted on December 12, 1996. +10(45) -Revised Form of Stock Option (1990 Stock Option Plan). (25) **+10(46) -Revised Form of Stock Option with attachments (1990 Stock Option Plan). +10(47) -Form of memorandum agreement dated July 2, 1991, eliminating stock appreciation rights under stock options held by Charles A. Ledsinger, Jr., Ben C. Peternell and Philip G. Satre. (14)
- ------------------------ ** Filed herewith + Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed as an exhibit to this form pursuant to Item 14(c) of Form 10-K. +10(48) -Form of Agreement to Cancel Options dated as of December 16, 1994 entered into with Michael D. Rose, Philip G. Satre, Charles A. Ledsinger, Jr., Ben C. Peternell, Colin V. Reed, E. O. Robinson, Jr. and John M. Boushy. (7) +10(49) -The Promus Companies Incorporated 1990 Restricted Stock Plan. (12) +10(50) -Amendment, dated April 5, 1995, to The Promus Companies Incorporated 1990 Restricted Stock Plan. (9) +10(51) -Revised Forms of Restricted Stock Award (1990 Restricted Stock Plan). (25) **+10(52) -Revised Form of Restricted Stock Award (1990 Restricted Stock Plan). +10(53) -Administrative Regulations, Long Term Compensation Plan (Restricted Stock Plan and Stock Option Plan) dated October 27, 1995. (25) **+10(54) -Amendment to Administrative Regulations, Long Term Compensation Plan (Restricted Stock Plan and Stock Option Plan) dated December 12, 1996. +10(55) -Deferred Compensation Plan dated October 16, 1991. (15) +10(56) -Amendment, dated May 26, 1995, to The Promus Companies Incorporated Deferred Compensation Plan. (2) +10(57) -Forms of Deferred Compensation Agreement. (25) +10(58) -Amended and Restated Executive Deferred Compensation Plan dated as of October 27, 1995. (25) **+10(59) -Restated Amendment, dated July 18, 1996, to Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. Executive Deferred Compensation Plan. +10(60) -Forms of Executive Deferred Compensation Agreement. (25) +10(61) -Escrow Agreement dated February 6, 1990 between The Promus Companies Incorporated, certain subsidiaries thereof, and Sovran Bank, as escrow agent. (12) +10(62) -First Amendment to Escrow Agreement dated January 31, 1990 among Holiday Corporation, certain subsidiaries thereof and Sovran Bank, as escrow agent. (12) +10(63) -Amendment to Escrow Agreement dated as of October 29, 1993 among The Promus Companies Incorporated, certain subsidiaries thereof, and NationsBank, formerly Sovran Bank. (24) +10(64) -Amendment, dated as of June 7, 1995, to Escrow Agreement among The Promus Companies Incorporated, certain subsidiaries thereof and NationsBank. (2) +10(65) -Amendment, dated as of July 18, 1996, to Escrow Agreement between Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. and NationsBank. (26) **+10(66) -Time Accelerated Restricted Stock Award Plan ("TARSAP") program dated December 12, 1996. **+10(67) -Form of TARSAP Award. **+10(68) -Form of Agreement, dated October 30, 1996, regarding cancellation and reissue of stock options, entered into with Michael D. Rose, Philip G. Satre, Colin V. Reed, Charles A. Ledsinger, Jr., Ben C. Peternell, E.O. Robinson, Jr., John M. Boushy and Bradford W. Morgan; and Form of Reissued Stock Option.
- ------------------------ ** Filed herewith + Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed as an exhibit to this form pursuant to Item 14(c) of Form 10-K. 10(69) -Amended and Restated Partnership Agreement of Harrah's Jazz Company, dated as of March 15, 1994, among Harrah's New Orleans Investment Company, New Orleans/Louisiana Development Corporation and Grand Palais Casino, Inc.; First Amendment to the Amended and Restated Partnership Agreement of Harrah's Jazz Company, effective as of March 15, 1994. (24) 10(70) -Second Amendment dated March 31, 1994 to the Amended and Restated Partnership Agreement of Harrah's Jazz Company. (8) 10(71) -Amended and Restated Third Amendment to the Amended and Restated Partnership Agreement of Harrah's Jazz Company. (16) 10(72) -Fourth Amendment to the Amended and Restated Partnership Agreement of Harrah's Jazz Company. (16) 10(73) -Indenture dated as of November 15, 1994 between Harrah's Jazz Company, Harrah's Jazz Finance Corp. and First National Bank of Commerce as Trustee for the First Mortgage Notes including form of First Mortgage Note. (16) 10(74) -Cash Collateral and Disbursement Agreement among First National Bank of Commerce as Trustee, First National Bank of Commerce as Collateral Agent, Harrah's Jazz Company and Harrah's Jazz Finance Corp., dated November 16, 1994. (16) 10(75) -Collateral Mortgage Note by Harrah's Jazz Company dated November 15, 1994. (16) 10(76) -Act of Collateral Mortgage and Collateral Assignment of Proceeds by Harrah's Jazz Company dated November 15, 1994. (16) 10(77) -Act of Collateral Assignment of Leases and Rents between Harrah's Jazz Company and First National Bank of Commerce as Collateral Agent dated November 15, 1994. (16) 10(78) -Act of Security Agreement and Pledge between Harrah's Jazz Company and First National Bank of Commerce as Collateral Agent dated November 15, 1994. (16) 10(79) -Pledge Agreement between Harrah's Jazz Company, Harrah's Jazz Finance Corp. and First National Bank of Commerce as Collateral Agent dated as of November 16, 1994. (16) 10(80) -Security Agreement among Harrah's Jazz Company, Harrah's Jazz Finance Corp. and First National Bank of Commerce as Collateral Agent dated as of November 16, 1994. (16) 10(81) -Security Agreement (Cash Collateral) among Harrah's Jazz Company, Harrah's Jazz Finance Corp. and First National Bank of Commerce as Trustee dated November 16, 1994. (16) 10(82) -Manager Subordination Agreement (First Mortgage Notes) among Harrah's Jazz Company, Harrah's New Orleans Management Company and First National Bank of Commerce as Trustee dated as of November 16, 1994. (16) 10(83) -Amended Lease Agreement between the Rivergate Development Corporation, as Landlord and Harrah's Jazz Company, as Tenant and City of New Orleans, as Intervenor dated March 15, 1994. (13) 10(84) -Amended General Development Agreement between Rivergate Development Corporation and Harrah's Jazz Company and City of New Orleans, as Intervenor dated March 15, 1994. (4)
10(85) -Amendment to Amended Lease Agreement between Rivergate Development Corporation, as Landlord and Harrah's Jazz Company, as Tenant and City of New Orleans, as Intervenor dated October 5, 1994. (13) 10(86) -Agreement among the Rivergate Development Corporation, the City of New Orleans and Embassy Suites, Inc. and Harrah's Jazz Company, as intervenor, dated October 5, 1994 (the "Embassy Access Agreement"). (13) 10(87) -Casino Operating Contract between the Louisiana Economic Development and Gaming Corporation and Harrah's Jazz Company dated July 15, 1994. (4) 10(88) -First Amendment to Casino Operating Contract between the Louisiana Economic Development and Gaming Corporation and Harrah's Jazz Company dated August 31, 1994. (13) 10(89) -Amended and Restated Management Agreement between Harrah's New Orleans Management Company and Harrah's Jazz Company dated March 14, 1994. (4) 10(90) -Construction Agreement between Harrah's Jazz Company and Centex Landis Construction Co., Inc. dated October 10, 1994, for the construction of the Permanent Casino. (13) 10(91) -Design and Construction Agreement between Harrah's Jazz Company and Broadmoor dated October 10, 1994, for the construction of the parking structure. (13) 10(92) -Owner's Policy issued March 16, 1994 by First American Title Insurance Company to Harrah's Jazz Company with attachments. (16) 10(93) -Lender's Title Insurance Policy issued November 16, 1994 by First American Title Insurance Company together with reinsurance agreements. (16) 10(94) -Construction Lien Indemnity Obligation Agreement between Harrah's Jazz Company and Embassy Suites, Inc. dated October 12, 1994. (23) 10(95) -First Amendment to the Construction Lien Indemnity Obligation Agreement. (16) 10(96) -Specimen form of 14 1/4% First Mortgage Note Due 2001 of Harrah's Jazz Company and Harrah's Jazz Finance Corp. (16) 10(97) -Limited Partnership Agreement of Des Plaines Limited Partnership between Harrah's Illinois Corporation and John Q. Hammons, dated February 28, 1992; First Amendment to Limited Partnership Agreement of Des Plaines Limited Partnership dated as of October 5, 1992. (24) **11 -Computations of per share earnings. **12 -Computations of ratios. **13 -Portions of Annual Report to Stockholders for the year ended December 31, 1996. (27) **21 -List of subsidiaries of Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. **27 -Financial Data Schedule
- ------------------------ ** Filed herewith FOOTNOTES (1) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Registration Statement on Form 10, File No. 1-10410, filed on December 13, 1989. (2) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed June 15, 1995, File No. 1-10410. (3) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed August 9, 1996, File No. 1-10410. (4) Incorporated by reference from Amendment No. 3 to Form S-1 Registration Statement of Harrah's Jazz Company and Harrah's Jazz Finance Corp., File No. 33-73370, filed August 4, 1994. (5) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1995, filed May 15, 1995, File No. 1-10410. (6) Incorporated by reference from the Company's and Embassy Suites, Inc.'s Amendment No. 2 to Form S-4 Registration Statement, File No. 33-49509-01, filed July 16, 1993. (7) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1994, filed March 21, 1995, File No. 1-10410. (8) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1994, filed May 12, 1994, File No. 1-10410. (9) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Proxy Statement for the May 26, 1995 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, filed April 25, 1995. (10) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1995, filed August 14, 1995, File No. 1-10410. (11) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1996, filed August 13, 1996, File No. 1-10410. (12) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 1989, filed March 28, 1990, File No. 1-10410. (13) Incorporated by reference from Amendment No. 4 to Form S-1 Registration Statement of Harrah's Jazz Company and Harrah's Jazz Finance Corp., File No. 33-73370, filed October 12, 1994. (14) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 27, 1991, filed November 8, 1991, File No. 1-10410. (15) Incorporated by reference from Amendment No. 2 to the Company's and Embassy's Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 33-43748, filed March 18, 1992. (16) Incorporated by reference from Harrah's Jazz Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1994, filed December 21, 1994, File No. . (17) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1994, filed November 14, 1994, File No. 1-10410. (18) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1992, filed March 12, 1993, File No. 1-10410. (19) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 6, 1993, File No. 1-10410. (20) Incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Company's Form S-8 Registration Statement, File No. 33-32864-01, filed July 22, 1993. (21) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1994, filed August 11, 1994, File No. 1-10410. (22) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1993, filed November 12, 1993, File No. 1-10410. (23) Incorporated by reference from Amendment No. 5 to Form S-1 Registration Statement of Harrah's Jazz Company and Harrah's Jazz Finance Corp., File No. 33-73370, filed October 26, 1994. (24) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1993, filed March 28, 1994, File No. 1-10410. (25) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995, filed March 6, 1996, File No. 1-10410. (26) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1996, filed November 12, 1996, File No. 1-10410. (27) Filed herewith to the extent portions of such report are specifically included herein by reference.

                                                                     Exhibit 4.2


                       FIRST AMENDMENT TO RIGHTS AGREEMENT
                       -----------------------------------

                  FIRST  AMENDMENT,  dated as of February  21, 1997 (this "First
Amendment")  to the  Rights  Agreement  (the  "Rights  Agreement"),  dated as of
October 5, 1996, between Harrah's  Entertainment,  Inc., a Delaware  corporation
(the  "Company"),  and The Bank of New York, a New York  corporation,  as Rights
Agent (the  "Rights  Agent").  Unless the  context  indicates  to the  contrary,
capitalized  terms used and not defined herein shall have the meanings  ascribed
to them in the Rights Agreement.

                  The Company and the Rights Agent have previously  entered into
the Rights  Agreement.  The Board of Directors of the Company has authorized and
declared  a  dividend  of one  Right  for  each  Common  Share  of  the  Company
outstanding  at the close of business on the Record Date, and has authorized the
issuance  of one  Right  (subject  to  adjustment  as  provided  in  the  Rights
Agreement)  with  respect to each  Common  Share that shall  become  outstanding
between  the  Record  Date  and  the  earliest  of the  Distribution  Date,  the
Redemption Date and the Final Expiration Date, each Right initially representing
the right to purchase one  two-hundredth of a share of Series A Special Stock of
the  Company,  upon the terms and  subject  to the  conditions  set forth in the
Rights Agreement.

                  Pursuant  to Section 26 of the Rights  Agreement,  the Company
and the  Rights  Agent may from  time to time  supplement  or amend  the  Rights
Agreement in accordance with the provisions of such Section. The parties deem it
advisable to supplement and amend the Rights Agreement as provided in this First
Amendment,  and the  Board of  Directors  of the  Company  has duly and  validly
authorized the execution and delivery of this First Amendment.

                  Accordingly,  in  consideration  of the  premises  and  mutual
agreements herein set forth, the parties hereby agree as follows:

                  1.  Exhibit A.  Form of Certificate of Designations

                  The form of  Certificate of  Designations  of Series A Special
Stock of  Harrah's  Entertainment,  Inc.  attached  to the Rights  Agreement  as
Exhibit A is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as set forth in Exhibit
A attached hereto.

                  2.  Exhibit B.  Form of Right Certificate

                  The form of Right Certificate attached to the Rights Agreement
as Exhibit B is hereby  amended  and  restated  in its  entirety as set forth in
Exhibit B attached hereto.




                                        1






                  3. Except as expressly set forth herein,  nothing herein shall
be deemed or  construed  to alter or amend the Rights  Agreement in any respect,
and,  except as amended and  supplemented  hereby,  the Rights  Agreement  shall
remain in full  force and  effect in  accordance  with the  provisions  thereof.
Unless the context indicates  otherwise,  each reference in the Rights Agreement
to "this Rights Agreement" and the words "hereof", "hereto" and words of similar
import shall mean the Rights Agreement, as amended and supplemented hereby.

                  4. This First  Amendment shall be deemed to be a contract made
under the laws of the State of Delaware and for all  purposes  shall be governed
by and  construed  in  accordance  with the  laws of such  State  applicable  to
contracts to be made and performed entirely within such State.

                  5. This  First  Amendment  may be  executed  in any  number of
counterparts and each of such  counterparts  shall for all purposes be deemed to
be an original,  and all such counterparts shall together constitute but one and
the same instrument.



                           [signature page to follow]
































                                        2






                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF,  the parties hereto have caused this First
Amendment to Rights Agreement to be duly executed and their respective corporate
seals to be hereunto affixed, this 21st day of February, 1997.


                          HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT, INC.



                          By  /s/ E. O. Robinson, Jr.
                              ------------------------------
                               Name:   E. O. Robinson, Jr.
                               Title:  Senior Vice President
                                         and General Counsel


[SEAL]


                          THE BANK OF NEW YORK



                          By /s/ John I. Sivertsen
                             --------------------------------
                               Name:   John I. Sivertsen
                               Title:  Vice President

[SEAL]


























                                       S-1






                                                                      EXHIBIT A
                                                                      ---------


                                      FORM

                                       of

                           CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATIONS

                                       of

                             SERIES A SPECIAL STOCK

                                       of

                          HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

                         (Pursuant to Section 151 of the
                        Delaware General Corporation Law)

                          -----------------------------


         Harrah's  Entertainment,  Inc., a  corporation  organized  and existing
under the General  Corporation Law of the State of Delaware  (hereinafter called
the "Corporation"),  hereby certifies that the following  resolution was adopted
by the Board of Directors of the  Corporation  as required by Section 151 of the
General Corporation Law at a meeting duly called and held on February 21, 1997.

         RESOLVED,  that pursuant to the authority  granted to and vested in the
Board of  Directors  of this  Corporation  (hereinafter  called  the  "Board  of
Directors" or the "Board") in accordance  with the provisions of the Certificate
of  Incorporation,  the Board of  Directors  hereby  creates a series of Special
Stock, par value $1.125 per share (the "Special Stock"),  of the Corporation and
hereby  states the  designation  and number of  shares,  and fixes the  relative
rights, preferences, and limitations thereof as follows:

         Series A Special Stock:

         Section 1.  Designation and Amount.  The shares of such series shall be
designated  as "Series A Special  Stock" (the "Series A Special  Stock") and the
number of shares  constituting  the Series A Special  Stock  shall be  2,000,000
shares. Such number of shares may be increased or decreased by resolution of the
Board of Directors; provided, that no decrease shall reduce the number of shares
of  Series A Special  Stock to a number  less  than the  number  of shares  then
                                      

                                      A-1



outstanding plus the number of shares reserved for issuance upon the exercise of
outstanding  options,   rights  or  warrants  or  upon  the  conversion  of  any
outstanding  securities  issued by the  Corporation  convertible  into  Series A
Special Stock.

         Section 2.  Dividends and  Distributions.  (A) Subject to the rights of
the holders of any shares of any series of Special Stock (or any similar  stock)
ranking  prior and  superior  to the  Series A Special  Stock  with  respect  to
dividends, the holders of shares of Series A Special Stock, in preference to the
holders of Common Stock, par value $0.10 per share (the "Common Stock"),  of the
Corporation,  and of any other junior stock, shall be entitled to receive, when,
as and if declared by the Board of Directors out of funds legally  available for
the purpose,  quarterly  dividends  payable in cash on or about the first day of
February,  May,  August and November in each year (each such date being referred
to herein as a  "Quarterly  Dividend  Payment  Date"),  commencing  on the first
Quarterly  Dividend Payment Date after the first issuance of a share or fraction
of a share of Series A Special  Stock,  in an amount per share  (rounded  to the
nearest  cent) equal to the greater of (a) $1.00 or (b) subject to the provision
for adjustment  hereinafter set forth,  200 times the aggregate per share amount
of all cash dividends,  and 200 times the aggregate per share amount (payable in
kind) of all  non-cash  dividends or other  distributions  other than a dividend
payable in shares of Common Stock or a subdivision of the outstanding  shares of
Common Stock (by  reclassification  or otherwise),  declared on the Common Stock
since the  immediately  preceding  Quarterly  Dividend  Payment  Date,  or, with
respect to the first Quarterly  Dividend  Payment Date, since the first issuance
of any share or fraction of a share of Series A Special Stock.  In the event the
Corporation shall at any time after the date on which the Special Stock Purchase
Rights of the  Corporation  are declared by the Board of Directors  (the "Rights
Declaration  Date")  declare or pay any dividend on the Common Stock  payable in
shares of Common Stock, or effect a subdivision, combination or consolidation of
the outstanding shares of Common Stock (by reclassification or otherwise than by
payment of a dividend in shares of Common Stock) into a greater or lesser number
of shares of Common Stock, then in each such case the amount to which holders of
shares of Series A Special Stock were entitled  immediately  prior to such event
under clause (b) of the preceding sentence shall be adjusted by multiplying such
amount by a fraction,  the  numerator of which is the number of shares of Common
Stock  outstanding  immediately after such event and the denominator of which is
the number of shares of Common Stock that were outstanding  immediately prior to
such event.

         (B) The  Corporation  shall declare a dividend or  distribution  on the
Series  A  Special  Stock  as  provided  in  paragraph  (A) of  this  Section  2
immediately  after it declares a dividend or  distribution  on the Common  Stock
(other than a dividend payable in shares of Common Stock); provided that, in the
event no dividend or  distribution  shall have been declared on the Common Stock
during the period  between  any  Quarterly  Dividend  Payment  Date and the next
subsequent Quarterly Dividend Payment Date, a dividend of $1.00 per share on the
Series  A  Special  Stock  shall  nevertheless  be  payable  on such  subsequent
Quarterly Dividend Payment Date.


                                         A-2






         (C) Dividends  shall begin to accrue and be  cumulative on  outstanding
shares of Series A Special Stock from the Quarterly  Dividend  Payment Date next
preceding the date of issue of such shares of Series A Special Stock, unless the
date of issue of such shares is prior to the record date for the first Quarterly
Dividend  Payment  Date,  in which case  dividends on such shares shall begin to
accrue from the date of issue of such  shares,  or unless the date of issue is a
Quarterly  Dividend  Payment  Date or is a date  after the  record  date for the
determination of holders of shares of Series A Special Stock entitled to receive
a quarterly  dividend and before such Quarterly Dividend Payment Date, in either
of which events such dividends shall begin to accrue and be cumulative from such
Quarterly  Dividend  Payment Date.  Accrued but unpaid  dividends shall not bear
interest.  Dividends  paid on the shares of Series A Special  Stock in an amount
less than the total amount of such  dividends at the time accrued and payable on
such shares shall be allocated pro rata on a share-by-share basis among all such
shares at the time outstanding. The Board of Directors may fix a record date for
the  determination  of holders of shares of Series A Special  Stock  entitled to
receive payment of a dividend or  distribution  declared  thereon,  which record
date  shall be not more than 60 days  prior to the date  fixed  for the  payment
thereof.

         Section 3.  Voting Rights. The holders of shares of Series A
Special Stock shall have the following voting rights:

                  (A) Subject to the provision for  adjustment  hereinafter  set
         forth,  each share of Series A Special  Stock shall  entitle the holder
         thereof  to  200  votes  on all  matters  submitted  to a  vote  of the
         stockholders of the Corporation.  In the event the Corporation shall at
         any time after the Rights  Declaration Date declare or pay any dividend
         on the  Common  Stock  payable in shares of Common  Stock,  or effect a
         subdivision,  combination or consolidation of the outstanding shares of
         Common Stock (by  reclassification  or  otherwise  than by payment of a
         dividend in shares of Common  Stock) into a greater or lesser number of
         shares of Common Stock,  then in each such case the number of votes per
         share to which  holders  of  shares  of  Series A  Special  Stock  were
         entitled   immediately  prior  to  such  event  shall  be  adjusted  by
         multiplying  such number by a fraction  the  numerator  of which is the
         number of shares of Common  Stock  outstanding  immediately  after such
         event and the  denominator  of which is the  number of shares of Common
         Stock that were outstanding immediately prior to such event.

                  (B)  Except  as  otherwise   provided  herein,  in  any  other
         Certificate of  Designations  creating a series of Special Stock or any
         similar  stock,  or by law,  the  holders of shares of Series A Special
         Stock and the holders of shares of Common Stock and any other series or
         class of  stock  of the  Corporation  which  may  from  time to time be
         accorded  such  voting  right  shall vote  together as one class on all
         matters submitted to a vote of stockholders of the Corporation.
                                      
                  (C) (i) If at any time dividends on any Series A Special Stock
         shall be in arrears in an amount equal to six (6)  quarterly  dividends
         thereon, the occurrence of such 


                                      A-3




         contingency shall mark the beginning of a period  (herein  called a 
         "default  period") which shall extend until such  time when all  
         accrued  and  unpaid  dividends  for all  previous quarterly  dividend
         periods  and for the  current  quarterly  dividend period on all 
         shares of Series A Special Stock then  outstanding  shall have  been  
         declared and paid or set apart for  payment.  During  each default  
         period, the holders of Series A Special  Stock,  voting as a class, 
         shall have the right to elect two (2) Directors.

                           (ii) During any default period,  such voting right of
                  the  holders  of  Series  A  Special  Stock  may be  exercised
                  initially at a special meeting called pursuant to subparagraph
                  (iii)  of  this  Section  3(C)  or at any  annual  meeting  of
                  stockholders,   and   thereafter   at   annual   meetings   of
                  stockholders,  provided  that such  voting  right shall not be
                  exercised unless the holders of ten percent (10%) in number of
                  shares of Series A Special Stock  outstanding shall be present
                  in person or by proxy.  The absence of a quorum of the holders
                  of Common  Stock shall not affect the  exercise by the holders
                  of Series A Special Stock of such voting right. At any meeting
                  at which the holders of Series A Special Stock shall  exercise
                  such voting right initially during an existing default period,
                  they  shall  have  the  right,  voting  as a  class,  to elect
                  Directors  to fill  such  vacancies,  if any,  in the Board of
                  Directors  as may then  exist up to two (2)  Directors  or, if
                  such right is exercised at an annual meeting, to elect two (2)
                  Directors.  If  the  number  which  may be so  elected  at any
                  special  meeting does not amount to the required  number,  the
                  holders of the Series A Special  Stock shall have the right to
                  make such  increase  in the  number of  Directors  as shall be
                  necessary  to  permit  the  election  by them of the  required
                  number.  After the holders of the Series A Special Stock shall
                  have exercised  their right to elect  Directors in any default
                  period and during the  continuance of such period,  the number
                  of Directors  shall not be  increased  or decreased  except by
                  vote of the  holders  of  Series A  Special  Stock  as  herein
                  provided or  pursuant  to the rights of any equity  securities
                  ranking  senior  to or pari  passu  with the  Series A Special
                  Stock.

                           (iii)  Unless the  holders of Series A Special  Stock
                  shall,  during an existing  default  period,  have  previously
                  exercised  their  right  to  elect  Directors,  the  Board  of
                  Directors may order, or any stockholder or stockholders owning
                  in the  aggregate not less than ten percent (10%) of the total
                  number of shares of  Series A Special  Stock  outstanding  may
                  request,  the  calling of a special  meeting of the holders of
                  Series A Special Stock,   which  meeting  shall  thereupon  be
                  called by the President, a  Vice President  or  the  Secretary
                  of  the Corporation.  Notice of such meeting and of any annual
                  meeting  at  which  holders  of  Series  A  Special  Stock are
                  entitled to vote  pursuant to this  paragraph  (C)(iii)  shall
                  be given to  each  holder of record of Series A Special  Stock
                  by mailing a copy of such  notice  to him at his last  address
                  as  the  same  appears  on  the books of the Corporation. Such
                  meeting shall be called for  a time not  earlier  than 20 days
                  and not later than 60 days  after  such  order or  request  or
                  in  default of the calling  of such  meeting  within 


                                      A-4




                  60  days  after  such  order  or  request, such meeting may be
                  called on similar  notice by any  stockholder or  stockholders
                  owning in the aggregate not less than ten percent (10%) of the
                  total  number of shares of Series A Special Stock outstanding.
                  Notwithstanding the provisions of this  paragraph (C)(iii), no
                  such special  meeting shall be called during the period within
                  60 days immediately  preceding the date  fixed  for  the  next
                  annual meeting of the stockholders.

                           (iv) In any  default  period,  the  holders of Common
                  Stock  and  other  classes  of  stock  of the  Corporation  if
                  applicable,  shall  continue to be entitled to elect the whole
                  number  of  Directors  until the  holders  of Series A Special
                  Stock  shall  have  exercised  their  right to  elect  two (2)
                  Directors voting as a class, after the exercise of which right
                  (x) the  Directors  so  elected  by the  holders  of  Series A
                  Special Stock shall continue in office until their  successors
                  shall  have  been   elected  by  such  holders  or  until  the
                  expiration of the default  period,  and (y) any vacancy in the
                  Board of  Directors  may  (except  as  provided  in  paragraph
                  (C)(iii) of this Section 3) be filled by vote of a majority of
                  the remaining Directors  theretofore elected by the holders of
                  the class or classes of stock which elected the Director whose
                  office shall have become vacant.  References in this paragraph
                  (C) to Directors  elected by the holders of a particular class
                  or classes of stock shall  include  Directors  elected by such
                  Directors  to fill  vacancies as provided in clause (y) of the
                  foregoing sentence.

                           (v)  Immediately  upon the  expiration  of a  default
                  period, (x) the right of the holders of Series A Special Stock
                  as a class to elect Directors shall cease, (y) the term of any
                  Directors  elected by the holders of Series A Special Stock as
                  a class shall terminate, and (z) the number of Directors shall
                  be such number as may be provided  for in the  certificate  of
                  incorporation  or bylaws  irrespective  of any  increase  made
                  pursuant to  the  provisions  of  paragraph  (C)(ii)  of  this
                  Section 3 (such  number  being  subject,  however,  to  change
                  thereafter in any manner provided by law or in the certificate
                  of  incorporation  or bylaws).  Any  vacancies in the Board of
                  Directors effected by the provisions of clauses (y) and (z) in
                  the  preceding  sentence  may be filled by a  majority  of the
                  remaining Directors.

         (D)  Except as set  forth  herein,  or as  otherwise  provided  by law,
holders of Series A Special Stock shall have no special  voting rights and their
consent  shall not be required  (except to the extent they are  entitled to vote
with holders of Common Stock and other  classes of stock of the  Corporation  if
applicable, as set forth herein) for taking any corporate action.

         Section 4. Certain Restrictions. (A) Subject to paragraph (B), whenever
quarterly dividends or other dividends or distributions  payable on the Series A
Special Stock as provided in Section 2 are in arrears,  thereafter and until all
accrued and unpaid  dividends and  distributions,  whether or not  declared,  on
shares of Series A Special Stock  outstanding  shall have been paid in full, the
Corporation shall not:


                                      A-5



                  (i) declare or pay dividends on, make any other  distributions
         on, or redeem or purchase or otherwise  acquire for  consideration  any
         shares  of  stock  ranking  junior  (either  as to  dividends  or  upon
         liquidation, dissolution or winding up) to the Series A Special Stock;

                  (ii)   declare  or  pay   dividends   on  or  make  any  other
         distributions  on any shares of stock ranking on a parity (either as to
         dividends  or upon  liquidation,  dissolution  or winding  up) with the
         Series A Special Stock,  except  dividends paid ratably on the Series A
         Special Stock and all such parity stock on which  dividends are payable
         or in arrears in  proportion  to the total amounts to which the holders
         of all such shares are then entitled;

                  (iii)   redeem  or   purchase   or   otherwise   acquire   for
         consideration  shares of any stock  ranking  on a parity  (either as to
         dividends  or upon  liquidation,  dissolution  or winding  up) with the
         Series A Special Stock,  provided that the  Corporation may at any time
         redeem,  purchase or otherwise  acquire shares of any such parity stock
         in exchange for shares of any stock of the  Corporation  ranking junior
         (either as to dividends or upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up)
         to the Series A Special Stock;

                  (iv)  purchase  or  otherwise  acquire for  consideration  any
         shares of Series A Special  Stock,  or any shares of stock ranking on a
         parity with the Series A Special  Stock,  except in  accordance  with a
         purchase offer made in writing or by publication  (as determined by the
         Board  of  Directors)  to all holders of such shares upon such terms as
         the Board of Directors, after consideration  of the  respective  annual
         dividend  rates  and  other  relative  rights  and  preferences  of the
         respective  series and  classes, shall  determine  in good  faith  will
         result  in fair and  equitable treatment among the respective series or
         classes.

         (B) The  provisions of paragraph (A) shall not apply to any  redemption
of Shares of any class or series of stock of the  Corporation in accordance with
Section E of Article Fourth,  as amended,  of the  Corporation's  Certificate of
Incorporation.

         (C) The Corporation  shall not permit any subsidiary of the Corporation
to purchase or otherwise  acquire for  consideration  any shares of stock of the
Corporation unless the Corporation could, under paragraph (A) of this Section 4,
purchase or otherwise acquire such shares at such time and in such manner.

         Section 5.  Reacquired  Shares.  Any  shares of Series A Special  Stock
purchased  or otherwise  acquired by the  Corporation  in any manner  whatsoever
shall be retired and cancelled promptly after the acquisition  thereof. All such
shares shall upon their  cancellation  become  authorized but unissued shares of
Special Stock and may be reissued as part of a new series of Special Stock to be
created by resolution or resolutions  of the Board of Directors,  subject to the
conditions and restrictions on issuance set forth herein,  in the  Corporation's
Certificate  of  


                                      A-6



Incorporation,  or in any  other  Certificate  of Designations creating a series
of Special Stock or any similar stock or as otherwise required by law.

         Section  6.  Liquidation,  Dissolution  or  Winding  Up.  (A)  Upon any
liquidation  (voluntary  or  otherwise),   dissolution  or  winding  up  of  the
Corporation,  no  distribution  shall be made to the  holders of shares of stock
ranking  junior  (either as to dividends  or upon  liquidation,  dissolution  or
winding up) to the Series A Special Stock unless,  prior thereto, the holders of
shares of Series A Special  Stock shall have  received  $200 per share,  plus an
amount equal to accrued and unpaid dividends and distributions thereon,  whether
or not  declared,  to the date of such payment (the  "Liquidation  Preference").
Following  the  payment of the full  amount of the  Liquidation  Preference,  no
additional  distributions  shall be made to the  holders  of  shares of Series A
Special Stock unless, prior thereto, the holders of shares of Common Stock shall
have  received  an  amount  per share  (the  "Common  Adjustment")  equal to the
quotient  obtained by dividing (i) the  Liquidation  Preference  by (ii) 200 (as
appropriately  adjusted as set forth in  subparagraph  (C) below to reflect such
events as stock splits,  stock dividends and  recapitalizations  with respect to
the  Common  Stock)  (such  number in clause  (ii),  the  "Adjustment  Number").
Following the payment of the full amount of the  Liquidation  Preference and the
Common Adjustment in respect of all outstanding shares of Series A Special Stock
and Common Stock, respectively, holders of Series A Special Stock and holders of
shares of Common Stock shall receive their  ratable  and proportionate  share of
the remaining  assets to be  distributed in the ratio of the  Adjustment  Number
to 1 with  respect  to such  Series A Special  Stock and Common Stock, on a  per
share basis, respectively.

         (B) In the  event,  however,  that  there  are  not  sufficient  assets
available  to  permit  payment  in full of the  Liquidation  Preference  and the
liquidation  preferences  of all other series of stock,  if any, which rank on a
parity with the Series A Special  Stock,  then such  remaining  assets  shall be
distributed  ratably to the holders of such parity shares in proportion to their
respective  liquidation  preferences.  In the event, however, that there are not
sufficient assets available to permit payment in full of the Common  Adjustment,
then such remaining assets shall be distributed ratably to the holders of Common
Stock.

         (C) In the event the  Corporation  shall at any time  after the  Rights
Declaration  Date  declare or pay any  dividend on the Common  Stock  payable in
shares of Common Stock, or effect a subdivision, combination or consolidation of
the outstanding shares of Common Stock (by reclassification or otherwise than by
payment of a dividend in shares of Common Stock) into a greater or lesser number
of shares  of Common  Stock,  then in each  such case the  Adjustment  Number in
effect  immediately  prior to such event shall be adjusted by  multiplying  such
Adjustment Number by a fraction,  the numerator of which is the number of shares
of Common Stock outstanding  immediately after such event and the denominator of
which is the number of shares of Common Stock that were outstanding  immediately
prior to such event.

         Section 7.  Consolidation,  Merger,  etc. In case the Corporation shall
enter into any consolidation,  merger, combination or other transaction in which
the shares of Common  Stock 


                                       A-7



are  exchanged  for or changed  into other  stock or securities, cash and/or any
other property, then in any such case each share of Series A Special Stock shall
at the same time be  similarly exchanged  or  changed  into an amount per share,
subject to  the  provision  for  adjustment  hereinafter set forth, equal to 200
times the aggregate amount of stock,  securities, cash and/or any other property
(payable in kind),  as the case may be, into which or  for  which  each share of
Common Stock is changed or exchanged.  In the event the Corporation shall at any
time after the Rights  Declaration Date declare or pay any  dividend  on  Common
Stock  payable in shares of Common  Stock,  or effect a subdivision, combination
or consolidation  of the outstanding shares of Common Stock (by reclassification
or otherwise than by payment of a dividend in shares  of  Common  Stock)  into a
greater or lesser number of shares of Common Stock, then  in each  such case the
amount set forth in the preceding  sentence  with  respect  to  the  exchange or
change of shares of Series A Special Stock shall be adjusted by multiplying such
amount by a fraction, the numerator  of  which is the number of shares of Common
Stock  outstanding  immediately after such event and the denominator of which is
the number of shares of Common Stock that  were outstanding immediately prior to
such event.

         Section 8.  Redemption.  The shares of Series A Special  Stock shall be
redeemable  only in  accordance  with the  provisions  of  Section E of  Article
Fourth, as amended, of the Corporation's Certificate of Incorporation.

         Section 9. Ranking. The Series A Special Stock shall rank junior to all
other series of the  Corporation's  Preferred  Stock and Special Stock as to the
payment of dividends  and the  distribution  of assets,  unless the terms of any
such series shall provide otherwise.

         Section  10.  Amendment.   The  Certificate  of  Incorporation  of  the
Corporation  shall not be amended in any manner which would  materially alter or
change the powers,  preferences  or special rights of the Series A Special Stock
so as to affect them adversely  without the affirmative vote of the holders of a
majority or more of the  outstanding  shares of Series A Special  Stock,  voting
together as a single class.

         Section 11. Fractional Shares.  Series A Special Stock may be issued in
fractions of a share which,  shall  entitle the holder,  in  proportion  to such
holder's  fractional  shares,  to exercise  voting  rights,  receive  dividends,
participate  in  distributions  and to have the  benefit of all other  rights of
holders of Series A Special Stock.


                                     A-8



         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Certificate of Designations is executed on 
behalf of the Corporation by E. O. Robinson, Jr., its Senior Vice President and
General Counsel, this ____ day of February, 1997.




                                       ------------------------------
                                       E. O. Robinson, Jr.
                                       Senior Vice President
                                          and General Counsel







                                       A-9





                                                                     EXHIBIT B
                                                                     ---------



                           [Form of Right Certificate]

Certificate No. R-                                               ______ Rights


         NOT  EXERCISABLE  AFTER  OCTOBER  5,  2006  OR  EARLIER  IF  NOTICE  OF
         REDEMPTION OR EXCHANGE IS GIVEN OR IF THE COMPANY IS MERGED OR ACQUIRED
         PURSUANT TO AN AGREEMENT OF THE TYPE DESCRIBED IN SECTION 1.3(ii)(A)(4)
         OF THE RIGHTS AGREEMENT.  THE RIGHTS ARE SUBJECT TO REDEMPTION,  AT THE
         OPTION OF THE COMPANY, AT $0.01 PER RIGHT ON THE TERMS SET FORTH IN THE
         RIGHTS  AGREEMENT.  UNDER CERTAIN  CIRCUMSTANCES  (SPECIFIED IN SECTION
         11.1.2  OF THE  RIGHTS  AGREEMENT),  RIGHTS  BENEFICIALLY  OWNED  BY AN
         ACQUIRING  PERSON,  OR ITS AFFILIATES OR ASSOCIATES,  OR ANY SUBSEQUENT
         HOLDER OF SUCH RIGHTS MAY BECOME NULL AND VOID. [THE RIGHTS REPRESENTED
         BY THIS  CERTIFICATE  ARE HELD OR HAVE BEEN HELD BY A PERSON  WHO IS OR
         WAS AN  ACQUIRING  PERSON OR AN  ASSOCIATE OR AFFILIATE OF AN ACQUIRING
         PERSON OR A NOMINEE  THEREOF.  THIS  RIGHT  CERTIFICATE  AND THE RIGHTS
         REPRESENTED  HEREBY HAVE BECOME NULL AND VOID AS  SPECIFIED  IN SECTION
         11.1.2 OF THE RIGHTS AGREEMENT.]1

                                Right Certificate

                          HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

              This certifies that                , or registered assigns, is the
registered owner of the number of Rights set forth above, each of which entitles
the owner thereof, subject to  the  terms,  provisions  and  conditions  of  the
Rights  Agreement,  dated as of October 5, 1996, as the same may be amended from
time to  time (the "Rights Agreement"), between Harrah's Entertainment,  Inc., a
Delaware  corporation  (the  "Company"),  and  The  Bank of New York, a New York
corporation authorized to do a banking  business,  as Rights Agent (the  "Rights
Agent"),  to purchase from the Company at any time after the  Distribution  Date
and prior to  5:00 P.M.  (New York City time) on October 5, 2006, at the offices
of  the  Rights  Agent,  or its successors as Rights Agent,  designated for such
purpose, one two-hundredth  of  a  fully paid,  nonassessable  share of Series A
Special Stock, par value $1.125 per share (the "Special Shares") of the Company,
at a purchase  price of $130.00  per one two-hundredth  of a  share,  subject to
adjustment  (the "Purchase  Price"),  upon  presentation  and surrender  of this
Right  Certificate  with the 


- ------------------------------
1   The portion of the legend in brackets  shall be inserted  only if applicable
    and shall replace the preceding sentence.

                                      B-1



Form  of  Election  to  Purchase  and certification duly  executed  along with a
signature guarantee and such other and further documentation as the Rights Agent
may reasonably request. The number of Rights evidenced by this Right Certificate
(and the number of one two-hundredths of a Special  Share which may be purchased
upon  exercise thereof) set forth above, and the Purchase Price set forth above,
are the number and Purchase Price as of  October 5, 1996  based on  the  Special
Shares as constituted at such date.

                  Upon the occurrence certain events described in Section 11.1.2
of the Rights  Agreement,  if the Rights evidenced by this Right Certificate are
beneficially  owned by (i) an  Acquiring  Person or an Affiliate or Associate of
any such  Acquiring  Person,  (ii) a transferee  of any such  Acquiring  Person,
Associate or Affiliate,  or (iii) under certain  circumstances  specified in the
Rights Agreement,  a transferee of a person who, after such transfer,  became an
Acquiring  Person,  or an Affiliate or  Associate of an Acquiring  Person,  such
Rights shall become void,  and no holder hereof shall have any right to exercise
such Rights under any  provision of the Rights  Agreement or otherwise  from and
after the  occurrence  of such event  described in Section  11.1.2 of the Rights
Agreement.

                  Capitalized  terms  used in  this  Right  Certificate  without
definition shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Rights Agreement.  As
provided in the Rights Agreement,  the Purchase Price and the number and kind of
Special Shares or other  securities  which may be purchased upon the exercise of
the Rights  evidenced by this Right  Certificate are subject to modification and
adjustment upon the happening of certain events.

                  This  Right  Certificate  is  subject  to all  of  the  terms,
provisions and conditions of the Rights Agreement,  which terms,  provisions and
conditions  are hereby  incorporated  herein by reference and made a part hereof
and to which Rights Agreement reference is hereby made for a full description of
the rights, limitations of rights, obligations,  duties and immunities hereunder
of the Rights  Agent,  the Company  and the  holders of the Right  Certificates.
Copies of the  Rights  Agreement  are on file at the  principal  offices  of the
Company and the Rights Agent.

                  This  Right   Certificate,   with  or  without   other   Right
Certificates,  upon surrender at the offices of the Rights Agent  designated for
such  purpose  along  with a  signature  guarantee  and such  other and  further
documentation as the Rights Agent may reasonably  request,  may be exchanged for
another  Right  Certificate  or  Right  Certificates  of  like  tenor  and  date
evidencing  Rights  entitling the holder to purchase a like aggregate  number of
one two-hundredths  of  a  Special  Share as the  Rights  evidenced by the Right
Certificate  or Right  Certificates  surrendered shall have entitled such holder
to purchase.  If this Right Certificate shall be  exercised  in part, the holder
shall be entitled to receive upon surrender hereof another Right  Certificate or
Right  Certificates for the number of whole Rights not exercised.

                  Subject to the provisions of the Rights  Agreement,  the Board
of Directors may, at its option,  (i) redeem the Rights  evidenced by this Right
Certificate  at a  redemption  price of $0.01 per Right at any time prior to the
earlier of (A) the Shares  Acquisition Date or (B) the Final Expiration Date, or
(ii) exchange  Common Shares for the Rights  evidenced by this  Certificate,  in
whole or in part,  after the occurrence of a Trigger  Event.  In the event that,
pursuant to the last sentence of Section 1.1 of the Rights Agreement,  the Board
of  Directors   determines  that  a  Person  has  become  an  Acquiring   Person
inadvertently,  and such Person  divests  Common Shares in accordance  with such
sentence,  then the Company's  right of  redemption  shall be deemed to have not
expired as a result of such inadvertent 


                                      B-2



acquisition. Under certain circumstances set forth in the Rights  Agreement, the
decision to redeem shall require the concurrence of a majority of the Continuing
Directors.

                  No fractional  Special Shares will be issued upon the exercise
of any Right or Rights evidenced hereby (other than fractions which are integral
multiples of one two-hundredth of a Special Share, which may, at the election of
the Company,  be evidenced by depositary  receipts),  but in lieu thereof a cash
payment will be made, as provided in the Rights Agreement.

                  No  holder  of this  Right  Certificate,  as  such,  shall  be
entitled to vote or receive dividends or be deemed for any purpose the holder of
the Special  Shares or of any other  securities  of the Company which may at any
time be issuable on the exercise  hereof,  nor shall  anything  contained in the
Rights  Agreement or herein be construed  to confer upon the holder  hereof,  as
such, any of the rights of a stockholder of the Company or any right to vote for
the election of directors or upon any matter  submitted to  stockholders  at any
meeting thereof,  or to give or withhold consent to any corporate  action, or to
receive notice of meetings or other actions  affecting  stockholders  (except as
provided  in the Rights  Agreement),  or to receive  dividends  or  subscription
rights,  or  otherwise,  until  the  Right or  Rights  evidenced  by this  Right
Certificate shall have been exercised as provided in the Rights Agreement.

                  If any term, provision,  covenant or restriction of the Rights
Agreement is held by a court of competent  jurisdiction or other authority to be
invalid,  void  or  unenforceable,  the  remainder  of  the  terms,  provisions,
covenants and  restrictions  of the Rights  Agreement shall remain in full force
and effect and shall in no way be affected,  impaired or invalidated;  provided,
however, that notwithstanding anything in the Rights  Agreement to the contrary,
if any such  term,  provision,  covenant or restriction is held by such court or
authority to be invalid, void or  unenforceable  and the Board of  Directors  of
the  Company  determines  in its good faith  judgment  that severing the invalid
language from the Rights  Agreement would adversely affect the purpose or effect
of the Rights Agreement,  the Company's right of redemption  shall be reinstated
and shall not expire until the close of business on the tenth day  following the
date of such determination by the Board of Directors.

                  This Right  Certificate  shall not be valid or binding for any
purpose until it shall have been countersigned by the Rights Agent.


                                      B-3



                  WITNESS the facsimile signature of the proper officers
of the Company and its corporate seal.  Dated as of             .

Attest:                                HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT, INC.


By                                     By 
   ----------------------                 -------------------------
     Title:                                      Title:


Countersigned:

THE BANK OF NEW YORK


By
   ----------------------
     Authorized Signature










                                      B-4






                   [Form of Reverse Side of Right Certificate]

                               FORM OF ASSIGNMENT
                               ------------------

             (To be executed by the registered holder if such holder
                   desires to transfer the Right Certificate.)

FOR VALUE RECEIVED _______________________________________
hereby sells, assigns and transfers unto ______________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________


                         (Please print name and address
                                 of transferee)


this Right Certificate and the Rights evidenced thereby,  together with all
right, title and interest therein,  and does hereby  irrevocably  constitute and
appoint ____________ Attorney,  to transfer the within Right  Certificate on the
books of the within-named Company, with full power of substitution.

Dated:
       ----------------------



                                      
                                       ----------------------------
                                       Signature
Signature Guaranteed:


- -------------------------

     Signatures  must be  guaranteed  by a member firm of a registered  national
securities exchange, a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc., or a commercial bank or trust company having an office or correspondent in
the United States.









                                       B-5




- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The undersigned hereby certifies by checking the appropriate boxes that:

                  (1) the Rights evidenced by this Right Certificate [ ] are [ ]
are  not  beneficially  owned  by an  Acquiring  Person  or an  Affiliate  or an
Associate (as such terms are defined in the Rights Agreement) thereof; and

                  (2)  after  due  inquiry  and to  the  best  knowledge  of the
undersigned, the undersigned [ ] did [ ] did not acquire the Rights evidenced by
this Right  Certificate  from any Person who is, was or  subsequently  became an
Acquiring Person or an Affiliate or Associate thereof.

Dated:  
       ----------------------

                                      
                                      ----------------------------
                                              Signature
Signature Guaranteed:


- -------------------------

   Signatures  must be  guaranteed  by a member  firm of a  registered  national
securities exchange, a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc., or a commercial bank or trust company having an office or correspondent in
the United States.


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                     NOTICE
                                     ------

             The signature in the foregoing  Form of Assignment  must conform to
the name as written upon the face of this Right Certificate in every particular,
without alteration or enlargement or any change whatsoever.

             In the  event  the  certification  set  forth  above in the Form of
Assignment is not completed,  the Company will deem the beneficial  owner of the
Rights  evidenced  by this Right  Certificate  to be an  Acquiring  Person or an
Affiliate or Associate  hereof and, in the case of an  Assignment,  will affix a
legend to that  effect on any Right  Certificates  issued in  exchange  for this
Right Certificate.


                                      B-6





                          FORM OF ELECTION TO PURCHASE
                          ----------------------------

                      (To be executed if holder desires to
                       exercise Rights represented by the
                               Right Certificate.)

To: HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

             The   undersigned    hereby    irrevocably   elects   to   exercise
__________________  Rights represented by this Right Certificate to purchase the
Special  Shares  issuable  upon the  exercise  of such  Rights  (or  such  other
securities  of the Company or of any other Person which may be issuable upon the
exercise of the Rights) and requests that certificates for such shares be issued
in the name of:

Please insert social security
or other identifying number

- ------------------------------------------------------------
                (Please print name and address)

- ------------------------------------------------------------

If such  number of Rights  shall not be all the Rights  evidenced  by this Right
Certificate,  a new Right  Certificate for the balance  remaining of such Rights
shall be registered in the name of and delivered to:

Please insert social security
or other identifying number

- ------------------------------------------------------------
                (Please print name and address)

- ------------------------------------------------------------

Dated: 
      -----------------------

                                      
                                       ----------------------------
                                       Signature

Signature Guaranteed:


- -------------------------

             Signatures  must be  guaranteed  by a member  firm of a  registered
national securities exchange, a member of the National Association of Securities
Dealers,  Inc.,  or a  commercial  bank or trust  company  having  an  office or
correspondent in the United States.


                                   B-7



- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The undersigned hereby certifies by checking the appropriate boxes that:

                  (1) the Rights evidenced by this Right Certificate [ ] are [ ]
are  not  beneficially  owned  by an  Acquiring  Person  or an  Affiliate  or an
Associate thereof; and

                  (2)  after  due  inquiry  and to  the  best  knowledge  of the
undersigned, the undersigned [ ] did [ ] did not acquire the Rights evidenced by
this Right  Certificate  from any person who is, was or  subsequently  became an
Acquiring Person or an Affiliate or Associate thereof.

Dated: 
       ----------------------

                                      
                                       ----------------------------
                                       Signature

Signature Guaranteed:


- -------------------------

             Signatures  must be  guaranteed  by a member  firm of a  registered
national securities exchange, a member of the National Association of Securities
Dealers,  Inc.,  or a  commercial  bank or trust  company  having  an  office or
correspondent in the United States.


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                     NOTICE
                                     ------

             The  signature in the  foregoing  Form of Election to Purchase must
conform to the name as written upon the face of this Right  Certificate in every
particular, without alteration or enlargement or any change whatsoever.

             In the  event  the  certification  set  forth  above in the Form of
Election to  Purchase is not  completed,  the Company  will deem the  beneficial
owner of the Rights  evidenced  by this  Right  Certificate  to be an  Acquiring
Person or an Affiliate or Associate hereof.







                                     B-8



                                                                     Exhibit 4.3

                           CERTIFICATE OF ELIMINATION

                                       of

                             SERIES B SPECIAL STOCK

                                       of

                          HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

                         (Pursuant to Section 151 of the
                        Delaware General Corporation Law)

                          -----------------------------


    Harrah's Entertainment, Inc., a corporation organized and existing under the
General  Corporation  Law of the  State  of  Delaware  (hereinafter  called  the
"Corporation"),  hereby  certifies that the following  resolution was adopted by
the Board of  Directors  of the  Corporation  as  required by Section 151 of the
General Corporation Law at a meeting duly called and held on February 21, 1997.

    "RESOLVED, that pursuant to the authority granted to and vested in the Board
of Directors of this Corporation  (hereinafter called the "Board of Directors"),
the Board of Directors  hereby  certifies that none of the authorized  shares of
Series B Special Stock of the Corporation  (the "Special Stock") are outstanding
and that none of the  authorized  shares  of the  Special  Stock  will be issued
subject to the  Certificate of  Designation,  Preferences and Rights of Series B
Special Stock of the  Corporation  filed with the Secretary of State of Delaware
on February 5, 1990.

    RESOLVED,  FURTHER  that  upon  the  effective  date of the  filing  of this
Certificate  of  Elimination,  all  matters  set  forth  in the  Certificate  of
Designation, Preferences and Rights of Series B Special Stock of the Corporation
shall be eliminated  from the  Corporation's  Certificate of  Incorporation,  as
amended."





    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Certificate of Elimination is executed on behalf of
the Corporation by E. O. Robinson, Jr., its Senior Vice President and General 
Counsel, this 21st day of February, 1997.



                                       /s/ E. O. Robinson, Jr.
                                       ----------------------------
                                       E. O. Robinson, Jr.
                                       Senior Vice President
                                          and General Counsel




                                       2





                                                                     Exhibit 4.4


                           CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATIONS

                                       of

                             SERIES A SPECIAL STOCK

                                       of

                          HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

                         (Pursuant to Section 151 of the
                        Delaware General Corporation Law)

                          -----------------------------



    Harrah's Entertainment, Inc., a corporation organized and existing under the
General  Corporation  Law of the  State  of  Delaware  (hereinafter  called  the
"Corporation"),  hereby  certifies that the following  resolution was adopted by
the Board of  Directors  of the  Corporation  as  required by Section 151 of the
General Corporation Law at a meeting duly called and held on February 21, 1997.

    RESOLVED,  that pursuant to the authority granted to and vested in the Board
of Directors of this Corporation (hereinafter called the "Board of Directors" or
the  "Board")  in  accordance   with  the  provisions  of  the   Certificate  of
Incorporation,  the Board of Directors hereby creates a series of Special Stock,
par value $1.125 per share (the "Special Stock"),  of the Corporation and hereby
states the  designation  and number of shares,  and fixes the  relative  rights,
preferences, and limitations thereof as follows:

    Series A Special Stock:

    Section  1.  Designation  and  Amount.  The shares of such  series  shall be
designated  as "Series A Special  Stock" (the "Series A Special  Stock") and the
number of shares  constituting  the Series A Special  Stock  shall be  2,000,000
shares. Such number of shares may be increased or decreased by resolution of the
Board of Directors; provided, that no decrease shall reduce the number of shares
of  Series A Special  Stock to a number  less  than the  number  of shares  then
outstanding plus the number of shares reserved for issuance upon the exercise of
outstanding  options,   rights  or  warrants  or  upon  the  conversion  of  any
outstanding  securities  issued by the  Corporation  convertible  into  Series A
Special Stock.

    Section 2.  Dividends  and  Distributions.  (A) Subject to the rights of the
holders  of any shares of any series of  Special  Stock (or any  similar  stock)
ranking  prior and  superior  to the  Series A Special  Stock  with  respect  to
dividends, the holders of shares of Series A Special Stock, in preference to the
holders of Common Stock, par value $0.10 per share (the "Common Stock"),  of the
Corporation,  and of any other junior stock, shall be entitled to receive, when,
as and if declared by the Board of Directors out of funds legally  available for
the purpose,  quarterly  dividends  payable in cash on or about the first day of
February,  May,  August and November in each year (each such date being referred
to herein as a  "Quarterly  Dividend  Payment  Date"),  commencing  on the first
Quarterly  Dividend Payment Date after 

                                       1



the first issuance of a share or fraction of a share of Series A Special  
Stock,  in an amount per share  (rounded  to the nearest  cent) equal to the 
greater of (a) $1.00 or (b) subject to the provision for adjustment  
hereinafter set forth,  200 times the aggregate per share amount of all cash 
dividends,  and 200 times the aggregate per share amount (payable in kind) of 
all  non-cash  dividends or other  distributions  other than a dividend 
payable in shares of Common Stock or a subdivision of the outstanding  shares 
of Common Stock (by  reclassification  or otherwise),  declared on the Common 
Stock since the  immediately  preceding  Quarterly  Dividend  Payment  Date,  
or, with respect to the first Quarterly  Dividend  Payment Date, since the 
first issuance of any share or fraction of a share of Series A Special Stock. 
 In the event the Corporation shall at any time after the date on which the 
Special Stock Purchase Rights of the  Corporation  are declared by the Board 
of Directors  (the "Rights Declaration  Date")  declare or pay any dividend 
on the Common Stock  payable in shares of Common Stock, or effect a 
subdivision, combination or consolidation of the outstanding shares of Common 
Stock (by reclassification or otherwise than by payment of a dividend in 
shares of Common Stock) into a greater or lesser number of shares of Common 
Stock, then in each such case the amount to which holders of shares of Series 
A Special Stock were entitled  immediately  prior to such event under clause 
(b) of the preceding sentence shall be adjusted by multiplying such amount by 
a fraction,  the  numerator of which is the number of shares of Common Stock  
outstanding  immediately after such event and the denominator of which is the 
number of shares of Common Stock that were outstanding  immediately prior to 
such event.

    (B) The Corporation shall declare a dividend or distribution on the Series A
Special Stock as provided in paragraph  (A) of this Section 2 immediately  after
it  declares a  dividend  or  distribution  on the Common  Stock  (other  than a
dividend  payable in shares of Common  Stock);  provided  that,  in the event no
dividend or distribution shall have been declared on the Common Stock during the
period  between any  Quarterly  Dividend  Payment  Date and the next  subsequent
Quarterly  Dividend  Payment Date, a dividend of $1.00 per share on the Series A
Special  Stock  shall  nevertheless  be  payable  on such  subsequent  Quarterly
Dividend Payment Date.

    (C) Dividends shall begin to accrue and be cumulative on outstanding  shares
of  Series A  Special  Stock  from the  Quarterly  Dividend  Payment  Date  next
preceding the date of issue of such shares of Series A Special Stock, unless the
date of issue of such shares is prior to the record date for the first Quarterly
Dividend  Payment  Date,  in which case  dividends on such shares shall begin to
accrue from the date of issue of such  shares,  or unless the date of issue is a
Quarterly  Dividend  Payment  Date or is a date  after the  record  date for the
determination of holders of shares of Series A Special Stock entitled to receive
a quarterly  dividend and before such Quarterly Dividend Payment Date, in either
of which events such dividends shall begin to accrue and be cumulative from such
Quarterly  Dividend  Payment Date.  Accrued but unpaid  dividends shall not bear
interest.  Dividends  paid on the shares of Series A Special  Stock in an amount
less than the total amount of such  dividends at the time accrued and payable on
such shares shall be allocated pro rata on a share-by-share basis among all such
shares at the time outstanding. The Board of Directors may fix a record date for
the  determination  of holders of shares of Series A Special  Stock  entitled to
receive payment of a dividend or  distribution  declared  thereon,  which record
date  shall be not more than 60 days  prior to the date  fixed  for the  payment
thereof.

    Section 3.  Voting Rights. The holders of shares of Series A
Special Stock shall have the following voting rights:

             (A) Subject to the provision for adjustment  hereinafter set forth,
    each share of Series A Special Stock shall entitle the holder thereof to 200
    votes  on all  matters  submitted  to a  vote  of  the  stockholders  of the
    Corporation. In the event the Corporation shall at any time after the 

                                       2



    Rights Declaration  Date declare or pay any dividend on the Common Stock
    payable in shares of Common  Stock, or effect a subdivision, combination
    or consolidation of the outstanding shares of Common Stock (by
    reclassification or otherwise than by payment of a dividend in shares of
    Common Stock) into a greater or lesser number of shares of Common Stock,
    then in each such case the number of votes per share to which holders of
    shares of Series A Special Stock were entitled immediately prior to such
    event shall be adjusted by multiplying such number by a fraction the 
    numerator of which is the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding
    immediately after such event and the denominator of which is the number of
    shares  of  Common  Stock  that were outstanding immediately prior to such
    event.

             (B) Except as otherwise  provided herein,  in any other Certificate
    of Designations  creating a series of Special Stock or any similar stock, or
    by law,  the holders of shares of Series A Special  Stock and the holders of
    shares  of  Common  Stock  and any  other  series  or  class of stock of the
    Corporation  which may from time to time be accorded such voting right shall
    vote  together  as  one  class  on  all  matters  submitted  to  a  vote  of
    stockholders of the Corporation.

             (C) (i) If at any time  dividends  on any  Series A  Special  Stock
    shall  be in  arrears  in an  amount  equal to six (6)  quarterly  dividends
    thereon,  the occurrence of such  contingency  shall mark the beginning of a
    period (herein called a "default period") which shall extend until such time
    when all accrued and unpaid  dividends for all previous  quarterly  dividend
    periods  and for the  current  quarterly  dividend  period on all  shares of
    Series A Special Stock then outstanding shall have been declared and paid or
    set apart for payment.  During each default period,  the holders of Series A
    Special  Stock,  voting  as a class,  shall  have the right to elect two (2)
    Directors.

                      (ii) During any default  period,  such voting right of the
             holders of Series A Special  Stock may be exercised  initially at a
             special  meeting  called  pursuant  to  subparagraph  (iii) of this
             Section  3(C)  or  at  any  annual  meeting  of  stockholders,  and
             thereafter at annual meetings of  stockholders,  provided that such
             voting  right  shall not be  exercised  unless  the  holders of ten
             percent  (10%) in  number  of  shares  of  Series A  Special  Stock
             outstanding  shall be present in person or by proxy. The absence of
             a quorum of the  holders  of Common  Stock  shall  not  affect  the
             exercise  by the  holders of Series A Special  Stock of such voting
             right.  At any  meeting  at which the  holders  of Series A Special
             Stock shall exercise such voting right initially during an existing
             default  period,  they shall have the right,  voting as a class, to
             elect  Directors  to fill such  vacancies,  if any, in the Board of
             Directors  as may then  exist up to two (2)  Directors  or, if such
             right  is  exercised  at  an  annual  meeting,  to  elect  two  (2)
             Directors.  If the number  which may be so  elected at any  special
             meeting does not amount to the required number,  the holders of the
             Series A Special  Stock shall have the right to make such  increase
             in the  number of  Directors  as shall be  necessary  to permit the
             election by them of the required  number.  After the holders of the
             Series A Special  Stock shall have  exercised  their right to elect
             Directors in any default period and during the  continuance of such
             period, the number of Directors shall not be increased or decreased
             except by vote of the  holders of Series A Special  Stock as herein
             provided or pursuant to the rights of any equity securities ranking
             senior to or pari passu with the Series A Special Stock.

                      (iii) Unless the holders of Series A Special  Stock shall,
             during an existing default period, have previously  exercised their
             right to elect Directors,  the Board of

                                       3




             Directors may order, or any stockholder or  stockholders  owning in
             the aggregate not less than ten percent (10%) of the total number
             of shares of Series A Special  Stock  outstanding  may request, the
             calling of a special meeting of the  holders of Series A Special
             Stock,  which  meeting shall thereupon be called by the President,
             a Vice President or the Secretary  of the  Corporation.  Notice of
             such  meeting and of any annual  meeting  at which  holders  of
             Series A  Special  Stock are entitled to vote pursuant to this
             paragraph (C)(iii) shall be given to each  holder of record  of
             Series A Special  Stock by  mailing a copy of such notice to him at
             his last  address as the same appears on the books of the
             Corporation. Such meeting shall be called for a time not earlier
             than 20 days and not later than 60 days after such order or
             request or in  default  of the  calling  of such  meeting within 60
             days after such order or  request,  such  meeting  may be called on
             similar notice by any stockholder or stockholders  owning in the
             aggregate  not less  than ten  percent  (10%) of the  total number
             of shares of Series A Special Stock outstanding.  Notwithstanding
             the provisions of this paragraph (C)(iii), no such special meeting
             shall be called during the period within 60 days immediately
             preceding the date fixed for the next annual meeting of the
             stockholders.

                      (iv) In any default  period,  the holders of Common  Stock
             and other classes of stock of the Corporation if applicable,  shall
             continue  to be  entitled  to elect the whole  number of  Directors
             until the holders of Series A Special  Stock  shall have  exercised
             their right to elect two (2) Directors voting as a class, after the
             exercise of which right (x) the Directors so elected by the holders
             of Series A Special  Stock  shall  continue  in office  until their
             successors  shall have been  elected  by such  holders or until the
             expiration of the default period,  and (y) any vacancy in the Board
             of Directors may (except as provided in paragraph  (C)(iii) of this
             Section  3) be  filled  by  vote  of a  majority  of the  remaining
             Directors  theretofore  elected  by the  holders  of the  class  or
             classes of stock which elected the Director whose office shall have
             become  vacant.  References  in  this  paragraph  (C) to  Directors
             elected by the  holders of a  particular  class or classes of stock
             shall include Directors elected by such Directors to fill vacancies
             as provided in clause (y) of the foregoing sentence.

                      (v)  Immediately  upon the expiration of a default period,
             (x) the right of the  holders of Series A Special  Stock as a class
             to elect  Directors  shall  cease,  (y) the  term of any  Directors
             elected by the  holders of Series A Special  Stock as a class shall
             terminate,  and (z) the number of Directors shall be such number as
             may be provided for in the certificate of incorporation  or  bylaws
             irrespective  of any increase  made  pursuant to the  provisions of
             paragraph  (C)(ii) of this Section 3 (such  number  being  subject,
             however,  to change  thereafter in any manner provided by law or in
             the certificate of incorporation  or bylaws).  Any vacancies in the
             Board of Directors  effected by the  provisions  of clauses (y) and
             (z) in the  preceding  sentence  may be filled by a majority of the
             remaining Directors.

    (D) Except as set forth herein, or as otherwise  provided by law, holders of
Series A Special  Stock shall have no special  voting  rights and their  consent
shall not be  required  (except to the  extent  they are  entitled  to vote with
holders  of Common  Stock  and  other  classes  of stock of the  Corporation  if
applicable, as set forth herein) for taking any corporate action.

                                       4




    Section 4.  Certain  Restrictions.  (A) Subject to paragraph  (B),  whenever
quarterly dividends or other dividends or distributions  payable on the Series A
Special Stock as provided in Section 2 are in arrears,  thereafter and until all
accrued and unpaid  dividends and  distributions,  whether or not  declared,  on
shares of Series A Special Stock  outstanding  shall have been paid in full, the
Corporation shall not:

             (i) declare or pay dividends on, make any other  distributions  on,
    or redeem or purchase or otherwise  acquire for  consideration any shares of
    stock  ranking  junior   (either  as  to  dividends  or  upon   liquidation,
    dissolution or winding up) to the Series A Special Stock;

             (ii) declare or pay dividends on or make any other distributions on
    any shares of stock  ranking on a parity  (either  as to  dividends  or upon
    liquidation,  dissolution  or winding  up) with the Series A Special  Stock,
    except  dividends  paid  ratably on the Series A Special  Stock and all such
    parity stock on which  dividends  are payable or in arrears in proportion to
    the total amounts to which the holders of all such shares are then entitled;

             (iii)  redeem or purchase or  otherwise  acquire for  consideration
    shares of any stock  ranking  on a parity  (either as to  dividends  or upon
    liquidation,  dissolution  or winding  up) with the Series A Special  Stock,
    provided that the Corporation may at any time redeem,  purchase or otherwise
    acquire  shares of any such parity stock in exchange for shares of any stock
    of  the  Corporation   ranking  junior  (either  as  to  dividends  or  upon
    dissolution, liquidation or winding up) to the Series A Special Stock;

             (iv) purchase or otherwise  acquire for consideration any shares of
    Series A Special Stock,  or any shares of stock ranking on a parity with the
    Series A Special Stock,  except in accordance  with a purchase offer made in
    writing or by  publication  (as determined by the Board of Directors) to all
    holders  of such  shares  upon such terms as the Board of  Directors,  after
    consideration  of the  respective  annual  dividend rates and other relative
    rights and preferences of the respective series and classes, shall determine
    in good  faith  will  result  in fair  and  equitable  treatment  among  the
    respective series or classes.

    (B) The  provisions  of paragraph  (A) shall not apply to any  redemption of
Shares of any class or series of stock of the  Corporation  in  accordance  with
Section E of Article Fourth,  as amended,  of the  Corporation's  Certificate of
Incorporation.

    (C) The  Corporation  shall not permit any subsidiary of the  Corporation to
purchase  or  otherwise  acquire  for  consideration  any shares of stock of the
Corporation unless the Corporation could, under paragraph (A) of this Section 4,
purchase or otherwise acquire such shares at such time and in such manner.

    Section 5. Reacquired Shares. Any shares of Series A Special Stock purchased
or  otherwise  acquired by the  Corporation  in any manner  whatsoever  shall be
retired and cancelled  promptly after the acquisition  thereof.  All such shares
shall upon their  cancellation  become authorized but unissued shares of Special
Stock and may be reissued as part of a new series of Special Stock to be created
by  resolution  or  resolutions  of  the  Board  of  Directors,  subject  to the
conditions and restrictions on issuance set forth herein,  in the  Corporation's
Certificate  of  Incorporation,  or in any  other  Certificate  of  Designations
creating a series of Special Stock or any similar stock or as otherwise required
by law.

                                       5



    Section 6. Liquidation,  Dissolution or Winding Up. (A) Upon any 
liquidation (voluntary  or  otherwise),  dissolution  or winding up of the  
Corporation,  no distribution  shall be made to the  holders  of shares of 
stock  ranking  junior (either as to dividends or upon  liquidation,  
dissolution or winding up) to the Series A Special Stock unless,  prior 
thereto, the holders of shares of Series A Special  Stock  shall  have  
received  $200 per share,  plus an amount  equal to accrued and unpaid 
dividends and distributions thereon, whether or not declared, to the  date of 
such  payment  (the  "Liquidation  Preference").  Following  the payment  of  
the  full  amount  of the  Liquidation  Preference,  no  additional 
distributions  shall be made to the holders of shares of Series A Special  
Stock unless, prior thereto, the holders of shares of Common Stock shall have 
received an amount per share (the "Common  Adjustment") equal to the quotient 
obtained by dividing (i) the Liquidation  Preference by (ii) 200 (as  
appropriately  adjusted as set forth in subparagraph  (C) below to reflect 
such events as stock splits,  stock dividends and  recapitalizations  with 
respect to the Common Stock) (such number in clause (ii), the "Adjustment 
Number").  Following the payment of the full amount of the Liquidation  
Preference and the Common  Adjustment in respect of all outstanding shares of 
Series A Special  Stock and  Common  Stock,  respectively,  holders of Series 
A Special Stock and holders of shares of Common Stock shall receive their 
ratable and proportionate share of the remaining assets to be distributed in 
the ratio of the Adjustment  Number to 1 with respect to such Series A 
Special Stock and Common Stock, on a per share basis, respectively.

    (B) In the event, however, that there are not sufficient assets available 
to permit  payment  in  full of the  Liquidation  Preference  and  the  
liquidation preferences  of all other series of stock,  if any,  which rank 
on a parity with the Series A Special  Stock,  then such  remaining  assets 
shall be  distributed ratably to the holders of such parity shares in  
proportion to their  respective liquidation  preferences.  In the event,  
however, that there are not sufficient assets available to permit payment in 
full of the Common  Adjustment,  then such remaining assets shall be 
distributed ratably to the holders of Common Stock.

    (C) In the  event  the  Corporation  shall  at any  time  after  the  
Rights Declaration  Date  declare or pay any  dividend on the Common  Stock  
payable in shares of Common Stock, or effect a subdivision, combination or 
consolidation of the outstanding shares of Common Stock (by reclassification 
or otherwise than by payment of a dividend in shares of Common Stock) into a 
greater or lesser number of shares  of Common  Stock,  then in each  such 
case the  Adjustment  Number in effect  immediately  prior to such event 
shall be adjusted by  multiplying  such Adjustment Number by a fraction,  the 
numerator of which is the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding  
immediately after such event and the denominator of which is the number of 
shares of Common Stock that were outstanding  immediately prior to such event.

    Section 7.  Consolidation,  Merger, etc. In case the Corporation shall 
enter into any  consolidation,  merger,  combination or other transaction in 
which the shares  of  Common  Stock are  exchanged  for or  changed  into  
other  stock or securities,  cash and/or any other property, then in any such 
case each share of Series A Special Stock shall at the same time be similarly 
exchanged or changed into an amount per share,  subject to the provision for 
adjustment  hereinafter set forth,  equal to 200 times the aggregate amount 
of stock,  securities,  cash and/or any other property  (payable in kind),  
as the case may be, into which or for which each share of Common Stock is 
changed or  exchanged.  In the event the Corporation shall at any time after 
the Rights Declaration Date declare or pay any dividend on Common Stock  
payable in shares of Common  Stock, or effect a subdivision,  combination or 
consolidation of the outstanding shares of Common Stock (by  reclassification 
or otherwise than by payment of a dividend in shares of Common  Stock) into a 
greater or lesser  number of shares of Common Stock,  then in each such case 
the  amount set forth in the  preceding  sentence with respect to the 
exchange or change of shares of Series A Special Stock shall be adjusted by 
multiplying such amount by a fraction,  the numerator of which is the

                                       6




number of shares of Common Stock  outstanding  immediately  after such event 
and the  denominator  of which is the number of shares of Common Stock that 
were outstanding immediately prior to such event.

    Section  8.  Redemption.  The  shares  of Series A  Special  Stock  shall 
be redeemable  only in  accordance  with the  provisions  of  Section E of  
Article Fourth, as amended, of the Corporation's Certificate of Incorporation.

    Section 9.  Ranking.  The Series A Special  Stock  shall rank  junior to 
all other series of the  Corporation's  Preferred  Stock and Special Stock as 
to the payment of dividends  and the  distribution  of assets,  unless the 
terms of any such series shall provide otherwise.

    Section 10.  Amendment.  The Certificate of Incorporation of the 
Corporation shall not be amended in any manner  which would  materially  
alter or change the powers,  preferences  or special  rights of the Series A 
Special  Stock so as to affect them adversely  without the affirmative vote 
of the holders of a majority or more of the outstanding shares of Series A 
Special Stock,  voting together as a single class.

    Section  11.  Fractional  Shares.  Series A  Special  Stock may be issued 
in fractions of a share which,  shall  entitle the holder,  in  proportion  
to such holder's  fractional  shares,  to exercise  voting  rights,  receive  
dividends, participate  in  distributions  and to have the  benefit of all 
other  rights of holders of Series A Special Stock.









                                       7



     IN WITNESS WHEREOF,  this Certificate of Designations is executed on behalf
of the Corporation by E. O. Robinson, Jr., its Senior Vice President and General
Counsel, this 21st day of February, 1997.



                                      /s/ E. O. Robinson, Jr.
                                      ----------------------------
                                      E. O. Robinson, Jr.
                                      Senior Vice President
                                        and General Counsel










                                       8


                                                                    Exhibit 10.3


                                SECOND AMENDMENT
                                -----------------


                  SECOND AMENDMENT (this  "Amendment"),  dated as of October 15,
1996, among HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT, INC. ("Parent"), HARRAH'S OPERATING COMPANY,
INC.  (the  "Company"),   MARINA  ASSOCIATES  ("Marina"),  the  various  lending
institutions  party to the Credit  Agreements  referred to below (the  "Banks"),
BANKERS TRUST COMPANY, THE BANK OF NEW YORK, CIBC INC., CREDIT LYONNAIS, ATLANTA
AGENCY,  FIRST  INTERSTATE  BANK OF NEVADA,  N.A., THE LONG-TERM  CREDIT BANK OF
JAPAN, LIMITED, NEW YORK BRANCH,  NATIONSBANK OF GEORGIA, N.A., SOCIETE GENERALE
and THE SUMITOMO BANK, LIMITED,  NEW YORK BRANCH, as Agents (the "Agents"),  and
BANKERS TRUST COMPANY,  as Administrative  Agent (the  "Administrative  Agent").
Unless otherwise  defined herein,  all capitalized  terms used herein shall have
the respective  meanings  provided such terms in the 5-Year Credit  Agreement or
the 364-Day Credit Agreement, as the case may be, referred to below.

                              W I T N E S S E T H :
                               - - - - - - - - - -

                  WHEREAS,  Parent,  the Company,  Marina, the Banks, the Agents
and the  Administrative  Agent are  parties to an Amended  and  Restated  Credit
Agreement, dated as of July 22, 1993 and amended and restated as of June 9, 1995
(as  amended,  modified or  supplemented  through the date  hereof,  the "5-Year
Credit Agreement");

                  WHEREAS,  Parent,  the Company,  Marina, the Banks, the Agents
and the Administrative Agent are parties to a Credit Agreement, dated as of June
9, 1995 (as  amended,  modified or  supplemented  through the date  hereof,  the
"364-Day Credit  Agreement," and together with the 5-Year Credit Agreement,  the
"Credit Agreements");

                  WHEREAS, Harrah's Jazz was previously formed by Harrah's
New  Orleans  Investment  Company  ("HNOIC"),   an  indirect   Wholly-Owned
Subsidiary of Parent, New Orleans/ Louisiana  Development  Corporation ("NOLDC")
and Grand Palais Casino, Inc. ("GPCI");

                  WHEREAS,  Harrah's  Jazz was formed to  operate  the sole land
based casino in New Orleans, Louisiana (the "New Orleans Casino");

                  WHEREAS, Harrah's New Orleans Management Company
("Harrah's New Orleans"),  an indirect  Wholly-Owned  Subsidiary of Parent,
was retained by Harrah's Jazz to manage the New Orleans Casino;










                  WHEREAS, on November 22, 1995, Harrah's Jazz and Harrah's Jazz
Finance Corp.  ("Finance Corp", and together with Harrah's Jazz, the "Debtors"),
a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Harrah's Jazz, filed voluntary petitions for relief
under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy  Code (the "Harrah's Jazz  Bankruptcy  Case")
with the United  States  Bankruptcy  Court for the District of Delaware,  and on
November 30, 1995,  the Harrah's Jazz  Bankruptcy  Case was  transferred  to the
United  States  Bankruptcy  Court for the  Eastern  District of  Louisiana  (the
"Bankruptcy Court");

                  WHEREAS, on November 22, 1995, Harrah's Jazz suspended
construction of the New Orleans Casino;

                  WHEREAS,   since  the   commencement   of  the  Harrah's  Jazz
Bankruptcy Case, and pursuant to an order by the Bankruptcy Court, Harrah's Jazz
resumed construction to encapsulate and preserve the New Orleans Casino;

                  WHEREAS,  on  December  22,  1995,  HNOIC  filed  a  voluntary
bankruptcy  petition under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code with the Bankruptcy
Court;

                  WHEREAS,  as part of the Debtors' Joint Plan of Reorganization
under Chapter 11 of the  Bankruptcy  Code, as such Joint Plan of  Reorganization
may be amended from time to time (the  "Reorganization  Plan"), on the effective
date of the  Reorganization  Plan (the "Plan Effective Date"), all of the assets
and  business  of the  Debtors  will  vest in  Jazz  Casino  Corporation  ("Jazz
Casino"),   a  Delaware   corporation  to  be  formed  in  connection  with  the
Reorganization Plan;

                  WHEREAS, Jazz Casino will be a direct Wholly-Owned  Subsidiary
of JCC Intermediary Company ("JCC Intermediary"), which in turn will be a direct
Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of JCC Holding Company ("JCC Holding");

                  WHEREAS,  as part of the Reorganization  Plan, Parent (through
an indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiary), the shareholders of NOLDC, the bondholders
of GPCI and certain  holders of Harrah's Jazz's and Finance Corp's 14-1/4% First
Mortgage Notes 2001 (the  "Bondholders") who have executed certain releases will
receive, in the aggregate, 49.9% of the common stock of JCC Holding;

                  WHEREAS,  as part of the Reorganization  Plan, the Bondholders
will receive the remaining 50.1% of the common stock of JCC Holding;






                                       -2-









                  WHEREAS, as part of the Reorganization  Plan, Jazz Casino will
finish the  completion of  construction  of the New Orleans Casino through (i) a
construction and working capital credit facility (the "Jazz Casino  Construction
Credit Facility") in an amount not to exceed the difference between $215,000,000
and the  aggregate  principal  amount  of  Jazz  Casino  Loans  (as  defined  in
succeeding  clause  (ii)) made to Jazz  Casino,  (ii)  loans  (the "Jazz  Casino
Loans") made to Jazz Casino (other than as part of the Jazz Casino  Construction
Credit  Facility)  by Parent  and/or its  Subsidiaries  or by a third  party and
guaranteed by Parent and/or the Company  (such  guaranty,  the "Jazz Casino Loan
Guaranty"),  provided  that the  aggregate  amount of Jazz Casino  Loans made by
Parent  and its  Subsidiaries,  when  added to the  amount  of the  Jazz  Casino
Construction  Credit  Facility and the amount of the Jazz Casino Loan  Guaranty,
shall not exceed $215,000,000,  and (iii) an equity investment made by Parent or
a  Subsidiary  thereof  in an  amount  not  to  exceed  the  difference  between
$75,000,000 and the aggregate amount of Harrah's Jazz Investments made in excess
of $130,500,000;

                  WHEREAS,  as part of the Reorganization  Plan, the Bondholders
will receive,  inter alia, (i) $187,500,000 in aggregate  principal of 8% Senior
Subordinated Notes due 2007 issued by Jazz Casino (the "New Senior  Subordinated
Bonds") and (ii) a pro rata share of Senior  Subordinated  Contingent  Notes due
2007 issued by Jazz Casino (the "New  Contingent  Bonds") on which all  payments
will be contingent based on a percentage of Jazz Casino's earnings;

                  WHEREAS,  as part of the  Reorganization  Plan,  Harrah's  New
Orleans will manage the New Orleans Casino;

                  WHEREAS,  as part of the Reorganization Plan and in connection
with the completion of the New Orleans  Casino,  (i) Parent and the Company will
enter  into one or more  completion  guaranties  (the  "Jazz  Casino  Completion
Guaranties")  in favor of the  lenders  to Jazz  Casino  under  the Jazz  Casino
Construction Credit Facility, the City of New Orleans, the Rivergate Development
Corporation,  the Louisiana  Gaming Control Board (as successor to the Louisiana
Economic  Development  and Gaming  Corporation),  the  holders of the New Senior
Subordinated  Bonds and the holders of the New Contingent  Bonds and (ii) Parent
and/or the Company will enter into certain indemnity arrangements with the title
insurance companies providing the title insurance for the New Orleans Casino and
with the provider of a surety bond (the "Jazz Casino Surety Bond") in connection
with the  completion of the  construction  of the New Orleans  Casino (the "Jazz
Casino Indemnity Arrangements");






                                       -3-









                  WHEREAS,  in the event that Parent and/or the Company make any
payments  under the Jazz Casino  Completion  Guaranties or under the Jazz Casino
Indemnity  Arrangements,  such payments may be characterized as additional loans
or advances  made by Parent  and/or the Company to Jazz Casino (the "Jazz Casino
Completion Obligation Loans");

                  WHEREAS,  in  connection  with  the Jazz  Casino  Construction
Credit  Facility,  Parent and/or the Company may be required to provide  certain
additional  credit support for the Jazz Casino  Construction  Credit Facility in
the  form  of one or  more  additional  guaranties,  put  agreements,  keep-well
agreements and/or other similar credit support in favor of the lenders under the
Jazz Casino Construction Credit Facility (the "Jazz Casino Bank Guaranties");

                  WHEREAS,  the parties hereto wish to permit certain additional
Investments  by Parent and its  Subsidiaries  in, to or for the  benefit of, JCC
Holding and its Subsidiaries under the Credit Agreements as herein provided; and

                  WHEREAS,  the parties  hereto also wish to amend and/or modify
certain  provisions of the Credit  Agreements  to, inter alia,  (i) increase the
Total  Revolving  Loan  Commitment  under the 5-Year  Credit  Agreement by up to
$350,000,000,  (ii) permit the Company to redeem the 10-7/8% Senior Subordinated
Notes  and/or the 8-3/4%  Senior  Subordinated  Notes,  (iii)  permit  Parent to
repurchase up to  $200,000,000  of its common stock  through  December 31, 1997,
(iv) increase the initial  Applicable  Margin under the 5-Year Credit Agreement,
(v) increase the amount of other Investments permitted to be made by the Company
and its Subsidiaries and (vi) modify the financial  covenants set forth therein,
in each case as herein provided;

                  NOW, THEREFORE, it is agreed:

                  1.       Section 6.04 of the 5-Year Credit Agreement is
hereby deleted in its entirety and the following new Section 6.04
is inserted in lieu thereof:

                  "Section 6.04. Additional Conditions to Certain Credit Events.
         (a) If at any time after the Second Amendment  Effective Date and prior
         to the repayment in full of the 8- 3/4% Senior  Subordinated Notes, the
         Total  Outstandings  are  reduced  to an  amount  which  is  less  than
         $375,000,000,  then as a condition  precedent to any Credit Event which
         would  cause  the  Total   Outstandings  to  exceed  the  8-3/4  Lowest
         Outstanding  Amount  then in  effect  by more  than  $575,000,000,  the
         Company




                                       -4-









         shall have first delivered to the  Administrative  Agent a satisfactory
         (to the  Administrative  Agent) legal  opinion and  certificate  of its
         Chief  Financial  Officer,  Treasurer or  Controller,  each in form and
         scope  satisfactory  to  the  Administrative  Agent,  demonstrating  in
         reasonable  detail  that  such  Credit  Event may be  incurred  without
         violating the terms of the 8-3/4% Senior Subordinated Notes Indenture.

                  (b) If at any time after the Second  Amendment  Effective Date
         and prior to the repayment in full of the 10-7/8%  Senior  Subordinated
         Notes,  the Total  Outstandings  are reduced to an amount which is less
         than  $182,000,000,  then as a condition  precedent to any Credit Event
         which would cause the Total  Outstandings  to exceed the 10-7/8  Lowest
         Outstanding  Amount  then in  effect  by more  than  $768,000,000,  the
         Company  shall  have  first  delivered  to the  Administrative  Agent a
         satisfactory   (to  the   Administrative   Agent)  legal   opinion  and
         certificate of its Chief  Financial  Officer,  Treasurer or Controller,
         each  in form  and  scope  satisfactory  to the  Administrative  Agent,
         demonstrating  in  reasonable  detail  that  such  Credit  Event may be
         incurred without violating the terms of the 10-7/8% Senior Subordinated
         Notes Indenture."

                  2.       Section 5 of the 364-Day Credit Agreement is hereby
amended by inserting the following new Section 5.04 immediately
after Section 5.03 thereof:

                  "Section 5.04.  Additional Conditions to Loans. If at any time
         after the Second Amendment Effective Date and prior to the repayment in
         full of the 8-3/4%  Senior  Subordinated  Notes and the 10-7/8%  Senior
         Subordinated  Notes any Borrower desires to incur any Loans,  then as a
         condition  precedent to the incurrence of such Loans, the Company shall
         have first delivered to the Administrative Agent a satisfactory (to the
         Administrative  Agent)  legal  opinion  and  certificate  of its  Chief
         Financial  Officer,  Treasurer  of  Controller,  each in form and scope
         satisfactory to the Administrative  Agent,  demonstrating in reasonable
         detail that such Loans may be incurred  without  violating the terms of
         the 8-3/4% Senior  Subordinated  Notes Indenture and the 10-7/8% Senior
         Subordinated Notes Indenture.

                  3.  Section  9.03 of the  5-Year  Credit  Agreement  is hereby
amended by (i)  deleting  the text  "clauses  (v) and (vi)" each place such text
appears in clause (iv) thereof and  inserting  the text  "clauses  (v), (vi) and
(x)" in lieu thereof in each such place,  (ii) deleting the word "and" appearing
at the end of clause





                                       -5-









(viii)  thereof,  (iii) deleting the period  appearing at the end of clause (ix)
thereof and inserting "; and" in lieu thereof,  and (iv) inserting the following
new clause (x) at the end thereof:

                  "(x) so long as no  Default or Event of  Default  shall  exist
         (both before and after giving  effect to the payment  thereof),  at any
         time (and from time to time) on or prior to December 31,  1997,  Parent
         may purchase,  redeem or otherwise  acquire  outstanding  shares of its
         common stock in an aggregate amount not to exceed $200,000,000 less the
         aggregate  amount of  Dividends  paid  pursuant  to clause  (v) of this
         Section  9.03 on or after  October 15, 1996 and on or prior to December
         31, 1997."

                  4.  Section  8.03 of the 364-Day  Credit  Agreement  is hereby
amended by (i)  deleting  the text  "clauses  (v) and (vi)" each place such text
appears in clause (iv) thereof and  inserting  the text  "clauses  (v), (vi) and
(x)" in lieu thereof in each such place,  (ii) deleting the word "and" appearing
at the end of clause (viii) thereof,  (iii) deleting the period appearing at the
end of clause  (ix)  thereof and  inserting  "; and" in lieu  thereof,  and (iv)
inserting the following new clause (x) at the end thereof:

                  "(x) so long as no  Default or Event of  Default  shall  exist
         (both before and after giving  effect to the payment  thereof),  at any
         time (and from time to time) on or prior to December 31,  1997,  Parent
         may purchase,  redeem or otherwise  acquire  outstanding  shares of its
         common stock in an aggregate amount not to exceed $200,000,000 less the
         aggregate  amount of any Dividends  paid pursuant to clause (v) of this
         Section  8.03 on or after  October 15, 1996 and on or prior to December
         31, 1997."

                  5.  Section  9.04 of the  5-Year  Credit  Agreement  is hereby
amended by (i)  deleting  clauses (xi) and (xii)  thereof in their  entirety and
inserting the following new clauses (xi) and (xii) in lieu thereof:

                  "(xi)  Additional  Unsecured  Senior  Debt of the  Company and
         Subordinated  Debt  of  the  Company  (which,  in  each  case,  may  be
         guaranteed on a like basis by Parent) not otherwise  outstanding on the
         Second Amendment Effective Date so long as (i) the terms and conditions
         of  any  such  Subordinated  Debt  (including,   but  not  limited  to,
         subordination  provisions) are no more favorable to the holders of such
         Subordinated   Debt  than  those  set  forth  in  the   8-3/4%   Senior
         Subordinated  Notes Indenture or the 10-7/8% Senior  Subordinated Notes
         Indenture  (provided that the  indebtedness  covenant  contained in any
         such




                                       -6-









         issue of Subordinated Debt shall have sufficient  availability (without
         relying on any  incurrence  ratios) to justify  the full  amount of the
         Total  Revolving Loan  Commitment and the Total 364-Day  Revolving Loan
         Commitment,  in each case as such commitments are in effect at the time
         of the issuance of such  Subordinated  Debt), (ii) if such Subordinated
         Debt  (or  any  portion  thereof)   constitutes   Permitted  Designated
         Indebtedness,  the Total Revolving Loan Commitment  shall be reduced as
         required by Section 3.03(d), (iii) the terms and conditions of any such
         Additional  Unsecured  Senior  Debt (x) do not  contain  any  financial
         maintenance or capital  expenditure  covenants or defaults,  (y) do not
         have any mandatory  repayment,  prepayment,  redemption,  sinking fund,
         amortization  or maturity  prior to the date that is one year after the
         Final  Maturity  Date (other  than an option of the holders  thereof to
         require the Company to repurchase such Additional Unsecured Senior Debt
         upon a change of control  thereunder)  and (z) are no more favorable to
         the  holders of such  Additional  Unsecured  Senior Debt than those set
         forth  in this  Agreement  (provided  that  the  indebtedness  covenant
         contained in any such issue of Additional  Unsecured  Senior Debt shall
         have sufficient availability (without relying on any incurrence ratios)
         to justify the full amount of the Total  Revolving Loan  Commitment and
         the  Total  364-Day  Revolving  Loan  Commitment,  in each case as such
         commitments  are  in  effect  at  the  time  of the  issuance  of  such
         Additional  Unsecured Senior Debt),  (iv) no more than  $425,000,000 of
         Additional  Unsecured  Senior  Debt may be  incurred  pursuant  to this
         clause  (xi)  and (v) the  proceeds  of any such  Additional  Unsecured
         Senior  Debt  are  concurrently   used  only  to  refinance  or  redeem
         outstanding 10-7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes and/or outstanding 8-3/4%
         Senior Subordinated Notes and to pay any premiums and transaction costs
         associated   therewith   (including  any   underwriting   or  placement
         commissions or discounts and legal fees and expenses);

                  (xii)  Parent  and  its   Subsidiaries  may  guarantee  on  an
         unsecured basis obligations of Specified  Subsidiaries,  Joint Ventures
         and  parties  to  management   agreements   with  the  Company  or  its
         Subsidiaries or with such Joint Ventures,  in each case with respect to
         the  development  of  Gaming  Property  in  an  amount  not  to  exceed
         $150,000,000  at any one time  outstanding  for any  individual  Gaming
         Property  and  $425,000,000  at any one time  outstanding  for all such
         Gaming Properties, provided that (i) the aggregate limitation set forth
         above shall be (A) increased (or decreased if  Consolidated  Net Income
         is  negative)  on the  first  day of each  fiscal  year of the  Company
         commencing  on January  1, 1996 by an amount  equal to 50% (or 100% for
         each




                                       -7-









         fiscal  year for which  Consolidated  Net  Income is  negative)  of the
         Consolidated  Net  Income  for the  fiscal  year  last  ended,  and (B)
         decreased  from  time to time by the  amount of  Dividends  paid by the
         Company to Parent  pursuant to Section  9.03(iv)  (other than Dividends
         the  proceeds of which are used by Parent to  repurchase  shares of its
         common stock pursuant to Section  9.03(x)) on and after the Restatement
         Effective  Date and  prior to the  date of  determination  and (ii) the
         aggregate  amount of guarantees  permitted to be  outstanding by Parent
         and its  Subsidiaries  pursuant  to this  Section  9.04(xii)  shall  be
         reduced by the amount of Investments outstanding pursuant to clause (i)
         of the proviso to Section 9.05;",

(ii) deleting the word "and" appearing at the end of clause (xiv) thereof, (iii)
deleting the period appearing at the end of clause (xv) thereof and inserting ";
and" in lieu thereof and (iv)  inserting  the  following new clause (xvi) at the
end thereof:

                  "(xvi) on and  after  the Jazz  Casino  Trigger  Date,  Parent
         and/or  the  Company   may  enter  into  the  Jazz  Casino   Completion
         Guaranties,  the Jazz  Casino  Bank  Guaranties,  the Jazz  Casino Loan
         Guaranty and the Jazz Casino  Indemnity  Arrangements and perform their
         respective obligations thereunder."

                  6.  Section  8.04 of the 364-Day  Credit  Agreement  is hereby
amended by (i)  deleting  clauses (xi) and (xii)  thereof in their  entirety and
inserting the following new clauses (xi) and (xii) in lieu thereof:

                  "(xi)  Additional  Unsecured  Senior  Debt of the  Company and
         Subordinated  Debt  of  the  Company  (which,  in  each  case,  may  be
         guaranteed on a like basis by Parent) not otherwise  outstanding on the
         Second Amendment Effective Date so long as (i) the terms and conditions
         of  any  such  Subordinated  Debt  (including,   but  not  limited  to,
         subordination  provisions) are no more favorable to the holders of such
         Subordinated   Debt  than  those  set  forth  in  the   8-3/4%   Senior
         Subordinated  Notes Indenture or the 10-7/8% Senior  Subordinated Notes
         Indenture  (provided that the  indebtedness  covenant  contained in any
         such issue of  Subordinated  Debt shall  have  sufficient  availability
         (without  relying on any incurrence  ratios) to justify the full amount
         of the Total  Revolving Loan Commitment and the Total 5- Year Revolving
         Loan Commitment,  in each case as such commitments are in effect at the
         time  of  the  issuance  of  such  Subordinated  Debt),  (ii)  if  such
         Subordinated  Debt  (or  any  portion  thereof)  constitutes  Permitted
         Designated  Indebtedness,  the Total Revolving Loan Commitment shall be
         reduced as required by Section 2.03(c), (iii) the terms and conditions




                                       -8-









         of any such  Additional  Unsecured  Senior  Debt (x) do not contain any
         financial maintenance or capital expenditure covenants or defaults, (y)
         do not have any mandatory repayment,  prepayment,  redemption,  sinking
         fund, amortization or maturity prior to the date that is one year after
         the Final  Maturity  Date (as defined in the 5-Year  Credit  Agreement)
         (other than an option of the holders  thereof to require the Company to
         repurchase  such  Additional  Unsecured  Senior  Debt  upon a change of
         control  thereunder)  and (z) are no more  favorable  to the holders of
         such  Additional  Unsecured  Senior  Debt than  those set forth in this
         Agreement  (provided that the  indebtedness  covenant  contained in any
         such issue of Additional  Unsecured  Senior Debt shall have  sufficient
         availability  (without relying on any incurrence ratios) to justify the
         full amount of the Total Revolving Loan Commitment and the Total 5-Year
         Revolving  Loan  Commitment,  in each case as such  commitments  are in
         effect at the time of the issuance of such Additional  Unsecured Senior
         Debt),  (vi) no more than  $425,000,000 of Additional  Unsecured Senior
         Debt may be incurred  pursuant to this clause (xi) and (v) the proceeds
         of any such Additional Unsecured Senior Debt are concurrently used only
         to refinance or redeem  outstanding  10-7/8% Senior  Subordinated Notes
         and/or  outstanding  8-3/4%  Senior  Subordinated  Notes and to pay any
         premiums and  transaction  costs  associated  therewith  (including any
         underwriting  or placement  commissions or discounts and legal fees and
         expenses);

                  (xii)  Parent  and  its   Subsidiaries  may  guarantee  on  an
         unsecured basis obligations of Specified  Subsidiaries,  Joint Ventures
         and  parties  to  management   agreements   with  the  Company  or  its
         Subsidiaries or with such Joint Ventures,  in each case with respect to
         the  development  of  Gaming  Property  in  an  amount  not  to  exceed
         $150,000,000  at any one time  outstanding  for any  individual  Gaming
         Property  and  $425,000,000  at any one time  outstanding  for all such
         Gaming Properties, provided that (i) the aggregate limitation set forth
         above shall be (A) increased (or decreased if  Consolidated  Net Income
         is  negative)  on the  first  day of each  fiscal  year of the  Company
         commencing  on January  1, 1996 by an amount  equal to 50% (or 100% for
         each fiscal year for which  Consolidated Net Income is negative) of the
         Consolidated  Net  Income  for the  fiscal  year  last  ended,  and (B)
         decreased  from  time to time by the  amount of  Dividends  paid by the
         Company to Parent  pursuant to Section  8.03(iv)  (other than Dividends
         the  proceeds of which are used by Parent to  repurchase  shares of its
         common stock pursuant to Section  8.03(x)) on and after the Restatement
         Effective  Date and  prior to the  date of  determination  and (ii) the
         aggregate amount of




                                       -9-









         guarantees  permitted to be outstanding by Parent and its  Subsidiaries
         pursuant to this  Section  8.04(xii)  shall be reduced by the amount of
         Investments  outstanding  pursuant  to  clause  (i) of the  proviso  to
         Section 8.05;",

(ii)  deleting the number  "$600,000,000"  appearing in clause (xiv) thereof and
inserting the number  "$950,000,000"  in lieu thereof,  (iii)  deleting the word
"and"  appearing at the end of clause (xiv)  thereof,  (iv)  deleting the period
appearing  at the end of  clause  (xv)  thereof  and  inserting  "; and" in lieu
thereof and (v) inserting the following new clause (xvi) at the end thereof:

                  "(xvi) on and  after  the Jazz  Casino  Trigger  Date,  Parent
         and/or  the  Company   may  enter  into  the  Jazz  Casino   Completion
         Guaranties,  the Jazz  Casino  Bank  Guaranties,  the Jazz  Casino Loan
         Guaranty and the Jazz Casino  Indemnity  Arrangements and perform their
         respective obligations thereunder."

                  7.       Section 9.05 of the 5-Year Credit Agreement is
hereby deleted in its entirety and the following new Section 9.05
is inserted in lieu thereof:

                  "9.05 Advances,  Investments  and Loans.  Parent will not, and
         will not permit any of its  Subsidiaries  to,  directly or  indirectly,
         lend money or credit or make  advances  to any  Person,  or purchase or
         acquire any stock,  obligations or securities of, or any other interest
         in,  or  make  any   capital   contribution   to,   any  other   Person
         (collectively,  "Investments")  other than  Investments in the ordinary
         course  of  business,  Subsidiary  Investments  and  other  Investments
         existing on the Restatement Effective Date, provided that:

                           (i)  Investments  other than  Subsidiary  Investments
                  shall not be made with respect to the development or operation
                  of Gaming  Properties or in connection with Gaming  Businesses
                  (and reasonable  extensions thereof),  except that Investments
                  in any  Joint  Venture  relating  to the  Gaming  Business  or
                  Investments  in  parties  to  management  agreements  with the
                  Company or its  Subsidiaries or such Joint Ventures for gaming
                  projects may be made so long as the aggregate  amount  thereof
                  does  not  exceed  $150,000,000  at any one  time  outstanding
                  (determined without regard to any write-downs or write-offs of
                  such Investments) for any individual Gaming Business or gaming
                  project   or   $425,000,000   at  any  one  time   outstanding
                  (determined without regard to any write-downs or write-offs of
                  such  Investments)  for all such Gaming  Businesses and gaming
                  projects, provided that (x) the aggregate




                                      -10-









                  limitation   set  forth  above  shall  be  (A)  increased  (or
                  decreased if Consolidated Net Income is negative) on the first
                  day of each fiscal year of the Company  commencing  on January
                  1,  1996 by an  amount  equal to 50% (or 100% for each  fiscal
                  year for which  Consolidated  Net Income is  negative)  of the
                  Consolidated Net Income for the fiscal year last ended and (B)
                  decreased from time to time by the amount of Dividends paid by
                  the Company to Parent pursuant to Section 9.03(iv) (other than
                  Dividends  the  proceeds  of which are to be used by Parent to
                  repurchase  shares of its  common  stock  pursuant  to Section
                  9.03(x)) on and after the Restatement  Effective Date, (y) the
                  aggregate  amount  of such  Investments  permitted  to be made
                  pursuant  to this  Section  9.05(i)  shall be  reduced  by the
                  aggregate amount of guarantees outstanding pursuant to Section
                  9.04(xii)  and (z)  Investments  in, to or for the  benefit of
                  Harrah's  Jazz and its  Subsidiaries  and JCC  Holding and its
                  Subsidiaries  shall not be  permitted  to be made  pursuant to
                  this Section 9.05(i), provided that, after Phase I (under, and
                  as defined in, Harrah's Jazz's Second Amended Joint Disclosure
                  Statement,  dated  August  28,  1996 (as in effect on the date
                  hereof)) has been completed,  up to $25,000,000 of Investments
                  in, to or for the benefit of JCC Holding and its  Subsidiaries
                  may be made pursuant to this Section 9.05(i);

                           (ii)   Investments    constituting    Harrah's   Jazz
                  Investments  shall be  permitted,  provided that the aggregate
                  amount of all such  Investments  (other than in respect of the
                  Harrah's Jazz Completion  Obligation  Loans, the Harrah's Jazz
                  Title Indemnity  Arrangements and the Harrah's Jazz Completion
                  Guaranties),   whether   made   prior  to,  on  or  after  the
                  Restatement  Effective  Date,  shall not exceed  $175,000,000,
                  provided  further,   that  (x)  no  part  of  the  Investments
                  permitted by this clause (ii) may be used to make  Investments
                  in, to or for the benefit of, JCC Holding and its Subsidiaries
                  and (y) on and after the Jazz Casino Trigger Date,  Parent and
                  its  Subsidiaries  may not make any  additional  Harrah's Jazz
                  Investments;

                           (iii) on and  after  the Jazz  Casino  Trigger  Date,
                  Parent  and/or  the  Company  may enter  into the Jazz  Casino
                  Completion  Guaranties,  the Jazz Casino Bank Guaranties,  the
                  Jazz  Casino  Loan  Guaranty  and the  Jazz  Casino  Indemnity
                  Arrangements   and  perform   their   respective   obligations
                  thereunder,  and  make (or be  deemed  to  make)  Jazz  Casino
                  Completion Obligation Loans to Jazz Casino as a result of such
                  performance; and




                                      -11-









                           (iv) on and  after  the  Jazz  Casino  Trigger  Date,
                  Parent and its  Subsidiaries may make the Jazz Casino Loans to
                  Jazz Casino and may make additional  Investments in, to or for
                  the  benefit  of,  JCC  Holding  and  its  Subsidiaries  in an
                  aggregate   amount  not  to  exceed  the   remainder   of  (x)
                  $75,000,000  less (y) the  aggregate  amount of Harrah's  Jazz
                  Investments  made by Parent and/or its  Subsidiaries in excess
                  of $130,500,000.

                  Notwithstanding  (x) the foregoing  provisions of this Section
         9.05,  Investments in the ordinary course of business shall not include
         the  purchases of (i) Margin Stock and (ii)  non-investment  grade debt
         securities of any Person, it being understood and agreed, however, that
         in  connection  with any  Investment in a Joint Venture as permitted by
         Section 9.05(i) above or in connection  with any Subsidiary  Investment
         made in a  Subsidiary  acquired or created  after March 31,  1996,  the
         Company may, subject to Section 7.08(b),  make an Investment consisting
         of Margin Stock or  non-investment  grade debt securities of such Joint
         Venture or such  Subsidiary,  as the case may be, and (y) the foregoing
         provisions of this Section 9.05 or Section 9.04,  (A) in no event shall
         the aggregate  amount of the Jazz Casino  Construction  Credit Facility
         plus the  aggregate  amount of Jazz Casino Loans made by Parent and its
         Subsidiaries  plus the amount of the Jazz Casino Loan  Guaranty  exceed
         $215,000,000   (with  such  amount  to  be  reduced  by  any  permanent
         reductions in the Jazz Casino  Construction  Credit Facility and/or any
         Jazz Casino's Loans  theretofore made (whether or not made by Parent or
         any of its  Subsidiaries)) and (B) the terms and conditions of the Jazz
         Casino Surety Bond shall be in form and substance  satisfactory  to the
         Administrative Agent."

                  8.       Section 8.05 of the 364-Day Credit Agreement is
hereby deleted in its entirety and the following new Section 8.05
is inserted in lieu thereof:

                  "8.05 Advances,  Investments  and Loans.  Parent will not, and
         will not permit any of its  Subsidiaries  to,  directly or  indirectly,
         lend money or credit or make  advances  to any  Person,  or purchase or
         acquire any stock,  obligations or securities of, or any other interest
         in,  or  make  any   capital   contribution   to,   any  other   Person
         (collectively,  "Investments")  other than  Investments in the ordinary
         course  of  business,  Subsidiary  Investments  and  other  Investments
         existing on the Restatement Effective Date, provided that:






                                      -12-









                           (i)  Investments  other than  Subsidiary  Investments
                  shall not be made with respect to the development or operation
                  of Gaming  Properties or in connection with Gaming  Businesses
                  (and reasonable  extensions thereof),  except that Investments
                  in any  Joint  Venture  relating  to the  Gaming  Business  or
                  Investments  in  parties  to  management  agreements  with the
                  Company or its  Subsidiaries or such Joint Ventures for gaming
                  projects may be made so long as the aggregate  amount  thereof
                  does  not  exceed  $150,000,000  at any one  time  outstanding
                  (determined without regard to any write-downs or write-offs of
                  such Investments) for any individual Gaming Business or gaming
                  project   or   $425,000,000   at  any  one  time   outstanding
                  (determined without regard to any write-downs or write-offs of
                  such  Investments)  for all such Gaming  Businesses and gaming
                  projects, provided that (x) the aggregate limitation set forth
                  above shall be (A) increased (or decreased if Consolidated Net
                  Income is  negative)  on the first day of each  fiscal year of
                  the Company  commencing  on January 1, 1996 by an amount equal
                  to 50% (or 100% for each  fiscal  year for which  Consolidated
                  Net Income is negative) of the Consolidated Net Income for the
                  fiscal year last ended and (B) decreased  from time to time by
                  the amount of Dividends paid by the Company to Parent pursuant
                  to Section  8.03(iv)  (other than  Dividends  the  proceeds of
                  which  are to be used by Parent  to  repurchase  shares of its
                  common  stock  pursuant  to Section  8.03(x)) on and after the
                  Restatement  Effective Date, (y) the aggregate  amount of such
                  Investments  permitted  to be made  pursuant  to this  Section
                  8.05(i) shall be reduced by the aggregate amount of guarantees
                  outstanding  pursuant to Section 8.04(xii) and (z) Investments
                  in,  to  or  for  the  benefit  of   Harrah's   Jazz  and  its
                  Subsidiaries and JCC Holding and its Subsidiaries shall not be
                  permitted  to  be  made  pursuant  to  this  Section  8.05(i),
                  provided  that,  after  Phase I  (under,  and as  defined  in,
                  Harrah's  Jazz's Second  Amended Joint  Disclosure  Statement,
                  dated  August 28, 1996 (as in effect on the date  hereof)) has
                  been completed, up to $25,000,000 of Investments in, to or for
                  the benefit of JCC Holding  and its  Subsidiaries  may be made
                  pursuant to this Section 8.05(i);

                           (ii)   Investments    constituting    Harrah's   Jazz
                  Investments  shall be  permitted,  provided that the aggregate
                  amount of all such  Investments  (other than in respect of the
                  Harrah's Jazz Completion  Obligation  Loans, the Harrah's Jazz
                  Title Indemnity  Arrangements and the Harrah's Jazz Completion
                  Guaranties), whether made prior




                                      -13-









                  to,  on or after the  Restatement  Effective  Date,  shall not
                  exceed $175,000,000, provided further, that (x) no part of the
                  Investments  permitted by this clause (ii) may be used to make
                  Investments  in, to or for the benefit of, JCC Holding and its
                  Subsidiaries  and (y) on and  after  the Jazz  Casino  Trigger
                  Date,  Parent and its Subsidiaries may not make any additional
                  Harrah's Jazz Investments;

                           (iii) on and  after  the Jazz  Casino  Trigger  Date,
                  Parent  and/or  the  Company  may enter  into the Jazz  Casino
                  Completion  Guaranties,  the Jazz Casino Bank Guaranties,  the
                  Jazz  Casino  Loan  Guaranty  and the  Jazz  Casino  Indemnity
                  Arrangements   and  perform   their   respective   obligations
                  thereunder,  and  make (or be  deemed  to  make)  Jazz  Casino
                  Completion Obligation Loans to Jazz Casino as a result of such
                  performance; and

                           (iv) on and  after  the  Jazz  Casino  Trigger  Date,
                  Parent and its  Subsidiaries may make the Jazz Casino Loans to
                  Jazz Casino and may make additional  Investments in, to or for
                  the  benefit  of,  JCC  Holding  and  its  Subsidiaries  in an
                  aggregate   amount  not  to  exceed  the   remainder   of  (x)
                  $75,000,000  less (y) the  aggregate  amount of Harrah's  Jazz
                  Investments  made by Parent and/or its  Subsidiaries in excess
                  of $130,500,000.

                  Notwithstanding  (x) the foregoing  provisions of this Section
         8.05,  Investments in the ordinary course of business shall not include
         the  purchases of (i) Margin Stock and (ii)  non-investment  grade debt
         securities of any Person, it being understood and agreed, however, that
         in  connection  with any  Investment in a Joint Venture as permitted by
         Section 8.05(i) above or in connection  with any Subsidiary  Investment
         made in a  Subsidiary  acquired or created  after March 31,  1996,  the
         Company may, subject to Section 6.08(b),  make an Investment consisting
         of Margin Stock or  non-investment  grade debt securities of such Joint
         Venture or such  Subsidiary,  as the case may be, and (y) the foregoing
         provisions of this Section 8.05 or Section 8.04,  (A) in no event shall
         the aggregate  amount of the Jazz Casino  Construction  Credit Facility
         plus the  aggregate  amount of Jazz Casino Loans made by Parent and its
         Subsidiaries  plus the amount of the Jazz Casino Loan  Guaranty  exceed
         $215,000,000   (with  such  amount  to  be  reduced  by  any  permanent
         reductions in the Jazz Casino  Construction  Credit Facility and/or any
         Jazz Casino Loans  theretofore  made  (whether or not made by Parent or
         any of its  Subsidiaries)) and (B) the terms and conditions of the Jazz
         Casino Surety Bond shall be in form and substance  satisfactory  to the
         Administrative Agent."



                                      -14-









                  9.  Section  9.07 of the  5-Year  Credit  Agreement  is hereby
amended by deleting the table  appearing  therein in its entirety and  inserting
the following new table in lieu thereof:

                  "Period                            Ratio
                  -------                            -----

                  Restatement Effective
                  Date to and including
                  December 31, 1996                  2.75:1

                  January 1, 1997 to and
                  including December 31, 1997        3.00:1

                  January 1, 1998 to and
                  including December 31, 1998        2.80:1

                  January 1, 1999 to and
                  including December 31, 1999        2.30:1

                  January 1, 2000 and thereafter     2:00:1".

                  10.  Section  8.07 of the 364-Day  Credit  Agreement is hereby
amended by deleting the table  appearing  therein in its entirety and  inserting
the following new table in lieu thereof:

                  "Period                            Ratio
                  -------                            -----

                  Restatement Effective
                  Date to and including
                  December 31, 1996                  2.75:1

                  January 1, 1997 to and
                  including December 31, 1997        3.00:1

                  January 1, 1998 to and
                  including December 31, 1998        2.80:1

                  January 1, 1999 to and
                  including December 31, 1999        2.30:1

                  January 1, 2000 and thereafter     2:00:1".









                                      -15-









                  11.  Section  9.08 of the 5-Year  Credit  Agreement  is hereby
amended by deleting the table  appearing  therein in its entirety and  inserting
the following new table in lieu thereof:

                  "Fiscal Quarter                    Ratio
                  ---------------                    -----

                  Fiscal quarters ending 
                  September 30, 1996,  
                  December 31, 1996, March 
                  31, 1997, June 30, 1997,  
                  September 30, 1997,  December,
                  31, 1997, March 31, 
                  1998, June 30, 1998 and
                  September 30, 1998                 2.5:1.

                  Fiscal quarters ending
                  December 31, 1998 and
                  thereafter                         3.0:1".

                  12.  Section  8.08 of the 364-Day  Credit  Agreement is hereby
amended by deleting the table  appearing  therein in its entirety and  inserting
the following new table in lieu thereof:

                  "Fiscal Quarter                    Ratio
                  ---------------                    -----

                  Fiscal quarters ending 
                  September 30, 1996,  
                  December 31, 1996, March 
                  31, 1997, June 30, 1997,  
                  September 30, 1997,  December,
                  31, 1997, March 31, 
                  1998, June 30, 1998 and
                  September 30, 1998                 2.5:1.

                  Fiscal quarters ending
                  December 31, 1998 and
                  thereafter                         3.0:1".

                  13.  Section  9.09 of the 5-Year  Credit  Agreement  is hereby
amended by deleting the table  appearing  therein in its entirety and  inserting
the following new table in lieu thereof:









                                      -16-









         "Period                                                     Amount
         -------                                                     ------

         Second Amendment Effective Date to
           and including December 31, 1996                      $  550,000,000

         Year ending December 31, 1997                          $  550,000,000 

         Year ending December 31, 1998                          $  650,000,000

         Year ending December 31, 1999                          $  800,000,000

         Year ending December 31, 2000                          $1,000,000,000."

                  14.  Section  8.09 of the 364-Day  Credit  Agreement is hereby
amended by deleting the table  appearing  therein in its entirety and  inserting
the following new table in lieu thereof:

         "Period                                                     Amount
         -------                                                     ------

         Second Amendment Effective Date to
           and including December 31, 1996                      $  550,000,000

         Year ending December 31, 1997                          $  550,000,000

         Year ending December 31, 1998                          $  650,000,000

         Year ending December 31, 1999                          $  800,000,000

         Year ending December 31, 2000                          $1,000,000,000."

                  15.  Section  9.10 of the 5-Year  Credit  Agreement  is hereby
amended  by (i)  deleting  clauses  (i),  (ii) and (iii) of the  first  sentence
thereof in their  entirety and inserting the following new clauses (i), (ii) and
(iii) in lieu thereof:

         "(i) make (or give any notice in respect of) any  voluntary or optional
         payment or  prepayment on or  redemption  or  acquisition  for value of
         (including,  without limitation,  by way of depositing with the trustee
         with respect thereto money or securities  before due for the purpose of
         paying when due) any Subordinated Debt (other than the Company's 8-3/8%
         Subordinated  Debentures due 1996) or Additional Unsecured Senior Debt,
         provided,  that the Company may repurchase,  redeem or otherwise retire
         outstanding 10-7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes and/or 8-3/4%




                                      -17-









         Senior  Subordinated  Notes with the proceeds of  Additional  Unsecured
         Senior  Debt  and/or  Subordinated  Debt  issued  pursuant  to  Section
         9.04(xi),  (ii) make (or give any notice in respect  of) any  mandatory
         payment or  prepayment on or  redemption  or  acquisition  for value of
         (including,  without limitation,  by way of depositing with the trustee
         with respect thereto money or securities  before due for the purpose of
         when due) any Subordinated Debt or Additional  Unsecured Senior Debt as
         a result of any sale of  assets  by Parent or any of its  Subsidiaries,
         (iii) amend or modify,  or permit the amendment or modification of, any
         provision of any Subordinated Debt or Additional  Unsecured Senior Debt
         or of  any  agreement  (including,  without  limitation,  any  purchase
         agreement,  indenture  or  loan  agreement)  relating  thereto  (except
         modifications   relating  to  the  10-7/8%  Senior  Subordinated  Notes
         Indenture and 8-3/4% Senior  Subordinated  Notes  Indenture in order to
         remove  and/or make less  restrictive  the  covenants  and/or  defaults
         contained  therein  in  connection  with  obtaining  any exit  consents
         associated with the tender by the Company for such notes so long as the
         documentation   with   respect   thereto  is  in  form  and   substance
         satisfactory to the Administrative Agent)," and

(ii) inserting the following  words  immediately  after the words  "Subordinated
Debt" each place such words appear in the final sentence thereof:

         "and/or Additional Unsecured Senior Debt".

                  16.  Section  8.10 of the 364-Day  Credit  Agreement is hereby
amended  by (i)  deleting  clauses  (i),  (ii) and (iii) of the  first  sentence
thereof in their  entirety and inserting the following new clauses (i), (ii) and
(iii) in lieu thereof:

         "(i) make (or give any notice in respect of) any  voluntary or optional
         payment or  prepayment on or  redemption  or  acquisition  for value of
         (including,  without limitation,  by way of depositing with the trustee
         with respect thereto money or securities  before due for the purpose of
         paying when due) any Subordinated Debt (other than the Company's 8-3/8%
         Subordinated  Debentures due 1996) or Additional Unsecured Senior Debt,
         provided,  that the Company may repurchase,  redeem or otherwise retire
         outstanding  10-7/8%  Senior  Subordinated  Notes and/or  8-3/4% Senior
         Subordinated  Notes with the proceeds of unsecured senior  Indebtedness
         and/or Subordinated Debt issued pursuant to Section 8.04(xi), (ii) make
         (or give any notice




                                      -18-









         in respect of) any mandatory  payment or prepayment on or redemption or
         acquisition  for value of  (including,  without  limitation,  by way of
         depositing  with the trustee with respect  thereto  money or securities
         before  due for the  purpose  of when  due)  any  Subordinated  Debt or
         Additional  Unsecured  Senior Debt as a result of any sale of assets by
         Parent or any of its Subsidiaries, (iii) amend or modify, or permit the
         amendment or modification of, any provision of any Subordinated Debt or
         Additional  Unsecured  Senior  Debt  or of  any  agreement  (including,
         without  limitation,   any  purchase   agreement,   indenture  or  loan
         agreement)  relating  thereto  (except  modifications  relating  to the
         10-7/8%  Senior   Subordinated   Notes   Indenture  and  8-3/4%  Senior
         Subordinated  Notes  Indenture  in order to  remove  and/or  make  less
         restrictive  the  covenants  and/or  defaults   contained   therein  in
         connection with obtaining any exit consents  associated with the tender
         by the Company for such notes so long as the documentation with respect
         thereto is in form and  substance  satisfactory  to the  Administrative
         Agent)," and

(ii) inserting the following  words  immediately  after the words  "Subordinated
Debt" each place such words appear in the final sentence thereof:

         "and/or Additional Unsecured Senior Debt".

                  17. The definition of "Applicable Margin" appearing in Section
11.01 of the 5-Year Credit  Agreement is hereby  deleted in its entirety and the
following new definition of "Applicable Margin" is inserted in lieu thereof:

                  "`Applicable Margin' shall mean 1-1/8% less the then
         applicable Reduction Discount."

                  18.      The definitions of "Lowest Outstanding Amount"
and "364-Day Revolving Loan Commitment Reduction Amount"
appearing in Section 11.01 of the 5-Year Credit Agreement are
hereby deleted in their entirety.

                  19.  The  definition  of  "Reduction  Discount"  appearing  in
Section 11.01 of the 5-Year Credit  Agreement is hereby  deleted in its entirety
and the  following new  definition  of "Reduction  Discount" is inserted in lieu
thereof:








                                      -19-









                  "`Reduction  Discount'  shall mean initially zero and from and
         after the first day of any Margin  Reduction  Period (the "Start Date")
         to and including the last day of such Margin Reduction Period (the "End
         Date"), the Reduction  Discount shall be the respective  percentage per
         annum set forth in clause (A),  (B) or (C) below if, but only if, as of
         the  last  day of the  most  recent  fiscal  quarter  of  Parent  ended
         immediately  prior to such Start Date (the "Test Date") the  conditions
         in clause (A), (B) or (C) below are met:

                           (A) (x) in the case of  Eurodollar  Loans,  3/8 of 1%
                  and (y) in the case of Commitment  Commission,  5/100 of 1% in
                  each case if,  but only if, as of the Test Date for such Start
                  Date  either  of the  following  conditions  are  met  and the
                  conditions  set forth in none of clauses (B) and (C) below are
                  satisfied:

                           (i)      the Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio
                  for the Test Period ended on such Test Date shall
                  be greater than 3.00:1.00; or

                      (ii) the  Indebtedness  of the  Company  on such Test Date
                  shall be rated at least  BBB-  Senior  Implied  by S&P or Baa3
                  Senior Implied by Moody's;

                  (B) (x) in the case of Eurodollar  Loans, 5/8 of 1% and (y) in
         the case of  Commitment  Commission,  10/100 of 1% in each case if, but
         only  if,  as of the  Test  Date  for such  Start  Date  either  of the
         following conditions are met and the conditions set forth in clause (C)
         below are not satisfied:

                             (i) the  Consolidated  Interest  Coverage Ratio for
                  the Test Period  ended on such Test Date shall be greater than
                  3.50:1.00; or

                            (ii) the  Indebtedness  of the  Company on such Test
                  Date shall be rated at least BBB Senior Implied by S&P or Baa2
                  Senior Implied by Moody's; or

                  (C) (x) in the case of Eurodollar  Loans, 3/4 of 1% and (y) in
         the case of Commitment Commission,  1/8 of 1% in each case if, but only
         if, as of the Test Date for such  Start  Date  either of the  following
         conditions are met:





                                      -20-









                           (i)      the Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio
                  for the Test Period ended on such Test Date shall
                  be greater than 4.00:1.00; or

                      (ii) the  Indebtedness  of the  Company  on such Test Date
                  shall be rated at least  BBB+  Senior  Implied  by S&P or Baa1
                  Senior Implied by Moody's.

         Notwithstanding anything to the contrary above in this definition,  the
         Reduction Discount shall be reduced to zero at all times when a Default
         under  Section  8.01(a) or (b) shall exist or an Event of Default shall
         exist."

                  20. The definition of "Maximum  Swingline Amount" appearing in
Section 11.01 of the 5-Year Credit  Agreement is hereby  amended by deleting the
number "$25,000,000" appearing therein and inserting the number "$50,000,000" in
lieu thereof.

                  21. The  definition  of  "Permitted  Designated  Indebtedness"
appearing in Section 11.01 of the 5-Year Credit  Agreement is hereby  amended by
inserting  the  following  parenthetical  immediately  after  the  reference  to
"Section 9.04(xi)" appearing therein:

         "(other  than  Subordinated  Debt the  proceeds  of  which  are used to
         repurchase,  redeem or  otherwise  retire  outstanding  10-7/8%  Senior
         Subordinated Notes and/or 8-3/4% Senior Subordinated Notes)".

                  22. The  definition  of  "Permitted  Designated  Indebtedness"
appearing in Section 10.01 of the 364-Day Credit  Agreement is hereby amended by
inserting  the  following  parenthetical  immediately  after  the  reference  to
"Section 8.04(xi)" appearing therein:

         "(other  than  Subordinated  Debt the  proceeds  of  which  are used to
         repurchase,  redeem or  otherwise  retire  outstanding  10-7/8%  Senior
         Subordinated Notes and/or 8-3/4% Senior Subordinated Notes)".

                  23.      Section 11.01 of the 5-Year Credit Agreement is
hereby amended by inserting in the appropriate alphabetical
order the following two new definitions:

                  "`8-3/4  Lowest  Outstanding  Amount'  shall have the  meaning
         provided in Section 13.18(b).





                                      -21-









                  "10-7/8 Lowest Outstanding Amount" shall have the
         meaning provided in Section 13.18(a)."

                  24. Section 11.01 of the 5-Year Credit Agreement,  and Section
10.01 of the  364-Day  Credit  Agreement,  are each  hereby  further  amended by
inserting the following new definitions in the appropriate alphabetical order:

                  "`Additional  Unsecured  Senior Debt' shall mean each issue of
         unsecured  senior  Indebtedness  issued by the  Company  to the  extent
         permitted by Section [9.04(xi)] [8.04(xi)] of this Agreement.

                  `Jazz Casino' shall have the meaning provided in the
         recitals to the Second Amendment.

                  `Jazz Casino Bank Guaranties'  shall have the meaning provided
         in the recitals to the Second Amendment.

                  `Jazz  Casino  Completion  Guaranties'  shall have the meaning
         provided in the recitals to the Second Amendment.

                  `Jazz  Casino  Completion  Obligation  Loans'  shall  have the
         meaning provided in the recitals to the Second Amendment.

                  `Jazz  Casino  Construction  Credit  Facility'  shall have the
         meaning provided in the recitals to the Second Amendment.

                  `Jazz Casino  Indemnity  Arrangements'  shall have the meaning
         provided in the recitals to the Second Amendment.

                  `Jazz Casino Loan Guaranty' shall have the meaning provided in
         the recitals to the Second Amendment.

                  `Jazz  Casino  Loans'  shall have the meaning  provided in the
         recitals to the Second Amendment.

                  `Jazz Casino  Surety Bond' shall have the meaning  provided in
         the recitals to the Second Amendment.

                  `Jazz  Casino  Trigger  Date' shall mean the date on which (i)
         the Plan  Effective  Date shall have  occurred in  accordance  with the
         terms of the Reorganization Plan and (ii) all material governmental and
         material  third party  approvals with respect to the  construction  and
         operation of the New Orleans Casino to the extent required to be




                                      -22-









         obtained by the Plan Effective Date shall have been obtained and remain
         in full force and effect, including, without limitation, any referendum
         or vote  required  by the people of the State of  Louisiana  and/or the
         City or Parish of New Orleans.`

                  `JCC Holding' shall have the meaning provided in the
         recitals to the Second Amendment.

                  `New Orleans  Casino'  shall have the meaning  provided in the
         recitals to the Second Amendment.

                  `Plan Effective  Date' shall have the meaning  provided in the
         recitals to the Second Amendment.

                  `Reorganization Plan' shall have the meaning
         provided in the recitals to the Second Amendment.

                  `Second  Amendment' shall mean the Second Amendment,  dated as
         of October 15, 1996, to this Agreement.

                  `Second Amendment Effective Date' shall have the
         meaning provided in the Second Amendment."

                  25. Section  13.07(a) of the 5-Year Credit Agreement is hereby
amended by (i) deleting the word "and" appearing  immediately before clause (ii)
of the proviso  thereof and (ii) inserting the following new clause (iii) at the
end of such proviso:

         "and (iii) at no time shall JCC Holding and its Subsidiaries be treated
         as Subsidiaries  of Parent for purposes of this Agreement,  even though
         (x) JCC  Holding and its  Subsidiaries  may at any time fall within the
         definition  of  "Subsidiary"  or  (y)  generally  accepted   accounting
         principles would require otherwise,  but shall instead be treated as an
         equity investment by Parent".

                  26. Section 12.07(a) of the 364-Day Credit Agreement is hereby
amended by (i) deleting the word "and" appearing  immediately before clause (ii)
of the proviso  thereof and (ii) inserting the following new clause (iii) at the
end of such proviso:

         "and (iii) at no time shall JCC Holding and its Subsidiaries be treated
         as Subsidiaries  of Parent for purposes of this Agreement,  even though
         (x) JCC Holding and its Subsidiaries may at any time fall within the




                                      -23-









         definition  of  "Subsidiary"  or  (y)  generally  accepted   accounting
         principles would require otherwise,  but shall instead be treated as an
         equity investment by Parent".

                  27.      Section 13.18 of the 5-Year Credit Agreement is
hereby deleted in its entirety and the following new Section
13.18 is inserted in lieu thereof:

                  "13.18.   Certain   Agreements   with   Respect  to   Existing
         Indentures.  (a) Each  Borrower  represents  and  warrants to the Banks
         that,  on the  Second  Amendment  Effective  Date,  loans in  aggregate
         principal  amount  equal  to  the  sum  of  the  Total  Revolving  Loan
         Commitment  (assuming  for purposes of this Section  13.18(a)  that the
         Total  Revolving Loan  Commitment  equals  $950,000,000)  and the Total
         364-Day  Revolving  Loan  Commitment  would be permitted to be incurred
         pursuant to the second  paragraph of Section 1008 of the 10-7/8% Senior
         Subordinated  Notes Indenture (and that the  Consolidated  Fixed Charge
         Ratio  referred  to therein  would be at least  equal to 2.0 to 1 after
         giving effect  thereto).  Furthermore,  the  Borrowers  agree that they
         shall not incur or suffer to exist at any time any Debt (as  defined in
         the 10-7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes Indenture) pursuant to clause (a)
         of  the  first   paragraph  of  Section  1008  of  the  10-7/8%  Senior
         Subordinated  Notes  Indenture,  except  that  up  to  $768,000,000  of
         outstanding Debt incurred from time to time pursuant this Agreement may
         be justified as having been  incurred  pursuant to said clause (a). For
         purposes of determining compliance with the 10-7/8% Senior Subordinated
         Notes Indenture for Credit Events  occurring after the Second Amendment
         Effective  Date,  all  incurrences of Loans and issuances of Letters of
         Credit  after  the  Second  Amendment  Effective  Date  will be  deemed
         incurred  pursuant to clause (a) of the first paragraph of Section 1008
         of the 10-7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes Indenture; provided that if at
         any  time  after  the  Second   Amendment   Effective  Date  the  Total
         Outstandings  are reduced below an amount equal to  $182,000,000  (with
         the lowest  amount  below said  amount to which the Total  Outstandings
         hereunder have at any time been reduced (as such amount may be adjusted
         as herein provided), being herein called the "10-7/8 Lowest Outstanding
         Amount",  it being understood that if the Total Outstandings  hereunder
         ever exceed the then previous 10-7/8 Lowest  Outstanding Amount by more
         than  $768,000,000,  the then previous 10-7/8 Lowest Outstanding Amount
         shall be increased by an amount equal to such excess,  provided that in
         no event




                                      -24-









         shall the 10-7/8 Lowest Outstanding  Amount ever exceed  $182,000,000),
         then at any time  thereafter  the  Borrowers  shall not be permitted to
         incur  Loans or have  Letters of Credit  issued  which  would cause the
         Total  Outstandings to exceed the theretofore 10-7/8 Lowest Outstanding
         Amount by more than  $768,000,000  unless,  in connection with any such
         Credit  Event,  the  Borrowers  establish  to the  satisfaction  of the
         Administrative Agent (including by the delivery of a satisfactory legal
         opinion and a certificate  of the Company's  Chief  Financial  Officer,
         Treasurer or Controller)  that the incurrence of such Loans or issuance
         of such Letter of Credit  would be  permitted  pursuant to the terms of
         the  10-7/8%  Senior   Subordinated  Notes  Indenture.   The  Borrowers
         represent  and  warrant  that  all  Indebtedness  incurred  under  this
         Agreement  shall be  permitted  to be incurred  and remain  outstanding
         pursuant to the 10-7/8% Senior  Subordinated  Notes Indenture,  and the
         Borrowers  hereby also  covenant and agree that they shall not take any
         action with respect to the  incurrence of any  Indebtedness  (including
         under this Agreement) which is inconsistent with this Section 13.18(a).
         This  clause (a) shall  cease to be of further  force or effect at such
         time as all 10-7/8% Senior  Subordinated Notes have been repaid in full
         and the provisions of Section 1008 of the 10-7/8%  Senior  Subordinated
         Notes Indenture are no longer effective.

                  (b) Each Borrower  represents  and warrants to the Banks that,
         on the Second Amendment  Effective Date,  loans in aggregate  principal
         amount  equal  to the  sum  of  the  Total  Revolving  Loan  Commitment
         (assuming  for  purposes  of  this  Section  13.18(b)  that  the  Total
         Revolving Loan Commitment  equals  $950,000,000)  and the Total 364-Day
         Revolving Loan Commitment would be permitted to be incurred pursuant to
         the second paragraph of Section 1008 of the 8-3/4% Senior  Subordinated
         Notes Indenture (and that the Consolidated  Fixed Charge Ratio referred
         to  therein  would be at least  equal to 2.0 to 1 after  giving  effect
         thereto). Furthermore, the Borrowers agree that they shall not incur or
         suffer to exist at any time any Debt (as  defined in the 8-3/4%  Senior
         Subordinated  Notes  Indenture)  pursuant  to  clause  (a) of the first
         paragraph  of Section  1008 of the  8-3/4%  Senior  Subordinated  Notes
         Indenture,  except that up to $575,000,000 of outstanding Debt incurred
         from time to time pursuant to this Agreement may be justified as having
         been incurred  pursuant to said clause (a). For purposes of determining
         compliance with the 8-3/4% Senior Subordinated Notes




                                      -25-









         Indenture  for  Credit  Events  occurring  after the  Second  Amendment
         Effective  Date,  all  incurrences of Loans and issuances of Letters of
         Credit  after  the  Second  Amendment  Effective  Date  will be  deemed
         incurred  pursuant to clause (a) of the first paragraph of Section 1008
         of the 8-3/4% Senior Subordinated Notes Indenture;  provided that if at
         any  time  after  the  Second   Amendment   Effective  Date  the  Total
         Outstandings are reduced below an amount equal  $375,000,000  (with the
         lowest  amount  below  said  amount  to which  the  Total  Outstandings
         hereunder have at any time been reduced (as such amount may be adjusted
         as herein provided),  being herein called the "8-3/4 Lowest Outstanding
         Amount",  it being understood that if the Total Outstandings  hereunder
         ever exceed the then previous 8-3/4 Lowest  Outstanding  Amount by more
         than  $575,000,000,  the then previous 8-3/4 Lowest  Outstanding Amount
         shall be increased by an amount equal to such excess,  provided that in
         no  event  shall  the  8-3/4  Lowest  Outstanding  Amount  ever  exceed
         $375,000,000),  then at any time  thereafter the Borrowers shall not be
         permitted to incur Loans or have  Letters of Credit  issued which would
         cause the Total  Outstandings  to exceed the  theretofore 8- 3/4 Lowest
         Outstanding Amount by more than $575,000,000 unless, in connection with
         any such Credit Event,  the Borrowers  establish to the satisfaction of
         the  Administrative  Agent (including by the delivery of a satisfactory
         legal  opinion  and a  certificate  of the  Company's  Chief  Financial
         Officer,  Treasurer or Controller) that the incurrence of such Loans or
         issuance of such Letter of Credit  would be  permitted  pursuant to the
         terms of the 8-3/4% Senior Subordinated Notes Indenture.  The Borrowers
         represent  and  warrant  that  all  Indebtedness  incurred  under  this
         Agreement  shall be  permitted  to be incurred  and remain  outstanding
         pursuant to the 8-3/4% Senior  Subordinated  Notes  Indenture,  and the
         Borrowers  hereby also  covenant and agree that they shall not take any
         action with respect to the  incurrence of any  Indebtedness  (including
         under this Agreement) which is inconsistent with this Section 13.18(b).
         This  clause (b) shall  cease to be of further  force or effect at such
         time as all 8-3/4% Senior  Subordinated  Notes have been repaid in full
         and the  provisions of Section 1008 of the 8-3/4%  Senior  Subordinated
         Notes Indenture are no longer effective."

                  28.      Section 12.18 of the 364-Day Credit Agreement
is hereby deleted in its entirety and the following new
Section 12.18 is inserted in lieu thereof:




                                      -26-









                  Section  12.18.  Certain  Agreements  with Respect to Existing
         Indentures. (a) The Borrowers agree that they shall not incur or suffer
         to  exist  at any time any  Debt  (as  defined  in the  10-7/8%  Senior
         Subordinated  Notes  Indenture)  pursuant  to  clause  (a) of the first
         paragraph  of Section  1008 of the 10-7/8%  Senior  Subordinated  Notes
         Indenture,  except that up to $768,000,000 of outstanding Debt incurred
         from  time to time  pursuant  to the  5-Year  Credit  Agreement  may be
         justified  as having been  incurred  pursuant  to said clause (a).  For
         purposes of determining compliance with the 10-7/8% Senior Subordinated
         Notes Indenture for all incurrences of Loans under this Agreement,  the
         Borrowers  agree  that  they  shall not  incur  any  Loans  under  this
         Agreement  unless,  in connection with such  incurrence,  the Borrowers
         establish to the satisfaction of the Administrative Agent (including by
         the delivery of a  satisfactory  legal opinion and  certificate  of the
         Company's Chief Financial  Officer,  Treasurer or Controller)  that the
         incurrence  of such Loans would be  permitted  pursuant to the terms of
         the  10-7/8%  Senior   Subordinated  Notes  Indenture.   The  Borrowers
         represent  and  warrant  that  all  Indebtedness  incurred  under  this
         Agreement  shall be  permitted  to be incurred  and remain  outstanding
         pursuant to the 10-7/8% Senior  Subordinated  Notes Indenture,  and the
         Borrowers  hereby also  covenant and agree that they shall not take any
         action with respect to the  incurrence of any  Indebtedness  (including
         under this Agreement) which is inconsistent with this Section 12.18(a).
         This  clause (a) shall  cease to be of further  force or effect at such
         time as all 10-7/8% Senior  Subordinated Notes have been repaid in full
         and the provisions of Section 1008 of the 10-7/8%  Senior  Subordinated
         Notes Indenture are no longer effective.

                  (b) The Borrowers agree that they shall not incur or suffer to
         exist  at  any  time  any  Debt  (as  defined  in  the  8-3/4%   Senior
         Subordinated  Notes  Indenture)  pursuant  to  clause  (a) of the first
         paragraph  of Section  1008 of the  8-3/4%  Senior  Subordinated  Notes
         Indenture,  except that up to $575,000,000 of outstanding Debt incurred
         from  time to time  pursuant  to the  5-Year  Credit  Agreement  may be
         justified  as having been  incurred  pursuant  to said clause (a).  For
         purposes of determining  compliance with the 8-3/4% Senior Subordinated
         Notes Indenture for all incurrences of Loans under this Agreement,  the
         Borrowers  agree  that  they  shall not  incur  any  Loans  under  this
         Agreement unless, in connection with such incurrence, the




                                      -27-









         Borrowers  establish to the  satisfaction of the  Administrative  Agent
         (including  by  the  delivery  of  a  satisfactory  legal  opinion  and
         certificate  of the Company's  Chief  Financial  Officer,  Treasurer or
         Controller)  that the  incurrence  of such  Loans  would  be  permitted
         pursuant  to  the  terms  of  the  8-3/4%  Senior   Subordinated  Notes
         Indenture.  The Borrowers  represent and warrant that all  Indebtedness
         incurred  under this  Agreement  shall be  permitted to be incurred and
         remain  outstanding  pursuant to the 8-3/4% Senior  Subordinated  Notes
         Indenture,  and the Borrowers  hereby also covenant and agree that they
         shall  not  take any  action  with  respect  to the  incurrence  of any
         Indebtedness  (including  under this  Agreement)  which is inconsistent
         with this  Section  12.18(b).  This  clause  (b)  shall  cease to be of
         further force or effect at such time as all 8-3/4% Senior  Subordinated
         Notes have been repaid in full and the  provisions  of Section  1008 of
         the  8-3/4%  Senior   Subordinated   Notes   Indenture  are  no  longer
         effective."

                  29.  Notwithstanding  anything to the  contrary  contained  in
Section 2.08 of each of the Mortgages,  the Banks hereby agree that the relevant
Credit Party may from time to time make  Material  Alterations  to any Mortgaged
Property  without  providing  notice to, or obtaining  the prior consent of, the
Collateral Agent or the Banks so long as such Material Alterations are otherwise
effected in accordance with the terms of each such Section 2.08.

                  30. On and  after  the  Second  Amendment  Effective  Date (as
defined below),  Parent,  the Borrowers,  the other Credit Parties and the Banks
hereby  approve  up to a  $350,000,000  increase  in the  Total  Revolving  Loan
Commitment  under  the  5-Year  Credit  Agreement,  provided  that (i) the Total
Revolving  Loan  Commitment  under the  5-Year  Credit  Agreement  shall only be
increased to the extent that Parent,  the Company and the  Administrative  Agent
shall have accepted a letter from one or more Banks indicating that such Bank or
Banks have agreed to increase its  Revolving  Loan  Commitment  under the 5-Year
Credit Agreement up to the amount set forth in each such letter,  (ii) no Bank's
Revolving  Loan  Commitment  under the 5-Year Credit  Agreement may be increased
without the consent of such Bank,  (iii) all  increases  in the Total  Revolving
Loan  Commitment  under the 5-Year  Credit  Agreement  as  contemplated  by this
Section 30 (x) shall be  accomplished in  coordination  with the  Administrative
Agent and (y) shall be  effective  on the same date (such  date,  the  "Increase
Effective Date"), which date may not be later than December 15, 1996,




                                      -28-









provided  that the  Increase  Effective  Date shall  only  occur if the  Company
obtains all  necessary  approvals  from the  relevant  Gaming  Authorities  (the
"Gaming  Approvals")  to  approve  any  increase  in the  Total  Revolving  Loan
Commitment,  (iv) the Administrative Agent shall have received evidence, in form
and substance  satisfactory to it, that all Gaming  Approvals have been obtained
and (v) at the time the Total Revolving Loan Commitment  under the 5-Year Credit
Agreement is increased as contemplated by this Section 30, (x) the Company shall
pay to each Bank that has  increased  its Revolving  Loan  Commitment  under the
5-Year  Credit  Agreement  such fees as have been agreed upon among the Company,
the  Administrative  Agent and the Banks and (y) Schedule I to the 5-Year Credit
Agreement  shall be deemed amended to reflect the increased Total Revolving Loan
Commitment  and the changed  Revolving  Loan  Commitments of the Banks under the
5-Year Credit Agreement.  In connection with the increase in the Total Revolving
Loan  Commitment  under the 5-Year  Credit  Agreement  as  contemplated  by this
Section 30, on the Increase  Effective  Date the Borrowers  shall (to the extent
necessary),  in coordination with the Administrative  Agent and the Banks, repay
outstanding  Revolving Loans under the 5-Year Credit  Agreement of certain Banks
and incur  additional  Revolving  Loans under the 5-Year Credit  Agreement  from
other Banks,  in each case so that the Banks  participate  in each  Borrowing of
outstanding  Revolving  Loans under the 5-Year Credit  Agreement pro rata on the
basis of their  Revolving  Loan  Commitments  under the 5-Year Credit  Agreement
(after giving effect to the Increase  Effective  Date). It is hereby agreed that
any  breakage  or similar  costs of the type  described  in Section  1.11 of the
5-Year Credit  Agreement  incurred by the Banks in connection with any repayment
or  borrowing  of  Revolving   Loans  under  the  5-Year  Credit   Agreement  as
contemplated above shall be for the account of the Borrowers. Promptly after the
Increase  Effective  Date, the Borrowers  shall execute and deliver to each Bank
that has  increased  its  Revolving  Loan  Commitment  under the  5-Year  Credit
Agreement as contemplated by this Section 30 a new Revolving Note  appropriately
modified.

                  31. Each Credit  Party  hereby  agrees  that,  on or after the
Increase  Effective  Date and upon the  request of the  Collateral  Agent,  such
Credit Party will execute such  amendments  to the  Mortgages as the  Collateral
Agent shall reasonably require in connection with the transactions  contemplated
by Section 30 of this Amendment.







                                      -29-









                  32. In order to induce the Banks to enter into this Amendment,
Parent and each  Borrower  hereby  represent  and warrant that (x) no Default or
Event of Default exists on the Second Amendment  Effective Date, both before and
after giving  effect to this  Amendment and (y) all of the  representations  and
warranties  contained in each Credit  Agreement shall be true and correct in all
material respects on and as of the Second Amendment  Effective Date, both before
and after giving effect to this Second Amendment, with the same effect as though
such  representations  and  warranties  had  been  made on and as of the  Second
Amendment  Effective  Date  (it  being  understood  that any  representation  or
warranty made as of a specified date shall be required to be true and correct in
all material respects only as of such specific date).

                  33.  This  Amendment  is  limited as  specified  and shall not
constitute a  modification,  acceptance or waiver of any other  provision of the
Credit Agreements or any other Credit Document.

                  34.  This   Amendment   may  be  executed  in  any  number  of
counterparts and by the different parties hereto on separate counterparts,  each
of which counterparts when executed and delivered shall be an original,  but all
of which shall together  constitute one and the same instrument.  A complete set
of counterparts  shall be lodged with Parent, the Company and the Administrative
Agent.

                  35.      This Amendment and the rights and obligations of the
parties hereunder shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the law
of the State of New York.

                  36.      This Amendment shall become effective on the date 
(the "Second Amendment Effective Date") when:

                    (i) Parent, the Borrowers,  each other Credit Party, BTCo in
         its individual  capacity,  and the Required Banks under, and as defined
         in,  each  Credit  Agreement  shall have  signed a  counterpart  hereof
         (whether the same or different  counterparts)  and shall have delivered
         (including by way of telecopier) the same to the  Administrative  Agent
         at the Notice Office;

                   (ii) each Borrower  shall have executed and delivered to BTCo
         a new Swingline Note reflecting the increased Maximum Swingline Amount;






                                      -30-









                  (iii) the Administrative  Agent shall have received from legal
         counsel to Parent,  the Borrowers and the other Credit Parties,  one or
         more  opinions  addressed to the  Administrative  Agent and each of the
         Banks and dated the  Second  Amendment  Effective  Date,  each of which
         shall be in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent
         and  shall  cover  such of the  matters  incident  to the  transactions
         contemplated  by  this  Amendment  as  the  Administrative   Agent  may
         reasonably request;

                   (iv) the Administrative Agent shall have received resolutions
         of the Board of Directors (or the  equivalent  thereof in the case of a
         partnership) of each Credit Party, which resolutions shall be certified
         by the  Secretary or any  Assistant  Secretary of such Credit Party and
         shall authorize the execution,  delivery and performance by such Credit
         Party  of this  Amendment  and  the  consummation  of the  transactions
         contemplated  hereby,  and the  foregoing  shall be  acceptable  to the
         Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion; and

                    (v) the Company shall have paid to the Administrative  Agent
         for the  distribution  to each Bank which has signed a  counterpart  of
         this  Amendment on or prior to October 24, 1996, an amendment fee equal
         to 1/20 of 1% of such Bank's  Revolving Loan Commitment  (before giving
         effect  to  any  increase  thereof  pursuant  to  Section  30  of  this
         Amendment).

                  37. From and after the Second  Amendment  Effective Dates, all
references  in the Credit  Agreements  and the other  Credit  Documents  to each
Credit  Agreement shall be deemed to be references to each such Credit Agreement
as modified hereby.

                  IN WITNESS  WHEREOF,  each of the parties  hereto has caused a
counterpart  of this  Amendment to be duly executed and delivered as of the date
first above written.


                                       HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT, INC.


                                       By /s/ C. A. Ledsinger, Jr.
                                          -------------------------
                                          Title:  Senior Vice President






                                      -31-





                                       HARRAH'S OPERATING COMPANY, INC.


                                       By /s/ C. A. Ledsinger, Jr.
                                          -------------------------
                                          Title:  Senior Vice President


                                       MARINA ASSOCIATES


                                       By: HARRAH'S ATLANTIC CITY, INC.,
                                             a general partner


                                       By /s/ Michael N. Regan
                                          -------------------------
                                          Title: Vice President


                                       By: HARRAH'S NEW JERSEY, INC.,
                                             a general partner


                                       By /s/ Michael N. Regan
                                          -------------------------
                                          Title: Vice President


                                       HARRAH'S RENO HOLDING COMPANY, INC.


                                       By /s/ Michael N. Regan
                                          -------------------------
                                          Title: Vice President


                                       HARRAH'S LAS VEGAS, INC.


                                       By /s/ Michael N. Regan
                                          -------------------------
                                          Title: Vice President



                                       HARRAH'S LAUGHLIN, INC.


                                       By /s/ Michael N. Regan
                                          -------------------------
                                          Title: Treasurer





                                      -32-





                                       HARRAH'S ATLANTIC CITY, INC.


                                       By /s/ Michael N. Regan
                                          -------------------------
                                          Title: Vice President


                                       HARRAH'S NEW JERSEY, INC.


                                       By /s/ Michael N. Regan
                                          -------------------------
                                          Title: Vice President


                                       BANKERS TRUST COMPANY,
                                         Individually, as
                                         Administrative Agent,
                                         as Collateral Agent
                                         and as an Agent


                                       By /s/ Mary Kay Coyle
                                          -------------------------
                                          Title:  Managing Director


                                       THE BANK OF NEW YORK,
                                         Individually and as an
                                         Agent


                                       By /s/ Gregory L. Batson
                                          -------------------------
                                          Title: Vice President


                                       CIBC INC., Individually and
                                         as an Agent


                                       By /s/ Paul Chakmak
                                          -------------------------
                                          Title:  Director, CIBC Wood
                                                  Gundy Securities Corp.,
                                                  AS AGENT









                                      -33-





                                       CREDIT LYONNAIS, ATLANTA AGENCY,
                                         Individually and as an Agent


                                       By /s/ David M. Cawrse
                                          -------------------------
                                          Title: Vice President


                                       CREDIT LYONNAIS CAYMAN ISLAND
                                         BRANCH


                                       By /s/ David M. Cawrse
                                          -------------------------
                                          Title:  Authorized Signature


                                       WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.,
                                         Individually and as Agent


                                       By /s/ Maureen Klippenstein
                                          -------------------------
                                          Title: Vice President


                                       THE LONG-TERM CREDIT BANK OF JAPAN,
                                         LIMITED, NEW YORK BRANCH,
                                         Individually and as an Agent


                                       By /s/ Satoru Otsubo
                                          -------------------------
                                          Title:  Joint General Manager


                                       NATIONSBANK N.A., (SOUTH)
                                         Individually and as an Agent,


                                       By /s/ Kimberly R. Dupuy
                                          -------------------------
                                          Title: Vice President


                                       SOCIETE GENERALE, Individually and
                                         as an Agent


                                       By /s/ Maureen E. Kelly
                                          -------------------------
                                          Title: Vice President



                                      -34-





                                       THE SUMITOMO BANK, LIMITED,
                                         ATLANTA AGENCY, Individually
                                         and as an Agent


                                       By /s/ Masaki Shinbo
                                          -------------------------
                                          Title:  General Manager


                                       BANK OF AMERICA NATIONAL TRUST
                                         AND SAVING ASSOCIATION


                                       By /s/ Madeline W. Lee
                                          -------------------------
                                          Title: Vice President


                                       BANK OF AMERICA NEVADA


                                       By /s/ Judy Crosswhite
                                          -------------------------
                                          Title: Vice President


                                       THE NIPPON CREDIT BANK, LTD.,
                                         LOS ANGELES AGENCY


                                       By /s/ Jay I. Schwartz
                                          -------------------------
                                          Title:  Vice President &
                                                  Manager


                                       THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA


                                       By /s/ A. S. Norsworthy
                                          -------------------------
                                          Title:  Sr. Team Leader-Loan
                                                  Operations












                                      -35-





                                       GIROCREDIT BANK A.G. DER
                                         SPARKASSEN, GRAND CAYMAN
                                         ISLAND BRANCH


                                       By /s/ John Redding
                                          -------------------------
                                          Title: Vice President


                                       By /s/ Richard Stone
                                          -------------------------
                                          Title: Vice President


                                       THE TOKAI BANK, LIMITED,
                                         NEW YORK BRANCH


                                       By /s/ Stuart Schulman
                                          -------------------------
                                          Title:  Deputy General Manager


                                       THE BOATMEN'S NATIONAL BANK
                                         OF ST. LOUIS


                                       By /s/ David E. Wilsdorf
                                          -------------------------
                                          Title: Vice President


                                       FIRST AMERICAN NATIONAL BANK


                                       By /s/ Elizabeth H. Vaughn
                                          -------------------------
                                          Title:  Senior Vice President


                                       FIRST TENNESSEE BANK NATIONAL
                                         ASSOCIATION


                                       By /s/ James H. Moore, Jr.
                                          -------------------------
                                          Title: Vice President








                                      -36-





                                       THE INDUSTRIAL BANK OF JAPAN,
                                         LIMITED


                                       By /s/ Kazuo Iida
                                          -------------------------
                                          Title:  General Manager


                                       PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
                                         (Successor   by   merger   to
                                          Midlantic Bank, N.A.)


                                       By /s/ Lori A. Osmulski
                                          -------------------------
                                          Title:  Banking Officer


                                       THE SANWA BANK, LIMITED,
                                         ATLANTA AGENCY


                                       By /s/Dennis S. Losin /s/Mitsuo Veyama
                                          -----------------------------------
                                          Title: Vice President  Deputy General
                                                                  Manager


                                       UNITED STATES NATIONAL BANK
                                         OF OREGON


                                       By /s/ Dale Parshall
                                          -------------------------
                                          Title:  Assistant Vice President


                                       DEPOSIT GUARANTY NATIONAL BANK


                                       By /s/ Larry C. Ratzlaff
                                          -------------------------
                                          Title:  Senior Vice President












                                      -37-





                                       THE MITSUBISHI TRUST & BANKING
                                         CORP.


                                       By /s/ Hachiro Hosoda
                                          -------------------------
                                          Title:  Senior Vice President


                                       WESTDEUTSCHE LANDESBANK
                                         GIROZENTRALE, NEW YORK BRANCH


                                       By /s/ Alan S. Bookspan
                                          -------------------------
                                          Title: Vice President


                                       By /s/ Thomas Lee
                                          -------------------------
                                          Title: Associate


                                       ABN AMRO BANK N.V., SAN FRANCISCO
                                         BRANCH

                                       By: ABN AMRO NORTH AMERICA,
                                           INC., AS AGENT


                                       By /s/Jeffrey A. French
                                          -------------------------
                                          Title:  Group Vice President
                                                  & Director


                                       By /s/ Jan-Paul Kranendonk
                                          -------------------------
                                          Title:  Vice President & Director


                                       SUNTRUST BANK, NASHVILLE, N.A.


                                       By /s/ Renee DeRubeis Drake
                                          -------------------------
                                          Title: Vice President









                                      -38-





                                       FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF COMMERCE


                                       By /s/ Stephen M. Valdes
                                          -------------------------
                                          Title: Vice President


                                       FLEET BANK, N.A.


                                       By /s/ John T. Harrison
                                          -------------------------
                                          Title: Vice President




                                      -39-

                                                                   Exhibit 10.26












                               EXECUTIVE TERM LIFE
                                    INSURANCE








                            SUMMARY PLAN DESCRIPTION

























Harrah's & You:
A Winning Team











Sponsoring Company Information
- ------------------------------

The  sponsoring  Company is Harrah's  Operating  Co.,  Inc. (the  Company).  The
Company  and  persons  or  entities   authorized   by  the  Company,   including
Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, have discretionary  authority to make final
interpretations  of the plan, to decide  questions and disputes,  and to correct
errors concerning eligibility, coverage, and other issues arising under the plan
including  questions  arising  under the Summary Plan  Description.  The Company
reserves the right to amend or terminate the plan at any time.


Purpose of this Booklet
- -----------------------

This booklet  summarizes  the benefits of the Executive Term Life Insurance Plan
(the plan)  provided to certain  employees  of eligible  operating  units of the
Company. The plan, as described in this booklet, is based on plan documents.  If
there is a disagreement  between this booklet and those  documents,  the Company
may determine that the plan documents will govern.  The entire booklet should be
read because one section may affect another section.

Note:  The premium for the life benefits provided for you as
defined herein may be considered taxable income to you.


Table of Contents
- -----------------

1  Introduction

1  Eligibility

1  Effective Date

2  Coverage Amount

2  Life Benefits

2  Accidental Death or Dismemberment Benefits

2  Covered Losses and Benefit Amounts for Accidental Death
   or Dismemberment

2  Exclusions for Accidental Death or Dismemberment











3  Your Beneficiary

3  Filing a Claim

3  When Benefits End

4  Conversion of Employee Life Insurance

4  Plan Administration

5  Statement of Rights

All of us  appreciate  the need for life  insurance.  The  Executive  Term  Life
Insurance  plan is designed  to provide  financial  protection  for you and your
family.  This  coverage is  provided  by  Metropolitan  Life  Insurance  Company
(Metropolitan). The cost of this benefit is paid entirely by the Company.


Eligibility
- -----------

If you are eligible, you automatically participate.  No enrollment is necessary.
You are  eligible to  participate  in the plan if you meet all of the  following
requirements:

1.       You are employed at least 30 hours per week on a regularly
         scheduled basis at an eligible operating unit of the
         Company; and

2.       You are in salary grades 25 or above.

Eligible  operating  units are  affiliates and business units of the Company and
its  subsidiaries as may be designated by the Company for  participation  in the
plans.  As of January  1997,  these include  Harrah's  Operating  Company,  Inc.
(Memphis Corporate,  Harrah's Reno, Tahoe & Bill's), Marina Associates (Harrah's
Atlantic City):  Harrah's Laughlin,  Inc.,;  Harrah's Las Vegas, Inc.;  Harrah's
Illinois Corporation (Joliet); Harrah's North Kansas City Corporation;  Harrah's
Shreveport  Management,  Inc.; Harrah's Tunica  Corporation;  Harrah's Vicksburg
Corporation;  Harrah's  Arizona  Corporation  (Ak-Chin);  Harrah's  New  Orleans
Management  Company,  Inc.; and Harrah's Maryland Heights  Corporation,  and may
include  other  business  units as  designated  by the Company.  The Company may
remove an entity from being an eligible  operating  unit and may add entities as
eligible  operating  units.   Employees  may  call  the  Plan  Administrator  at
901-537-3350  to  determine  if a  particular  operating  unit  is  an  eligible
operating unit.

The Company may modify the above eligibility requirements.





                                       -2-









Effective Date
- --------------

Your  benefits  are  effective  on the day you  meet  the  above  qualifications
provided you are then actively at work with the Company. If you are not actively
at work,  your  benefits  will  become  effective  on the date of your return to
active work at an eligible  operating  unit of the Company.  You are not covered
during  salary  continuation.  You may be  covered  during  temporary  breaks in
service for temporary layoffs or medical leaves of absence. Please call the Plan
Administrator at 901-537-3350 for specific coverage information.


Coverage Amount
- ---------------

Life Benefits                                        $100,000

Accidental Death                                     $100,000
or Dismemberment Benefits

Life Benefits
- -------------

If you die while you are covered for Life Benefits under this plan, Metropolitan
will pay to your  beneficiary the sum of $100,000 for Life Benefits.  Payment of
any amount of Life  Benefits  may be made in  installments  if your  beneficiary
chooses.  Your  beneficiary  will be given a choice of how to  receive  payment.
Details on the  payment  options  may be  obtained  from the  Employee  Benefits
department, 1023 Cherry Road, Memphis, TN 38117, 901-537-3350.


Accidental Death or
Dismemberment Benefits
- ----------------------

Metropolitan  will also pay Accidental  Death Benefits to your beneficiary for a
covered  loss if you lose your life in an  accident  that  occurs  while you are
covered for Accidental Death or Dismemberment Benefits, and if:

o        the accident is the sole cause of the loss; and

o        the covered loss occurs not more than 90 days after the date
         of the accident.








                                       -3-









Metropolitan  will pay  Accidental  Dismemberment  Benefits to you for a covered
loss if you are  injured in an accident  that  occurs  while you are covered for
Accidental Death or Dismemberment Benefits, and if:

o        the accident is the sole cause of the loss; and

o        the covered loss occurs not more than 90 days after the date
         of the accident.


Covered Losses and Benefit Amounts for Accidental
Death or Dismemberment
- -------------------------------------------------

Covered Losses                               Benefit Amounts
Life                                         Full amount
A hand                                       One-half of the full amount
A foot                                       One-half of the full amount
Sight of an eye                              One-half of the full amount
Loss of more than                            Full amount
  one of the above
  in any one accident


Payments for any amount of Accidental Death or  Dismemberment  Benefits for loss
of life may be made in  installments  at the option of you or your  beneficiary.
Details on the  payment  options  may be  obtained  from the  Employee  Benefits
department, 1023 Cherry Road, Memphis, TN 38117, 901-537-3350.


Exclusions for Accidental Death or Dismemberment
- ------------------------------------------------

Accidental  Death or  Dismemberment  Insurance will not be paid if it in any way
results from or is caused or contributed to by:

o        physical or mental illness, diagnosis of or treatment for
         the illness; or

o        an infection, unless it is caused by an external wound that
         can be seen and which was sustained in an accident; or

o        suicide or attempted suicide; or

o        injuring oneself on purpose; or

o        the voluntary use of any drug or medicine, unless taken on
         the advice of a doctor; or

o        a war, or warlike action in time of peace; or




                                       -4-






o        injury as a result of your committing or trying to commit a
         felony or other serious crime or an assault; or

o        travel in any aircraft aboard which you have any duties (other than the
         duties  required for the business of the employer)  relating in any way
         to the aircraft or its operation.


Your Beneficiary
- ----------------

Your  beneficiary  is the  person(s)  you choose to receive any benefit  payable
because of your death and will be the same as listed on your enrollment form you
filled out when you enrolled in the employee life insurance  plans  sponsored by
the Company.

If you are not  enrolled  in any of the other  benefit  plans  sponsored  by the
Company or wish to designate another  beneficiary  different from the one listed
on the enrollment  form, you must assign a designated  beneficiary by writing to
the Employee Benefits department.  You may change your beneficiary by completing
a new  enrollment  form or by  submitting  a  letter  to the  Employee  Benefits
department.

Absolute  assignments of life insurance  policies to a Trustee can be made. This
type of assignment may result in favorable tax treatment of death benefits.  For
more information about making an assignment of a life insurance policy,  contact
the Employee Benefits department at 901-537-3350.

If no beneficiary is designated,  the life insurance  amount will be paid to the
following persons in the order listed:

a)       100% to your spouse if he/she survives you; or
b)       100% to your child (or children in equal shares) if you do
         not have a surviving spouse or surviving children; or
c)       100% to your parent (or parents, in equal shares) if you do
         not have a surviving spouse, surviving children or surviving
         parent; or
d)       100% to your brothers and sisters in equal shares if you do
         not have a surviving spouse, surviving children or surviving
         parent.

If none of the foregoing  persons survive you, the life insurance amount will be
paid to your estate.

Any payment will discharge the liability for the amount so paid.








                                       -5-




Filing a Claim and Appealing Rights
- -----------------------------------

To file an insurance claim, you or your beneficiary  should contact the Employee
Benefits department for the proper procedure, as soon as possible after loss has
occurred. Metropolitan will determine what benefits are payable.

If your  claim  is  denied,  the  claims  administrator  will  give  you or your
beneficiary a written notice telling you:

o   The reason or reason for the denial.

o   The plan provisions on which the denial is based.

o   An explanation of what other material or
     information is needed and why it is needed.

o   An explanation of claims review procedures.

If you or your  beneficiary  disagree  with the  decision,  your reasons must be
presented  in writing to the Plan  Administrator  within 60 days of the date you
receive  notice of denial.  You will then have the right to have  representation
and to review pertinent documents and submit issues and comments in writing.

You will receive a written  response to your  request for review  within 60 days
from the date it was  received.  This  written  notice will include the specific
reasons for denial.

When Benefits End
- -----------------

This coverage terminates:

o        on the day your active employment with the Company ends or
         the day you cease to meet any of the eligibility
         requirements; or

o        on the day the plan terminates; or

o        on the day the Company ceases to make payments required for
         the coverage.

Conversion of Employee Life Insurance
- -------------------------------------

If your  employment  with the Company  terminates,  you may obtain an individual
policy for an amount up to your life  insurance  benefit.  You may  change  your
coverage  to one  of a  number  of  individual  whole  life  policies  following
termination of employment. You do not have to furnish evidence of good health




                                       -6-









but must  apply  within  31 days  after  your  termination  of  employment.  The
individual  policy will be effective  at the end of the 31 day period  following
your termination,  and the premiums will be the same as you would ordinarily pay
if you applied for an individual policy of that amount. The amount available for
the individual whole life insurance policy will be your life insurance amount on
the  date  of  termination.   Contact  the  Employee   Benefits   department  at
901-537-3350  for  information  on how to  convert to an  individual  whole life
policy.

Should you die during the 31 days following termination of employment, your life
insurance will be paid whether or not you have applied for an individual policy.


Plan Administration
- -------------------

Plan Name
Harrah's Operating Co., Inc. Executive Term Life Insurance Plan

Plan Administrator The administrator of the plan is:
     Harrah's Operating Co., Inc.
     Employee Benefits Department
     1023 Cherry Road
     Memphis, TN  38117
     (901) 537-3350


Metropolitan  Life Insurance  Company processes all claims at Group Life Claims,
P.O. Box 6115, Utica, NY 13504.

If you have  any  questions  about  enrollment,  payment  of  claims,  benefits,
continuation of coverage or the  administration of the plan, please write to the
Director, Employee Benefits department, 1023 Cherry Road, Memphis, TN 38117.

Plan Records
The plan and all of its  records  are  maintained  on a  calendar  year  basis -
January 1 through December 31- of each year.

Legal Matters
Service of legal  process is the Plan  Administrator,  Harrah's  Operating  Co.,
Inc., 1023 Cherry Road, Memphis, TN 38117.

Identification Numbers
The  Employer  Identification  Number  assigned  by the  IRS to the  Company  is
75-19411623. The plan number is 502.

Plan Funding
The plan is an insured plan under Metropolitan Life Insurance Company.



                                       -7-









Miscellaneous
The Company  reserves the right,  at any time,  to amend or terminate  the plan.
Termination or amendment of the plan will not affect  coverage as to claims that
were incurred prior to the termination or amendment.  The Company and persons or
entities  authorized by the Company  including  Metropolitan have full and final
authority to determine  all  questions and disputes  regarding  eligibility  for
benefits  including  deciding  factual  issues and to construe  the terms of the
plan.


Statement of Rights
- -------------------

The Department of Labor requires that the following  statement be in all Summary
Plan Descriptions of all employees in the Unites States.

"As a  participant  in  the  plan,  you  are  entitled  to  certain  rights  and
protections  under the Employee  Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).
ERISA provides that all plan participants shall be entitled to:

o        Examine,  without charge, at the plan administrator's  office and other
         locations  (such  as your  worksite),  all  plan  documents,  including
         insurance contracts, and copies of all documents filed by the plan with
         the U.S.  Department of Labor, such as detailed annual reports and plan
         descriptions.

o        Obtain copies of all plan documents and other plan
         information by writing to the plan administrator.  There may
         be a reasonable charge for the copies.

o        Receive a summary of the plan's annual financial report.
         The plan administrator is required by law to furnish each
         participant with a copy of this summary annual report."

"In addition to creating rights for plan participants, ERISA imposes duties upon
people responsible for the operation of the plan. These persons,  who are called
'fiduciaries,'  have the duty to operate the plan  prudently and in the interest
of you and other plan participants and beneficiaries."

"No one,  including your employer or any other person, may fire you or otherwise
discriminate  against  you in any way to prevent  you from  receiving  a welfare
benefit or  exercising  your  rights  under  ERISA.  If your claim for a welfare
benefit is denied,  in whole or in part, you must receive a written  explanation
of the reason  for the  denial.  You have the right to have the plan  review and
reconsider your claim.  Under ERISA, there are steps you can take to enforce the
above rights.




                                       -8-









o        For instance, if you request materials from the plan and do not receive
         them within 30 days,  you may file suit in a federal  court.  In such a
         case,  the court may  require  the plan  administrator  to provide  the
         materials and pay you up to $100 a day until you receive the materials,
         unless  the  materials  were not sent  because  of  reasons  beyond the
         control of the plan administrator.

o        If you have a claim for benefits which is denied or ignored,
         in whole or in part, you may file suit in a state or federal
         court.  If it should happen that the plan fiduciaries misuse
         the plan's money, or if you are discriminated against for
         asserting your rights, you may seek assistance from the U.S.
         Department of Labor, or you may file suit in a federal
         court.  The  court will decide who should pay court costs
         and legal fees.  If you are successful, the court may order
         the person you have sued to pay these costs and fees.  If
         you lose, the court may order you to pay these costs and
         fees, for example, if the court finds your claim is
         frivolous.

"If you have any  questions  about this plan,  you should  contact the plan
administrator.  If you have any  questions  about this  statement  or about your
rights  under  ERISA,  you should  contact the  nearest  area Office of the U.S.
Labor-Management Services Administration, Department of Labor."




























                                       -9-


                                                                   Exhibit 10.31

                          HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT, INC.


                                       October 25, 1996


[Officer]
Harrah's Entertainment, Inc.
1023 Cherry Road
Memphis, Tennessee 38117

         Re:      Amendment to Severance Agreement

Dear [Officer]:

     This letter agreement ("this Amendment") will amend the Severance Agreement
dated  (date) (the  "Agreement")  between you and Harrah's  Entertainment,  Inc.
(formerly The Promus Companies Incorporated).

         In consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained and for other
good and valuable consideration,  receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, it is
agreed as follows:

    1.  Effective Date.  This Amendment is effective October 25, 1996.

    2.  Amendment of Section 4, "Compensation Upon Termination
or During Disability Following a Change in Control".

             (a) Subsection (ii) of Subsection 4(c) is amended to read as 
                 follows:

                 "(ii) In lieu of any further salary payments to you for periods
                 subsequent to the Date of Termination, the Company shall pay as
                 severance  pay  to  you  a  lump  sum  severance  payment  (the
                 "Severance  Payment")  equal to 2.99  times the  average of the
                 Annual Compensation (as defined below) which was payable to you
                 by the Company or any  corporation  affiliated with the Company
                 within the meaning of Section 1504 of the Internal Revenue Code
                 of  1986,  as  amended  (the  "Code"),  for the  three  highest
                 calendar years in terms of Annual  Compensation during the five
                 calendar years  preceding the calendar year in which the Change
                 in Control occurred. If you were not employed by the Company or
                 its affiliates  during the entire five calendar years preceding
                 the calendar year in which the Change in Control occurred, then
                 such average  shall be an average of the three highest years in
                 terms of Annual Compensation during









                 the complete  calendar years (if any) and partial calendar year
                 (if any) during  which you were so employed  provided  that the
                 amount  for  any  such  partial   calendar  year  shall  be  an
                 annualized  amount  based on the amount of Annual  Compensation
                 paid to you during the partial  calendar  year. If you were not
                 employed by the Company or its affiliates for three complete or
                 partial  calendar years,  the amount will be an average of your
                 Annual  Compensation  during the complete  calendar year(s) (if
                 any) and partial  calendar  year(s) (if any)  (annualized)  you
                 were so  employed.  If you were not  employed by the Company or
                 its affiliates  during such preceding  calendar year, then such
                 average  shall be an  annualized  amount based on the amount of
                 Annual  Compensation  paid to you during the  calendar  year in
                 which the Change of Control  occurred.  Annual  Compensation is
                 your  base  salary  and your  annual  bonus  under  the  Annual
                 Management Bonus Plan of the Company that was payable to you by
                 the  Company or any of its  affiliates  during a calendar  year
                 determined  without any  reduction  for any  deferrals  of such
                 salary or such  bonus  under  any  deferred  compensation  plan
                 (qualified  or  unqualified)  and without any reduction for any
                 salary  reductions used for making  contributions  to any group
                 insurance plan of the Company or its affiliates."

    4. Defined Terms.  Unless otherwise defined herein,  all terms used in this
Amendment that are defined in the Agreement will have the meanings given to such
terms in the Agreement.

     5. No Other  Modifications.  Except as specifically  modified  herein,  all
terms and  conditions of the Agreement  will remain  unchanged and in full force
and effect.

     If this  letter sets forth our  agreement  on the  subject  matter  hereof,
please  sign and return to the Company the  enclosed  copy of this letter  which
will then constitute our binding agreement on this subject.

                                       Very truly yours,

                                       HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT, INC.


                                       By:
                                           -----------------------


Agreed to:

[Name]
- -----------------------
[Name]



                                                                   Exhibit 10.34

                          HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT, INC.


                                       October 25, 1996



[Name]
Harrah's Entertainment, Inc.
1023 Cherry Road
Memphis, Tennessee 38117

         Re:     Amendment to Severance Agreement

Dear [Name]:

     This letter agreement ("this Amendment") will amend the Severance Agreement
dated  [date] (the  "Agreement")  between you and Harrah's  Entertainment,  Inc.
(formerly The Promus Companies Incorporated).

     In  consideration  of the mutual  covenants  herein contained and for other
good and valuable consideration,  receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, it is
agreed as follows:

     1. Effective Date. This Amendment is effective October 25, 1996.

     2. Amendment of Section 3, "Termination Following Change in Control".

         (a)     Subsection (z) of the first paragraph of Section 3 is
                 amended to read as follows:

                 "(z) by you for Good Reason, or by your Voluntary
                 Termination as provided in Subsection 3(c)(ii) hereof."

         (b)      Subsection (c) of Section 3 is amended by changing the
                  proviso in the first sentence to read as follows:

                  "provided  such  resignation  is (i) by you for Good Reason or
                  (ii) by you voluntarily  without Good Reason if such voluntary
                  termination  occurs  by  written  notice  given  by you to the
                  Company during the thirty days  immediately  following the one
                  year  anniversary  of the Change in Control  (your  "Voluntary
                  Termination"),   provided,   however,  for  purposes  of  this
                  Subsection  3(c)(ii)  only,  the  language  "25% or  more"  in
                  Subsection 2(a)(i) hereof is changed to "a majority"."










         (c)      Subsection (e)(ii) of Section 3 is amended by inserting
                  the following parenthetical after the words "sixty
                  days":

                  "(thirty days in case of your Voluntary Termination)"

     3.  Amendment  of  Section  4,  "Compensation  Upon  Termination  or During
Disability Following a Change in Control".

         (a)      The first paragraph of Subsection 4(c) is amended to read as
                  follows:

                  "(c) If your employment by the Company shall be terminated (y)
                  by the Company other than for Cause,  Retirement or Disability
                  or  (z)  by  you  for  Good  Reason,   or  by  your  Voluntary
                  Termination as provided in Subsection 3(c)(ii), then you shall
                  be entitled to the benefits provided below:"

         (b)      Subsection (ii) of Subsection 4(c) is amended to read as
                  follows:

                  "(ii)  In  lieu  of any  further  salary  payments  to you for
                  periods  subsequent  to the Date of  Termination,  the Company
                  shall pay as severance pay to you a lump sum severance payment
                  (the  "Severance  Payment") equal to 2.99 times the average of
                  the Annual  Compensation  (as defined below) which was payable
                  to you by the Company or any  corporation  affiliated with the
                  Company  within the  meaning of Section  1504 of the  Internal
                  Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the  "Code"),  for the three
                  highest calendar years in terms of Annual  Compensation during
                  the five calendar  years  preceding the calendar year in which
                  the Change in Control  occurred.  If you were not  employed by
                  the Company or its affiliates  during the entire five calendar
                  years  preceding  the  calendar  year in which  the  Change in
                  Control occurred, then such average shall be an average of the
                  three highest years in terms of Annual Compensation during the
                  complete calendar years (if any) and partial calendar year (if
                  any)  during  which  you were so  employed  provided  that the
                  amount  for  any  such  partial  calendar  year  shall  be  an
                  annualized  amount based on the amount of Annual  Compensation
                  paid to you during the partial  calendar year. If you were not
                  employed by the Company or its  affiliates  for three complete
                  or partial  calendar  years,  the amount will be an average of
                  your Annual  Compensation during the complete calendar year(s)
                  (if any) and partial  calendar  year(s) (if any)  (annualized)
                  you were so employed.  If you were not employed by the Company
                  or its affiliates  during such preceding  calendar year,  then
                  such average









                  shall be an  annualized  amount  based on the amount of Annual
                  Compensation paid to you during the calendar year in which the
                  Change of Control occurred.  Annual  Compensation is your base
                  salary and your annual bonus under the Annual Management Bonus
                  Plan of the Company  that was payable to you by the Company or
                  any  of its  affiliates  during  a  calendar  year  determined
                  without any reduction for any deferrals of such salary or such
                  bonus  under any  deferred  compensation  plan  (qualified  or
                  unqualified)   and  without  any   reduction  for  any  salary
                  reductions  used  for  making   contributions   to  any  group
                  insurance plan of the Company or its affiliates."

         (c)      The first sentence of Subsection (d) of Section 4 is amended 
                  to read as follows:

                  "If your  employment  shall be  terminated  (y) by the Company
                  other than for Cause,  Retirement  or Disability or (z) by you
                  voluntarily for Good Reason or by your Voluntary  Termination,
                  then for a  twenty-four  month period after such  termination,
                  the   Company   shall   arrange  to  provide  you  with  life,
                  disability,    accident   and   health   insurance    benefits
                  substantially   similar  to  those  which  you  are  receiving
                  immediately prior to the Notice of Termination."

     4. Defined Terms.  Unless otherwise defined herein,  all terms used in this
Amendment that are defined in the Agreement will have the meanings given to such
terms in the Agreement.

     5. No Other  Modifications.  Except as specifically  modified  herein,  all
terms and  conditions of the Agreement  will remain  unchanged and in full force
and effect.

     If this  letter sets forth our  agreement  on the  subject  matter  hereof,
please  sign and return to the Company the  enclosed  copy of this letter  which
will then constitute our binding agreement on this subject.

                                       Very truly yours,

                                       HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT, INC.


                                       By:
                                           -----------------------


Agreed to:

[Name]
- ----------------------
[Name]


                                                                   Exhibit 10.44

                                  AMENDMENT TO
                        THE PROMUS COMPANIES INCORPORATED
                             1990 STOCK OPTION PLAN



     The Promus Companies  Incorporated,  a Delaware corporation,  hereby adopts
this  Amendment to the 1990 Stock Option Plan (the "Plan"),  effective  upon the
consummation  of the spin-off of the hotel business of this  corporation  into a
new corporation.

     1. The Plan shall be amended to change the name of the Plan to The Harrah's
Entertainment,  Inc.  1990  Stock  Option  Plan,  to change  each  reference  to
"Company"  in the Plan to mean  Harrah's  Entertainment,  Inc.,  to change  each
reference to "Common Stock" to mean the common stock of Harrah's  Entertainment,
Inc. and to delete each reference to "Replacement Options."

     2. Section B(1) shall be amended to add the  following as the last sentence
of such section:

                  In addition,  each member of the Committee must be an "outside
         director" for purposes of Section  162(m) of the Internal  Revenue Code
         of 1986, as amended (the "Code") ("Section 162(m)").

     3.  Section B(2) shall be amended to delete the word "and" before "(7)" and
to add the following to the end of such section:

                  and (8)  whether  an  option  or stock  appreciation  right is
         intended to qualify as  performance-based  compensation  under  Section
         162(m).

     4. Section (B)3 of the Plan shall be amended to add the phrase  "Subject to
Section N(6)," to the beginning of the first and last sentences of such section.

     5. Section B of the Plan shall be amended to add the following as paragraph
6 thereto:

                  6. In its absolute  discretion,  the Board may at any time and
         from  time  to time  exercise  any and all  rights  and  duties  of the
         Committee  under the Plan  except with  respect to matters  which under
         Rule 16b-3,  Section 16 or Section 162(m) are required to be determined
         in the absolute discretion of the Committee.











     6. Section C(2) of the Plan shall be deleted in its entirety.

     7. The Plan  shall be  amended  to delete  Section  D(2) of the Plan in its
entirety,  to redesignate Section D(3) as Section D(2), to change each reference
to such section  accordingly  and to amend  Section D(3) (i.e.  D(2) pursuant to
this amendment) to read in its entirety as follows:

                  3. Subject to the  following  paragraph,  effective  April 30,
         1993, the number of authorized  shares which may be issued  pursuant to
         the  options and stock  appreciation  rights  granted by the  Committee
         under the Plan is increased by an additional 1,500,000 shares.

                  Effective  June 30,  1995,  the number of shares  which may be
         issued upon exercise of options or stock appreciation rights granted by
         the Committee  under this Plan is increased by an additional  4,500,000
         shares.

                  Effective  April 29, 1994,  the maximum  number of shares with
         respect to which options or stock appreciation rights may be granted in
         any year to any one  employee  shall be 250,000*  (the "Award  Limit");
         provided  that the Award Limit shall be  appropriately  adjusted by the
         Committee in accordance  with Section N hereof.  To the extent required
         by Section  162(m),  options which are canceled  continue to be counted
         against the Award Limit and if, after grant of an option,  the price of
         shares  subject to such  option is  reduced,  the  transaction  will be
         treated as a cancellation of the option and a grant of a new option and
         both the  option  deemed to be  canceled  and the  option  deemed to be
         granted will be counted against the Award Limit. To the extent required
         by Section 162(m),  if after the grant of a stock  appreciation  right,
         the  price of  shares  subject  to the  related  underlying  option  is
         reduced,  the  transaction  is treated as a  cancellation  of the stock
         appreciation  right and a grant of a new stock  appreciation  right and
         both the stock  appreciation right deemed to be cancelled and the stock
         appreciation  right deemed to be granted are counted  against the Award
         Limit.

     8. The second  sentence of Section F(1) of the Plan shall be deleted in its
entirety.


- -------------
*adjusted to 351,193 options,  effective June 30, 1995, based on approval of the
Human Resources Committee on December 12, 1996 pursuant to Section D(2) and N of
the Plan due to the spin-off of the hotel business.





                                       -2-









     9. The third  sentence of Section F(1) of the Plan shall be amended to read
in its entirety as follows:

                  Subject  to the  foregoing,  the  price of an  option or stock
         appreciation   right   intended   to   qualify   as   performance-based
         compensation under Section 162(m) and incentive stock options shall not
         be less  than  100%  (110% in the  case of an  incentive  stock  option
         granted to an individual  owning  (within the meaning of Section 424(d)
         of the Code  more than 10% of the total  combined  voting  power of all
         classes of stock of the Company,  any Subsidiary or any Parent Company)
         of the Fair Market  Value of the Common Stock on the date the option is
         granted.

     10.  Section G of the Plan shall be amended to replace  each  reference  to
"Section 422A" with the term "Section 422."

     11.  Section I of the Plan shall be amended to  replace  the  reference  to
"Section 425(d)" with the term "Section 424(d)."

     12.  Section N of the Plan  shall be  amended  to read in its  entirety  as
follows:

                  N-Adjustments

                  1. Subject to Section N5. but  notwithstanding  any other term
         of this  Plan,  in the event  that the  Committee  determines  that any
         dividend or other  distribution  (whether  in the form of cash,  Common
         Stock,   other  securities,   or  other  property),   recapitalization,
         reclassification,  stock split,  reverse  stock split,  reorganization,
         merger, consolidation,  split-up, spin-off, combination, repurchase, or
         exchange of Common Stock or other  securities of the Company,  issuance
         of  warrants  or  other  rights  to  purchase  Common  Stock  or  other
         securities of the Company,  or other similar  corporate  transaction or
         event, in the  Committee's  sole  discretion,  affects the Common Stock
         such  that  an   adjustment  is  determined  by  the  Committee  to  be
         appropriate in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits
         or potential  benefits  intended to be made available under the Plan or
         with  respect  to an  option  or  stock  appreciation  right,  then the
         Committee shall, in such manner as it may deem equitable, adjust any or
         all of

                           (a) the number and type of shares of Common Stock (or
                  other  securities  or property)  with respect to which options
                  and stock  appreciation  rights may be granted  under the Plan
                  (including, but not limited to, adjustments of the limitations
                  in Section D or the  maximum  number and kind of shares  which
                  may be issued and adjustments of the Award Limit),





                                       -3-





                           (b) the number and type of shares of Common Stock (or
                  other securities or property)  subject to outstanding  options
                  and stock appreciation rights, and

                           (c) the grant or exercise price with respect to
                  any option or stock appreciation right.

                  2. Subject to Section N5. but  notwithstanding  any other term
         of this Plan, in the event of any corporate  transaction or other event
         described in Section N1. which  results in shares of Common Stock being
         exchanged for or converted into cash,  securities (including securities
         of another corporation) or other property,  the Committee will have the
         right  to  terminate  this  Plan  as  of  the  date  of  the  event  or
         transaction,  in which case all options and stock  appreciation  rights
         granted  under this Plan shall  become the right to receive  such cash,
         securities or other property, net of any applicable exercise price.

                  3. Subject to Section N5. but  notwithstanding  any other term
         of this Plan, in the event of any corporate  transaction or other event
         described in Section N1., or any unusual or  nonrecurring  transactions
         or events affecting the Company,  any affiliate of the Company,  or the
         financial statements of the Company or any affiliate,  or of changes in
         applicble laws, regulations, or accounting principles, the Committee in
         its  discretion  is  hereby  authorized  to take any one or more of the
         following actions whenever the Committee determines that such action is
         appropriate in order to prevent diultion or enlargement of the benefits
         or potential  benefits  intended to be made available under the Plan or
         with respect to any option or stock  appreciation  right, to facilitate
         such  transactions or events or to give effect to such changes in laws,
         regulations or principles:

                           (a)  In  its  discretion,   and  on  such  terms  and
                  conditions as it deems appropriate, the Committee may provide,
                  either  automatically  or upon  the  optionee's  request,  for
                  either the  purchase of any such option or stock  appreciation
                  right for an amount of cash  equal to the  amount  that  could
                  have been  attained  upon the exercise of such option or stock
                  appreciation right or realization of the optionee's rights had
                  such  option  or  stock   appreciation  right  been  currently
                  exercisable  or payable or the  replacement  of such option or
                  stock   appreciation  right  with  other  rights  or  property
                  selected by the Committee in its sole discretion;









                                       -4-





                           (b) In its  discretion,  the  Committee  may provide,
                  either by the terms of such option or stock appreciation right
                  or by a resolution  adopted  prior to the  occurrence  of such
                  transaction or event,  that it cannot be exercised  after such
                  event;

                           (c)  In  its  discretion,   and  on  such  terms  and
                  conditions as it deems appropriate, the Committee may provide,
                  either by the terms of such option or stock appreciation right
                  or by a resolution  adopted  prior to the  occurrence  of such
                  transaction  or event,  that,  for a specified  period of time
                  prior to such  transaction  or  event,  such  option  or stock
                  appreciation  right  shall  be  exercisable  as to all  shares
                  covered thereby;

                           (d)  In  its  discretion,   and  on  such  terms  and
                  conditions as it deems appropriate, the Committee may provide,
                  either by the terms of such option or stock appreciation right
                  or by a resolution  adopted  prior to the  occurrence  of such
                  transaction  or event,  that upon such  event,  such option or
                  stock   appreciation   right  be  assumed  by  the   successor
                  corporation,  or a parent or subsidiary  thereof,  or shall be
                  substituted for by similar options,  rights or awards covering
                  the  stock  of  the  successor  corporation,  or a  parent  or
                  subsidiary  thereof,  with  appropriate  adjustments as to the
                  number and kind of shares and prices; and

                           (e)  In  its  discretion,   and  on  such  terms  and
                  conditions  as it deems  appreopriate,  the Committee may make
                  adjustments  in the number and type of shares of Common  Stock
                  (or other  securities  or  property)  subject  to  outstanding
                  options and stock appreciation rights, and/or in the terms and
                  conditions of (including the grant or exercise price), and the
                  criteria governing, outstanding options and stock appreciation
                  rights and options and stock appreciation  rights which may be
                  granted in the future.

                  4. Subject to Section N5. but  notwithstanding  any other term
         of this Plan,  the  Committee  may,  in its  discretion,  include  such
         further  provisions and limitations in any option or stock appreciation
         right  agreement or  certificate,  as it may deem  equitable and in the
         best interests of the Company.

                  5. With  respect to  incentive  stock  options and options and
         stock  appreciation  rights  intended  to qualify as  performance-based
         compensation under Section 162(m), no adjustment or action described in
         this  Section  N or in  any  other  provision  of  the  Plan  shall  be
         authorized to the extent that such adjustment or action would cause the
         Plan




                                       -5-









         to violate Section  422(b)(1) of the Code or would cause such option or
         stock appreciation right to fail to so qualify under Section 162(m), as
         the case may be, or any successor provisions thereto.  Furthermore,  no
         such  adjustment  or action  shall be  authorized  to the  extent  such
         adjustment or action would violate Section 16 or Rule 16b-3. The number
         of shares of Common Stock  subject to any option or stock  appreciation
         right shall always be rounded to the next number.

                  6. Any decision of the Committee pursuant to the terms of this
         Section N shall be final, binding and conclusive upon the participants,
         the Company and all other interested parties.

     13.  Section U of the Plan  shall be  amended  to read in its  entirety  as
follows:

         Section U-Amendment, Suspension or Termination of the Plan

         The Plan may be wholly or  partially  amended  or  otherwise  modified,
         suspended  or  terminated  at any  time  or  from  time  to time by the
         Committee.  However, no action of the Committee may (except as provided
         in  Section  N),   modify  the  Award  Limit  modify  the   eligibility
         requirements  of  Section  C,  reduce  the  minimum  option  and  stock
         appreciation  rights price requirements of Section F or otherwise amend
         the Plan in a manner  requiring  stockholder  approval  as a matter  of
         Section  162(m),  Rule 16b-3 or Section 16 of the Exchange Act or other
         applicable  law,  regulation or rule without  approval of the Company's
         shareholders  given within 12 months  before or after the action by the
         Committee.  Neither the amendment,  suspension  nor  termination of the
         Plan  shall,  without  the consent of the holder of the option or stock
         appreciation  right,  impair any rights or obligations under any option
         or stock  appreciation  right theretofore  granted.  No option or stock
         appreciation  right may be granted  during any period of suspension nor
         after  termination of the Plan, and in no event may any option or stock
         appreciation  right be granted under this Plan after the  expiration of
         ten years from the date the Plan was adopted by the Board.

     14. The Plan shall be amended  to add  Section X which  should  read in its
entirety as follows:

         X. Consideration

                  The  consideration  for the  issuance  of any  option or stock
         appreciation  right shall be the  participant's  past or future service
         with Promus or its subsidiaries.

                                     * * * *



                                       -6-









     I hereby certify that the foregoing  amendment to the Plan was duly adopted
by the Board of Directors of The Promus  Companies  Incorporated  as of April 5,
1995.

     Executed on this 26th day of May, 1995.



                                       /s/ E. O. Robinson, Jr.
                                       -----------------------
                                            Secretary













                                       -7-



                                                                   Exhibit 10.46


                          HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
                               Stock Option Award


THIS CERTIFIES THAT the Human  Resources  Committee of the Board of Directors of
Harrah's  Entertainment,  Inc. has awarded [Name] a Nonqualified Stock Option to
purchase  [Grant  Total]  shares  of the  Company's  Common  Stock at a price of
[Price] per share.

Original Grant Date:  [Grant Date]

This option is exercisable as follows:

                  [number]  shares on or after January 1, 1998
                  [number]  shares on or after January 1, 1999
                  [number]  shares on or after January 1, 2000
                  [number]  shares on or after January 1, 2001


This award is subject to the terms and  conditions  on the reverse  side of this
award and to the terms and  conditions of the Company's  1990 Stock Option Plan,
as it may be amended from time to time. A summary of certain of the Plan's terms
and  conditions  is included on the reverse  side of this award.  This  document
constitutes part of a prospectus concerning securities that have been registered
under the Securities Act of 1933.

DATED as of this 12th day of December, 1996.
                 ----        --------  ----


                                       HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT, INC.



/s/ Rebecca W. Ballou                  /s/ Philip G. Satre
- ----------------------                 -----------------------------
Secretary                              President and Chief Executive
                                       Officer









                          SUMMARY OF CERTAIN CONDITIONS



Shares of Harrah's Entertainment,  Inc. ("Harrah's  Entertainment" or "Company")
common stock may be purchased under this stock option.  Subject to the terms and
conditions of the Plan, the term of this option is 10 years and one day from the
original grant date shown on the front side of this  certificate.  The option is
exercisable in accordance with the stated  schedule  indicated on the front side
of  this  certificate  by  giving  written  notice  addressed  to the  Corporate
Compensation Department, Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. 1023 Cherry Road, Memphis,
TN 38117 (or such other  address  designated  by the  Company),  specifying  the
number of shares to be purchased and by payment of the option price according to
the rules of the Plan.

Subject to the Plan and  Administrative  Regulations  thereunder and contractual
provisions,  this stock option, to the extent not exercised, shall terminate and
be forfeited on the  expiration of 10 years and one day from the original  grant
date shown on the front side of this certificate, upon breach by the optionee of
any  provision  of this  option,  or upon  optionee's  ceasing  to be an  active
employee of Harrah's  Entertainment (or its legal successor) or its subsidiaries
for any reason  including,  but not  limited to,  retirement  and  voluntary  or
involuntary  termination  including  termination  due to  sale or  closure  of a
business unit or sale of a subsidiary, provided however:

o If active  employment  ceases during the term of this stock option  because of
death or  disability,  then the  unexercised  portion of the  options  that were
already  vested (i.e.,  exercisable)  at that time plus 50 percent of any future
unvested  installments  shall be  exercisable in full on the date of death or on
the date of the  determination of disability,  as the case may be. All remaining
unvested options will be forfeited, subject to contractual provisions.

o The time period to exercise  vested  options,  following  retirement  for age,
death or determination of disability during the term of this option while in the
employ  of the  Company  (or its legal  successor)  or its  subsidiaries,  is as
follows:











                                                    Period to Exercise Vested
        Years of Service                            Options after Death,
                                                    Disability or Retirement
        ----------------                            ---------------------------

        under 10 years (for                                  one year
        death or disability
        only)*

        10 to 20 years (for                                  two years
        death, disability or
        retirement)

        20 or more years (for                                three years
        death, disability or
        retirement)

*If you terminate  employment with less than 10 years of service (other than for
death or disability),  options do not extend past your termination date and must
be exercised on or before your last day of employment.

o Retirement means termination during the term of this option at or after age 55
and having 10 or more years of service with the Company (or its legal successor)
or its subsidiaries. Disability means a determination (while you are an employee
or on  authorized  leave) that you qualify for  long-term  disability  insurance
under the Company's LTD policy.  Upon death,  vested options may be exercised by
your proper  legal  representative  (executor  or  administrator)  or your legal
beneficiary subject to the Company being properly assured and legally advised of
the rights of such persons.

o  Reference  is made  to the  vesting  acceleration  provisions  in the  Plan's
Administrative  Regulations  which  provisions are applicable  upon a "Change in
Control" (as defined in, and subject to, such Regulations).

This stock option shall be  non-transferable  by the optionee other than by will
or the  laws of  descent  and  distribution  and  shall  be  exercisable  during
optionee's lifetime only by optionee.

This stock option may not be  exercised  at a time when the exercise  thereof or
the issuance of shares thereunder would constitute a violation of any federal or
state laws or rules of any stock  exchange  where the common  stock of  Harrah's
Entertainment, Inc. (or its legal successor) is listed.











ALL TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE HARRAH'S  ENTERTAINMENT,  INC. 1990 STOCK OPTION
PLAN AND ADMINISTRATIVE  REGULATIONS  THEREUNDER,  AS AMENDED FROM TIME TO TIME,
ARE   INCORPORATED   HEREIN  BY   REFERENCE.   ANY   CONFLICT  OR  QUESTIONS  OF
INTERPRETATION  SHALL BE  GOVERNED  BY THE  PROVISIONS  OF THE PLAN,  THE PLAN'S
ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS AND THE DECISIONS OF THE HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE.

This stock option is subject to the special clause regarding  non-competition as
approved by the Human  Resources  Committee on December 15, 1995 and made a part
of this award. See attachment.











                                 Special Clause
                  Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. (the "Company")


On December 15, 1995 the Human  Resources  Committee of the  Company's  Board of
Directors  approved  the  following  clause  that  applies to all stock  options
granted on or after  December 15, 1995,  under the  Company's  1990 Stock Option
Plan:

(1)      If the employee (a) terminates his or her employment voluntarily and 
         within one year  thereafter,  directly or  indirectly,  without the 
         prior written consent of the Company, goes to work for or provides 
         services or assistance (as an employee, partner, investor, consultant 
         or in any other capacity) to a competing  business in the United  
         States;  or (b) directly or indirectly solicits or recruits to a 
         competing  business any employee (salary grade 20 and higher) of the 
         Company or of its direct or indirect subsidiaries during the one year  
         after  voluntary  employment  termination,  then  the  former employee
         will be obligated to repay to the Company in cash any aggregate spread 
         (less taxes paid by the employee thereon) realized upon any exercise
         of the  stock  option  that  occurred  during  the  last  three  months
         of employment or thereafter.

(2)      A competing  business is defined as any business that competes with any
         business  operated  or managed by the Company or its direct or indirect
         subsidiaries  in the  United  States  at  the  time  of the  employee's
         termination of employment.

(3)      Competition  does not include an investment of 1% or less in the public
         stock or public debt of a competing company.

(4)      The  chief  executive  officer  will  have  authority  on behalf of the
         Company to determine  whether the clause has been  violated.  The Human
         Resources Committee will make this determination in regard to the chief
         executive officer.

(5)      The Company will have a right of set-off to collect the spread from any
         amounts owed to the employee including deferred compensation.



                                                                   Exhibit 10.52

                          HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
                           1990 Restricted Stock Plan
                               PARTICIPATION AWARD


THIS CERTIFIES THAT the Human  Resources  Committee of the Board of Directors of
Harrah's Entertainment,  Inc. has awarded [RSP Grant] shares of restricted stock
to [Name] in  accordance  with the  Company's  1990  Restricted  Stock Plan,  as
amended.

Original Grant Date:  [Grant Date]


The restriction on these                    Vesting Schedule
shares will lapse in the
annual installments as                      [number] shares January 1, 1998
shown at right if the                       [number] shares January 1, 1999
participant is actively                     [number] shares January 1, 2000
employed with the Company                   [number] shares January 1, 2001
on the vesting date.


This  award is  subject  to the  terms  and  conditions  of the  Company's  1990
Restricted  Stock Plan,  as it may be amended from time to time. A brief summary
of  certain  of the  terms and  conditions  that  apply to this  award is on the
reverse  side of this award.  This  document  constitutes  part of a  prospectus
covering securities that have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933.


DATE as of this 12th day of December, 1996.
                ----        --------  ----

                                       HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT, INC.


/s/ Rebecca W. Ballou                  /s/ Philip G. Satre
- ----------------------                 -----------------------------
Secretary                              President and Chief Executive
                                       Officer












                          SUMMARY OF CERTAIN CONDITIONS

1.       The stock certificates representing this award will be held by the 
         Company until the restrictions are lifted.

2.       During the  restricted  period,  the shares may not be sold,  assigned,
         pledged,  encumbered or used as collateral for a loan. After the shares
         vest,  the stock  certificates  representing  such shares may contain a
         restrictive legend as required by law.

3.       If the participant voluntarily or involuntarily terminates active
         employment with the Company or its subsidiaries for any reason before 
         the restrictions have been removed (except for death or disability as 
         provided in Paragraph 4 below), then, subject to any contractual 
         provisions, the terms of the Plan or the Administrative Regulations 
         thereunder, all shares covered by the restrictions at that time will be
         automatically forfeited to the Company.

         Reference is made to the vesting acceleration  provisions in the Plan's
         Administrative  Regulations,  which  provisions are  applicable  upon a
         "Change in Control" (as defined in, and subject to, such Regulations).

4.       If employment  ceases  because of death or disability (as disability is
         defined in the Plan's Administrative Regulations), then, subject to any
         contractual  provisions,  the  terms of the Plan or the  Administrative
         Regulations thereunder, the restrictions on 50% of the shares remaining
         under restriction at that time will be removed.

5.       The rights of the participant are not transferrable other than by will
         or the laws of descent and distribution in accordance with the Plan's 
         provisions.

6.       The participant will be entitled to vote and receive dividends on the 
         restricted shares.

7.       ALL TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT, INC. 1990 
         RESTRICTED STOCK PLAN AND THE ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS THEREUNDER, 
         AS AMENDED FROM TIME TO TIME, ARE INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE.  
         ANY CONFLICT OR QUESTION OF INTERPRETATION SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THE 
         PROVISIONS OF THE PLAN, THE PLAN'S ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS AND THE
         DECISIONS OF THE HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE.



                                                                   Exhibit 10.54


                                  AMENDMENT TO
                           ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS

                          HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
                  (FORMERLY THE PROMUS COMPANIES INCORPORATED)

                           LONG TERM COMPENSATION PLAN



         Pursuant to approval by the Human  Resources  Committee on December 12,
1996, the  Administrative  Regulations for the Long Term  Compensation  Plan are
amended to add the following Section 4.3:

         "4.3 The  reference  to "any  year" in  Section  D(2) of the 1990 Stock
         Option  Plan  relating  to the  Award  Limit is deemed to refer to each
         fiscal year of the Company."

                                *****************

         I hereby  certify that the  foregoing  amendment to the  Administrative
Regulations  for the Long Term  Compensation  Plan was duly adopted by the Human
Resources Committee of the Board of Directors of Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. on
December 12, 1996.

         Executed as of this 12th day of December, 1996.




                                       /s/ Neil F. Barnhart
                                       -------------------------
                                       Neil F. Barnhart
                                       Vice President



                                                                   Exhibit 10.59


                  Restated Amendment dated July 18, 1996 to the
                          Harrah's Entertainment, Inc.
                      Executive Deferred Compensation Plan


         Pursuant to approval by the Human  Resources  Committee of the Harrah's
Entertainment,  Inc. Board of Directors,  the following  subparagraph  5.1(c) is
hereby added to Article V of the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan:

         (c)      Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, at any
                  time after July 18, 1996, any Participant or
                  Beneficiary will be entitled to receive, upon written
                  request signed by the Participant or Beneficiary and
                  delivered to the Company's Corporate Compensation
                  Department, a lump sum distribution equal to 90% of all
                  or a specified percentage or amount, as designated by
                  the Participant or Beneficiary, of the Participant's or
                  Beneficiary's vested Account balance as of the
                  Determination Date immediately preceding the date on
                  which the Corporate Compensation Department receives
                  the written request; provided that the second request
                  for any such withdrawal must designate the entire
                  vested Account Balance for withdrawal and the Notice
                  Date for such second request must be at least one year
                  after the first Notice Date.  The date the Corporate
                  Compensation Department receives a written request for
                  such withdrawal is referred to as a "Notice Date".  The
                  amount payable under this subsection (c) will be paid
                  in a lump sum subject to any applicable withholding
                  taxes within sixty (60) days following the Notice Date.
                  The remaining 10% of the amount designated for
                  distribution will be forfeited to the Company by the
                  Participant or Beneficiary and the Participant or
                  Beneficiary will have no rights whatsoever thereto.
                  The request for the distribution and the 10% forfeiture
                  will become irrevocable on the tenth day after the
                  Notice Date for the distribution.  Notwithstanding any
                  deferral elections, such Participant will not be
                  eligible for any deferrals under the Plan for a one
                  year period from the Determination Date, with further
                  payroll deferrals to stop starting with the first
                  payroll date that is administratively feasible for
                  ceasing deferrals that occurs after a Notice Date.  In
                  addition, any deferrals that may have occurred after
                  the Determination Date immediately preceding a Notice
                  Date and before such cessation of deferrals will be
                  reversed and sent to the Participant as soon as









                  practicable without interest and subject to applicable
                  withholding taxes. The vested Account balance of such a
                  Participant or Beneficiary will be determined as follows:

                  (1)      For a director Participant, the vested Account
                           balance is the Retirement Account balance.

                  (2)      If the Participant is a current employee and would
                           be eligible for or otherwise entitled to his or
                           her Retirement Account balance if he or she
                           terminated employment on the Notice Date for the
                           distribution, the vested Account balance is the
                           Retirement Account balance.  Otherwise, it will be
                           the Termination Account balance.

                  (3)      If the Participant has terminated service or with
                           respect to a Beneficiary, the vested Account
                           balance is either the Retirement Account balance
                           or the Termination Account balance, as the case
                           may be, which the Participant or Beneficiary was
                           vested in and eligible for as of the Notice Date
                           for the distribution.

         IN WITNESS  WHEREOF,  this  Restated  Amendment has been executed as of
this 18th day of July, 1996.



                                       Harrah's Entertainment, Inc.



                                       By:  /s/ Neil F. Barnhart
                                            -------------------------

                                       Title: Vice President
                                            -------------------------




                                                                   Exhibit 10.66


                  Time Accelerated Restricted Stock Award Plan
                                (TARSAP Program)

                    Approved by the Human Resources Committee
                                December 12, 1996


         (1)  Grant.  Each of the  executives  listed on  Exhibit A is granted a
restricted  stock  award for the  number of shares  specified  on Exhibit A (the
"Restricted  Shares").  The  Restricted  Shares  are  granted  pursuant  to  the
Company's  1990  Restricted  Stock  Plan,  as  amended,  and the  administrative
regulations thereunder,  subject to the terms of the TARSAP Program as specified
herein.

         (2) Longevity  Vesting.  The Restricted  Shares for each executive will
vest  100% on  January  1,  2002  provided  the  executive  continues  in active
employment with the Company or its direct or indirect subsidiaries until January
1, 2002.

Unless otherwise approved by the Committee,  all unvested Restricted Shares will
be forfeited and returned to the Plan if active  employment  terminates prior to
January  1 of the  year  of the  vesting  date  (whether  longevity  vesting  or
performance vesting) including termination due to death, retirement or voluntary
or involuntary termination.

         (3)  Performance  Vesting.  The Restricted  Shares will be eligible for
earlier  annual vesting  starting  March 1, 1999 based on the Company  achieving
financial  performance  targets as  recommended by the Committee and approved by
the Board of Directors. The performance vesting schedule will have the following
basic  format,  which is  subject to  modification  upon  recommendation  by the
Committee and approval of the Board.

                          Performance Vesting Schedule
                          ----------------------------

                                FINANCIAL          POTENTIAL
             PLAN YEAR          TARGETS*         CUMULATIVE VEST   VEST DATE
             ---------        --------------      --------------    ---------

                1998          --------------           20%           3/1/99
                              --------------           30%           3/1/99
                              --------------           40%           3/1/99

                1999          --------------           50%           3/1/00
                              --------------           60%           3/1/00
                              --------------           70%           3/1/00










                2000          --------------           80%           3/1/01
                              --------------           90%           3/1/01
                              --------------          100%           3/1/01

                2001                            All unvested         1/1/02

                      *To be established at a later date for each year.


       (4) Vesting of Restricted  Shares in the event of a Change in Control (as
defined  in and  subject to the Plan's  administrative  regulations)  will be as
follows:  Upon a  Change  in  Control  prior  to  January  1,  1998,  50% of the
Restricted Shares will vest and 50% will be forfeited.  Thereafter,  100% of the
Restricted  Shares will vest similar to other  restricted stock upon a Change in
Control.

       (5) The Human Resources  Committee will have broad flexibility to oversee
and amend the TARSAP  Program  including  but not limited to  modifications  and
changes,  with Board approval,  of performance  criteria and specific  financial
targets  and the right to make  exceptions  based on unusual  factors or events,
provided the mandatory vesting date of January 1, 2002 cannot be extended.

       (6) The Chief  Executive  Officer will have  authority to administer  and
interpret the TARSAP Program for purposes of program administration.











                                    EXHIBIT A


                                                            Amount of
             Name                                    TARSAP Award (in shares)
             ----                                    ------------------------

             Satre, Philip G.                                 100,000
             Reed, Colin V.                                    50,000
             Ledsinger, Charles A., Jr.                        45,000
             Peternell, Ben C.                                 25,000
             Boushy, John M.                                   25,000
             Robinson, Edwin O., Jr.                           20,000
             Morgan, Bradford W.                               20,000



                [Awards to non-executive officers are not shown.]



                                                                   Exhibit 10.67

                                  TARSAP AWARD



                          HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
                           1990 Restricted Stock Plan
                 PARTICIPATION AWARD PURSUANT TO TARSAP PROGRAM


THIS CERTIFIES THAT the Human  Resources  Committee of the Board of Directors of
Harrah's Entertainment,  Inc. has awarded [number] shares of restricted stock to
[Name] in accordance with the Company's 1990 Restricted Stock Plan, as amended.

Original Grant Date:  December 12, 1996


These  shares  will  vest  100% on  January  1, 2002  provided  the  participant
continues  in active  employment  with the  Company  or its  direct or  indirect
subsidiaries  until January 1, 2002. If such active employment  terminates prior
to  January 1 of the year of the  vesting  date  (whether  longevity  vesting or
performance vesting) including termination due to death, retirement or voluntary
or involuntary  termination,  all unvested shares will be forfeited and returned
to the Restricted Stock Plan.

These shares will be eligible for potential earlier annual vesting increments on
March 1, 1999, March 1, 2000 and March 1, 2001 if the Company achieves financial
targets to be recommended by the Human  Resources  Committee and approved by the
Board  of  Directors  at a later  date.  These  targets  and  potential  vesting
increments will be set forth in a performance  vesting  schedule,  which will be
subject to modification upon recommendation by the Committee and approval of the
Board.

Vesting of these  shares  upon a Change in Control (as defined in and subject to
the Plan's  administrative  regulations)  will be as  follows:  Upon a Change in
Control prior to January 1, 1998,  50% of the unvested  shares will vest and 50%
will be forfeited. Upon a Change in Control on or after January 1, 1998, 100% of
the unvested shares will vest similar to other restricted stock upon a Change in
Control.

This  award is  subject  to the  terms  and  conditions  of the  Company's  1990
Restricted  Stock Plan,  as it may be amended from time to time,  and is further
subject  to the terms of the  TARSAP  Program  approved  by the Human  Resources
Committee.  A brief summary of certain of the terms and conditions that apply to
this










award is on the reverse side of this award. This document  constitutes part of a
prospectus  covering  securities that have been registered  under the Securities
Act of 1933.


DATED as of this 12th day of December, 1996.
                 ----        --------  ----

                                       HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT, INC.




/s/ Rebecca W. Ballou                  /s/ Philip G. Satre
- ----------------------                 -----------------------------
Secretary                              President and Chief Executive
                                       Officer














                          SUMMARY OF CERTAIN CONDITIONS
                          -----------------------------


1.       The stock certificates representing this award will be held by the 
         Company until the restrictions are lifed.

2.       During the  restricted  period,  the shares may not be sold,  assigned,
         pledged,  encumbered or used as collateral for a loan. After the shares
         vest,  the stock  certificates  representing  such shares may contain a
         restrictive legend as required by law.

3.       The rights of the participants are not transferable other than by will
         or the laws of descent and distribution in accordance with the Plan's 
         provisions.

4.       The participant will be entitled to vote and receive dividends on the 
         restricted shares.

5.       ALL TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT, INC. 1990 
         RESTRICTED STOCK PLAN AND THE ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS THEREUNDER, 
         AS AMENDED FROM TIME TO TIME SUBJECT TO THE TARSAP PROGRAM APPROVED BY 
         THE HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE ON DECEMBER 12, 1996, AS SUCH PROGRAM MAY
         BE AMENDED FROM TIME TO TIME, ARE INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE.  
         ANY CONFLICT OR QUESTION OF INTERPRETATION SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THE 
         PROVISIONS OF THE PLAN, THE PLAN'S ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS SUBJECT 
         TO THE TARSAP PROGRAM AND THE DECISIONS OF THE HUMAN RESOURCES 
         COMMITTEE.







                                                                   Exhibit 10.68

TO:               [Name]

FROM:             Neil Barnhart

DATE:             October 30, 1996

              Consent Form -- Cancellation and New Grant of Options
              -----------------------------------------------------

This form is provided to you in  accordance  with the  "Harrah's  Entertainment,
Inc. Special Program -- New Options" dated October 24, 1996.

Cancellation  of  Previous  Options  -  Please  check  your  decision  as to the
cancellation of the following option grants previously  granted to you. You must
check either "yes" or "no" for each grant.

Current Option Grants:
- ---------------------
             Outstanding
Grant Date   # Options     Exercise Price    Vesting Dates          Cancel
- ----------   -----------   --------------    -------------   ------------------

[Date]       [Options]        [Price]        [Vest Dates]    |_| Yes   |_| No

[Date]       [Options]        [Price]        [Vest Dates]    |_| Yes   |_| No

[Date]       [Options]        [Price]        [Vest Dates]    |_| Yes   |_| No

[Date]       [Options]        [Price]        [Vest Dates]    |_| Yes   |_| No

[Date]       [Options]        [Price]        [Vest Dates]    |_| Yes   |_| No

[Date]       [Options]        [Price]        [Vest Dates]    |_| Yes   |_| No

[Date]       [Options]        [Price]        [Vest Dates]    |_| Yes   |_| No

[Date]       [Options]        [Price]        [Vest Dates]    |_| Yes   |_| No

New Grant:
- ---------

For the total of the option  grants that are  cancelled,  you will receive a new
option grant on a "2 for 3" basis. For example,  if the total options  cancelled
are 3,000, you will receive 2,000 new options.

Information as to new grant:

         o    Exercise  price  equal to  average  of high and low  prices of HET
              common stock on New York Stock Exchange on November 15, 1996.

         o    Term of options is ten years plus one day.

         o    Vesting in four 25% annual  installments  starting  1/1/98 and 
              ending 1/1/01.

         o    100%  vesting  upon  "Change  in  Control"  as  defined  in Plan's
              administrative regulations.








         o    If Change in Control  occurs  before  1/1/98,  25% of new grant is
              automatically cancelled.

         o    Options are  "nonqualified"  options (same as cancelled  options).
              See "Plan  Highlights"  brochure for more  information  concerning
              "nonqualified" options.

         o    Options are granted pursuant to terms of Plan including noncompete
              provision, administrative regulations, and contractual provisions.

You need to sign and  return  this  entire  form to the  Corporate  Compensation
Department  in Memphis on or before  November 15, 1996. It can be faxed to (901)
537- 3359 or e-mailed to Susan  Daniel.  (Your fax or e-mail must be received in
Memphis by midnight  November 15, 1996).  The signed form can be delivered on or
before Friday, November 15, 1996 to an overnight courier for guaranteed delivery
by the courier to Memphis by Monday, November 18, 1996.

The  cancellation and new grant will be effective as of November 15, 1996. A new
option  certificate  will be forwarded to you after  November 15, 1996.  Options
that are not cancelled will remain in force per their terms and a new grant will
not be made concerning non-cancelled options.

I  acknowledge  that  I have  read  the  information  sheet  entitled  "Harrah's
Entertainment,  Inc.  Special  Program -- New Options" dated October 24, 1996. I
hereby consent to the  cancellation  of the options marked "Yes" on this Consent
Form. This Consent Form cannot be changed after November 15, 1996.


- ------------------------
  Employee Signature       This form must be returned to Memphis on or before
                           November 15, 1996.  YOU CAN FAX THE FORM TO (901) 
- ------------------------   537-3359 or (901) 762-8777 or you can E-mail specific
     Printed Name          decisions to Susan Daniel by November 15, 1996.  This
                           This form can also be delivered not later than 
- ------------------------   Friday, November 15, 1996 to an overnight courier for
Social Security Number     the courier's guaranteed delivery to Memphis on or
                           before Monday, November 18, 1996.










This award is issued pursuant to the "Special Program -- New Options" dated 
October 24, 1996.

                          HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
                               Stock Option Award


THIS CERTIFIES THAT the Human  Resources  Committee of the Board of Directors of
Harrah's  Entertainment,  Inc. has awarded [Name] a Nonqualified Stock Option to
purchase  [Grant] shares of the Company's Common Stock at a price of [Price] per
share.

Original Grant Date:  [Grant Date]

This option is exercisable as follows:


                   [number] shares on or after January 1, 1998
                   [number] shares on or after January 1, 1999
                   [number] shares on or after January 1, 2000
                   [number] shares on or after January 1, 2001

This award is subject to the terms and  conditions  on the reverse  side of this
award and to the terms and  conditions of the Company's  1990 Stock Option Plan,
as it may be amended from time to time. A summary of certain of the Plan's terms
and  conditions  is included on the reverse  side of this award.  This  document
constitutes part of a prospectus concerning securities that have been registered
under the Securities Act of 1933.

DATED as of this 15th day of November, 1996.
                 ----        --------  ----


                                       HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT, INC.



/s/ Rebecca W. Ballou                  /s/ Philip G. Satre
- ----------------------                 -----------------------------
Secretary                              President and Chief Executive
                                       Officer














                          SUMMARY OF CERTAIN CONDITIONS



Shares of Harrah's Entertainment,  Inc. ("Harrah's  Entertainment" or "Company")
common stock may be purchased under this stock option.  Subject to the terms and
conditions of the Plan, the term of this option is 10 years and one day from the
original grant date shown on the front side of this  certificate.  The option is
exercisable in accordance with the stated  schedule  indicated on the front side
of  this  certificate  by  giving  written  notice  addressed  to the  Corporate
Compensation Department, Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. 1023 Cherry Road, Memphis,
TN 38117 (or such other  address  designated  by the  Company),  specifying  the
number of shares to be purchased and by payment of the option price according to
the rules of the Plan.

Subject to the Plan and  Administrative  Regulations  thereunder and contractual
provisions,  this stock option, to the extent not exercised, shall terminate and
be forfeited on the  expiration of 10 years and one day from the original  grant
date shown on the front side of this certificate, upon breach by the optionee of
any  provision  of this  option,  or upon  optionee's  ceasing  to be an  active
employee of Harrah's  Entertainment (or its legal successor) or its subsidiaries
for any reason  including,  but not  limited to,  retirement  and  voluntary  or
involuntary  termination  including  termination  due to  sale or  closure  of a
business unit or sale of a subsidiary, provided however:

o If active  employment  ceases during the term of this stock option  because of
death or  disability,  then the  unexercised  portion of the  options  that were
already  vested (i.e.,  exercisable)  at that time plus 50 percent of any future
unvested  installments  shall be  exercisable in full on the date of death or on
the date of the  determination of disability,  as the case may be. All remaining
unvested options will be forfeited, subject to contractual provisions.

o The time period to exercise  vested  options,  following  retirement  for age,
death or determination of disability during the term of this option while in the
employ  of the  Company  (or its legal  successor)  or its  subsidiaries,  is as
follows:











                                                    Period to Exercise Vested
          Years of Service                          Options after Death,
                                                    Disability or Retirement
          ----------------                          ---------------------------

          under 10 years (for                                  one year
          death or disability
          only)*

          10 to 20 years (for                                  two years
          death, disability or
          retirement)

          20 or more years (for                                three years
          death, disability or
          retirement)

*If you terminate  employment with less than 10 years of service (other than for
death or disability),  options do not extend past your termination date and must
be exercised on or before your last day of employment.

o Retirement means termination during the term of this option at or after age 55
and having 10 or more years of service with the Company (or its legal successor)
or its subsidiaries. Disability means a determination (while you are an employee
or on  authorized  leave) that you qualify for  long-term  disability  insurance
under the Company's LTD policy.  Upon death,  vested options may be exercised by
your proper  legal  representative  (executor  or  administrator)  or your legal
beneficiary subject to the Company being properly assured and legally advised of
the rights of such persons.

o  Reference  is made  to the  vesting  acceleration  provisions  in the  Plan's
Administrative  Regulations  which  provisions are applicable  upon a "Change in
Control" (as defined in, and subject to, such Regulations).

This stock option shall be  non-transferable  by the optionee other than by will
or the  laws of  descent  and  distribution  and  shall  be  exercisable  during
optionee's lifetime only by optionee.

This stock option may not be  exercised  at a time when the exercise  thereof or
the issuance of shares thereunder would constitute a violation of any federal or
state laws or rules of any stock  exchange  where the common  stock of  Harrah's
Entertainment, Inc. (or its legal successor) is listed.











ALL TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE HARRAH'S  ENTERTAINMENT,  INC. 1990 STOCK OPTION
PLAN AND ADMINISTRATIVE  REGULATIONS  THEREUNDER,  AS AMENDED FROM TIME TO TIME,
ARE   INCORPORATED   HEREIN  BY   REFERENCE.   ANY   CONFLICT  OR  QUESTIONS  OF
INTERPRETATION  SHALL BE  GOVERNED  BY THE  PROVISIONS  OF THE PLAN,  THE PLAN'S
ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS AND THE DECISIONS OF THE HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE.

This stock option is subject to the special clause regarding  non-competition as
approved by the Human  Resources  Committee on December 15, 1995 and made a part
of this award and the special clause concerning Change in Control as approved by
the Human Resources Committee on October 24, 1996. See attachment.















                                 Special Clauses
                  Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. (the "Company")


I. On December 15, 1995 the Human Resources  Committee of the Company's Board of
Directors  approved  the  following  clause  that  applies to all stock  options
granted on or after  December 15, 1995,  under the  Company's  1990 Stock Option
Plan:

(1)      If the employee (a) terminates his or her employment voluntarily and
         within one year thereafter, directly or indirectly, without the prior 
         written consent of the Company, goes to work for or provides services 
         or assistance (as an employee, partner, investor, consultant or in any 
         other capacity) to a competing business in the United States; or (b) 
         directly or indirectly solicits or recruits to a competing business any
         employee (salary grade 20 and higher) of the Company or of its direct 
         or indirect subsidiaries during the one year after voluntary employment
         termination, then the former employee will be obligated to repay to the
         Company in cash any aggregate spread (less taxes paid by the employee 
         thereon) realized upon any exercise of the stock option that occurred 
         during the last three months of employment or thereafter.

(2)      A competing  business is defined as any business that competes with any
         business  operated  or managed by the Company or its direct or indirect
         subsidiaries  in the  United  States  at  the  time  of the  employee's
         termination of employment.

(3)      Competition  does not include an investment of 1% or less in the public
         stock or public debt of a competing company.

(4)      The  chief  executive  officer  will  have  authority  on behalf of the
         Company to determine  whether the clause has been  violated.  The Human
         Resources Committee will make this determination in regard to the chief
         executive officer.

(5)      The Company will have a right of set-off to collect the spread from any
         amounts owed to the employee including deferred compensation.

II.  Clause  Concerning  Change in Control  approved  October  24,  1996 The new
options granted  pursuant to the "Special  Program -- New Options" dated October
24,  1996 will vest upon a Change in Control  as  defined in and  subject to the
administrative  regulations of the Company's 1990 Stock Option Plan, as amended,
provided, however, in the event of a Change in Control prior to January 1, 1998,
25% of the stock  options  represented  by this award will be forfeited  and the
participant will have no rights thereto.



                                                                      EXHIBIT 11
                          HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
 
                       COMPUTATIONS OF PER SHARE EARNINGS
 
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, ---------------------------------------------- 1996 1995 1994 -------------- -------------- -------------- Income from continuing operations............................... $ 98,897,000 $ 78,810,000 $ 49,984,000 Discontinued operations Earnings from hotel operations, net........................... - 21,230,000 36,319,000 Spin-off transaction expenses, net............................ - (21,194,000) - Cumulative effect of change in accounting policy, net........... - - (7,932,000) -------------- -------------- -------------- Net income...................................................... $ 98,897,000 $ 78,846,000 $ 78,371,000 -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- PRIMARY EARNINGS PER SHARE Weighted average number of common shares outstanding............ 102,598,281 102,340,763 101,604,698 Common stock equivalents Additional shares based on average market price for period applicable to: Restricted stock........................................ 88 90,996 461,408 Stock options........................................... 1,137,792 756,364 744,205 -------------- -------------- -------------- Average number of primary common and common equivalent shares outstanding................................................... 103,736,161 103,188,123 102,810,311 -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- PRIMARY EARNINGS PER COMMON AND COMMON EQUIVALENT SHARE Income from continuing operations........................... $ 0.95 $ 0.76 $ 0.49 Discontinued operations Earnings from hotel operations, net....................... - 0.21 0.35 Spin-off transaction expenses, net........................ - (0.21) - Change in accounting policy, net............................ - - (0.08) -------------- -------------- -------------- Net income.............................................. $ 0.95 $ 0.76 $ 0.76 -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- FULLY DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE Average number of primary common and common equivalent shares outstanding................................................... 103,736,161 103,188,123 102,810,311 Additional shares based on period-end price applicable to: Restricted stock........................................ - - 89,655 Stock options........................................... - - - -------------- -------------- -------------- Average number of fully diluted common and common equivalent shares outstanding............................................ 103,736,161 103,188,123 102,899,966 -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- FULLY DILUTED EARNINGS PER COMMON AND COMMON EQUIVALENT SHARE Income from continuing operations........................... $ 0.95 $ 0.76 $ 0.49 Discontinued operations Earnings from hotel operations, net....................... - 0.21 0.35 Spin-off transaction expenses, net........................ - (0.21) - Change in accounting policy, net............................ - - (0.08) -------------- -------------- -------------- Net income.............................................. $ 0.95 $ 0.76 $ 0.76 -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- --------------

                                                                      EXHIBIT 12
 
                          HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
                             COMPUTATIONS OF RATIOS
                      (IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT RATIO AMOUNTS)
 
1996(a) 1995(b) 1994(c) 1993 1992 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- RETURN ON REVENUES-CONTINUING Income from continuing operations............. $ 98,897 $ 78,810 $ 49,984 $ 74,867 $ 49,577 Revenues...................................... 1,588,149 1,550,076 1,339,406 1,020,645 894,384 Return...................................... 6.2% 5.1% 3.7% 7.3% 5.5% RETURN ON AVERAGE INVESTED CAPITAL Income from continuing operations............. $ 98,897 $ 78,810 $ 49,984 $ 74,867 $ 49,577 Add: Interest expense after tax............... 43,187 56,650 46,993 43,848 46,543 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- $ 142,084 $ 135,460 $ 96,977 $ 118,715 $ 96,120 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Average invested capital...................... $ 1,619,880 $ 1,377,354 $ 1,229,524 $ 1,060,641 $ 909,011 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Return...................................... 8.8% 9.8% 7.9% 11.2% 10.6% ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- RETURN ON AVERAGE EQUITY(d) Income before extraordinary items and cumulative effect of change in accounting policy...................................... $ 98,897 $ 78,846 $ 86,303 $ 91,793 $ 51,418 Average equity................................ 682,489 618,778 606,009 474,733 395,212 Return...................................... 14.5% 12.7% 14.2% 19.3% 13.0% CURRENT RATIO Current assets................................ $ 201,587 $ 188,836 $ 171,835 $ 139,842 $ 114,670 Current liabilities........................... 204,642 201,566 295,083 188,258 122,935 Ratio....................................... 1.0 0.9 0.6 0.7 0.9 RATIO OF BOOK EQUITY TO DEBT(d) Book equity as of December 31................. $ 719,746 $ 585,549 $ 623,437 $ 536,037 $ 427,930 Total debt(e)................................. 891,379 755,743 919,727 841,964 881,325 Ratio....................................... 0.8 0.8 0.7 0.6 0.5 RATIO OF MARKET EQUITY TO DEBT(d) Market equity as of December 31............... $ 2,046,523 $ 2,489,840 $ 3,161,681 $ 4,678,304 $ 1,867,828 Total debt(e)................................. 891,379 755,743 919,727 841,964 881,325 Ratio....................................... 2.3 3.3 3.4 5.6 2.1
EXHIBIT 12 (CONTINUED) HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT, INC. COMPUTATIONS OF RATIOS (IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT RATIO AMOUNTS)
1996(a) 1995(b) 1994(c) 1993 1992 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- COMPUTATION OF ADJUSTED EBITDA(f) Income from continuing operations...................... $ 98,897 $ 78,810 $ 49,984 $ 74,867 $ 49,577 Add/(less): Income tax provision................................. 67,316 60,677 75,391 59,394 35,479 Interest expense..................................... 70,915 94,416 78,322 73,080 77,571 Interest expense of nonconsolidated affiliates....... (947) (20,526) (1,959) - - Depreciation and amortization........................ 102,338 95,388 86,644 70,207 63,826 Deferred finance charge amortization................. (3,151) (3,626) (2,844) (3,261) (4,661) Amortization of debt discounts and premiums.......... (21) (53) (176) (172) (194) Equity in (income) losses of nonconsolidated affiliates......................................... (1,182) 51,182 12,398 (37) 167 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization......................................... 334,165 356,268 297,760 274,078 221,765 Add: Project write-downs and reserves..................... 52,188 93,348 - - - Preopening costs..................................... 5,907 450 15,313 - - Project reorganization costs......................... 14,601 - - - - Provision for settlement of litigation and related costs.............................................. - - 53,449 400 1,844 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Adjusted EBITDA........................................ $ 406,861 $ 450,066 $ 366,522 $ 274,478 $ 223,609 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- RATIO OF ADJUSTED EBITDA TO INTEREST PAID Adjusted EBITDA(f)..................................... $ 406,861 $ 450,066 $ 366,522 $ 274,478 $ 223,609 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Interest expense....................................... $ 70,915 $ 94,416 $ 78,322 $ 73,080 $ 77,571 Add/(less): Interest expense of nonconsolidated affiliates....... (947) (20,526) (1,959) - - Deferred finance charge amortization................. (3,151) (3,626) (2,844) (3,261) (4,661) Amortization of debt discounts and premiums.......... (21) (53) (176) (172) (194) Capitalized interest................................. 11,025 3,636 3,764 3,107 2,297 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Interest paid........................................ $ 77,821 $ 73,847 $ 77,107 $ 72,754 $ 75,013 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Ratio of Adjusted EBITDA to interest paid.............. 5.2 6.1 4.8 3.8 3.0 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- RATIO OF DEBT TO ADJUSTED EBITDA Total debt............................................. $ 891,379 $ 755,743 $ 728,529 $ 666,161 $ 662,915 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Adjusted EBITDA(f)..................................... $ 406,861 $ 450,066 $ 366,522 $ 274,478 $ 223,609 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Ratio of total debt to Adjusted EBITDA................. 2.2 1.7 2.0 2.4 3.0 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
EXHIBIT 12 (CONTINUED) HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT, INC. COMPUTATIONS OF RATIOS (IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT RATIO AMOUNTS)
1996(a) 1995(b) 1994(c) 1993 1992 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES (g) Income from continuing operations...................... $ 98,897 $ 78,810 $ 49,984 $ 74,867 $ 49,577 Add: Provision for income taxes........................... 67,316 60,677 75,391 59,394 35,479 Interest expense..................................... 70,915 94,416 78,322 73,080 77,571 Interest included in rental expense.................. 7,663 6,738 5,244 7,207 3,648 Amortization of capitalized interest................. 763 580 628 892 311 (Income) or loss from equity investments............. (473) - - (89) 167 Adjustment to include 100% of nonconsolidated, majority-owned subsidiary(h)....................... - (54,019) (9,397) - - --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Earnings as defined.................................... $ 245,081 $ 187,202 $ 200,172 $ 215,351 $ 166,753 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Fixed charges: Interest expense..................................... $ 70,915 $ 94,416 $ 78,322 $ 73,080 $ 77,571 Capitalized interest................................. 11,025 3,636 3,764 3,107 2,297 Interest included in rental expense.................. 7,663 6,738 5,244 7,207 3,648 Adjustment to include 100% of nonconsolidated, majority-owned subsidiary(h)....................... - 37,408 15,110 - - --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Total fixed charges.................................... $ 89,603 $ 142,198 $ 102,440 $ 83,394 $ 83,516 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Ratio of earnings to fixed charges..................... 2.7 1.3 2.0 2.6 2.0 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
- ------------------------ (a) The Company's 1996 operating results include $52.2 million in pre-tax charges for project write-downs and reserves. (b) The Company's 1995 operating results include $93.3 million in pre-tax charges for project write-downs. (c) The Company's 1994 operating results include a $53.4 million provision for settlement of litigation and related costs. (d) Amounts for periods prior to the June 30, 1995 dividend of PHC common stock to the Company's stockholders reflect the impact of the financial position and results of operations for the discontinued hotel business in those periods. (e) For purposes of computing these ratios, total debt includes debt allocated to discontinued hotel operations for periods prior to PHC Spin-off. (f) EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) is a supplemental financial measurement used by management, as well as by industry analysts, to evaluate Harrah's operations. However, EBITDA should not be construed as an alternative to Income from operations (as an indicator of Harrah's operating performance) or to Cash flows from operating activities (as a measure of liquidity) as determined in accordance with generally accepted principles and presented in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements. (g) As discussed in Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the 1996 Harrah's Entertainment Annual Report, the Company has guaranteed certain third party loans in connection with its casino development activities. The above ratio computation excludes estimated fixed charges associated with these guarantees as follows: 1996, $5.2 million; 1995, $6.8 million; 1994, $5.5 million; 1993, $3.1 million; and 1992, none. (h) Prior to November 1995, the Company owned a majority interest in Harrah's Jazz Company. However, voting control was shared equally among three partners. As a result, Harrah's Jazz was not consolidated into the Company's financial statements. As required by Item 503(d)(2), the Company's ratio of earnings to fixed charges ratio computation for 1995 and 1994 has been adjusted to include Harrah's Jazz financial results as if this entity were consolidated.
 
                                                                      Exhibit 13

Financial and Statistical Highlights
(in millions, except stock data and statistical data)
(See Notes 1 and 9)  

Compound Growth 1996(a) 1995(b) 1994(c) 1993 1992 Rate - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OPERATING DATA Continuing operations Revenues $ 1,588.1 $ 1,550.1 $ 1,339.4 $ 1,020.6 $ 894.4 15.4% Income from operations 237.9 229.9 269.2 210.0 161.0 10.3% Income before income taxes and minority interests 172.1 151.6 139.3 139.0 85.1 19.3% Income from continuing operations 98.9 78.8 50.0 74.9 49.6 18.8% Net income (d) 98.9 78.8 78.4 86.3 52.5 17.2% Adjusted EBITDA (e) 406.9 450.1 366.5 274.4 223.6 16.1% COMMON STOCK DATA Earnings per share Continuing operations $ 0.95 $ 0.76 $ 0.49 $ 0.73 $ 0.49 18.0% Discontinued hotel operations - 0.21 0.35 0.16 0.02 N/M Net income (d) 0.95 0.76 0.76 0.84 0.52 16.3% Market price of common stock at December 31 (d) 19.88 24.25 30.88 45.75 18.33 2.0% Common shares outstanding at year-end (in thousands) 102,970 102,674 102,403 102,258 101,882 0.3% FINANCIAL POSITION Total assets (d) $ 1,974.1 $ 1,636.7 $ 1,738.0 $ 1,528.0 $ 1,297.3 11.1% Total assets of continuing operations 1,974.1 1,636.7 1,595.0 1,347.5 1,085.1 16.1% Current portion of long-term debt 1.8 2.0 1.0 1.0 2.2 (4.9)% Long-term debt 889.5 753.7 727.5 665.2 660.7 7.7% Stockholders' equity (d) 719.7 585.5 623.4 536.0 427.9 13.9%
(a) 1996 includes $52.2 million in pre-tax charges for project write-downs and reserves (see Note 7). (b) 1995 includes $93.3 million in pre-tax charges for project write-downs (see Note 7). (c) 1994 includes a $53.4 million provision for settlement of litigation and related costs (see Note 13). (d) Amounts for periods prior to the June 30, 1995 dividend of PHC common stock to the Company's stockholders reflect the impact of the financial position and results of operations for the discontinued hotel business in those periods. (e) Adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) consists of Income from continuing operations before project write-downs and reserves, preopening costs, project reorganization costs and provision for settlement of litigation and related costs, plus interest expense, taxes, depreciation, amortization and equity in losses (income) of nonconsolidated affiliates. EBITDA is a supplemental financial measurement used by management, as well as by industry analysts, to evaluate Harrah's operations. However, EBITDA should not be construed as an alternative to Income from operations (as an indicator of Harrah's operating performance) or to Cash flows from operating activities (as a measure of liquidity) as determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and presented in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements. EBITDA after project write-downs and reserves, preopening costs, project reorganization costs and provision for settlement of litigation and related costs for the years presented was as follows: 1996, $334.2 million; 1995, $356.3 million; 1994, $297.8 million; 1993, $274.1 million and 1992, $221.8 million. 4 Harrah's Entertainment, Inc.
Compound Growth 1996(a) 1995(b) 1994(c) 1993 1992 Rate - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ CASH FLOWS Provided by (used in) Operating activities $ 285.7 $ 213.7 $ 227.3 $ 198.2 $ 108.8 27.3% Investing activities (383.7) (209.2) (331.4) (225.8) (99.3) 40.2% Financing activities 107.2 47.7 69.8 (7.0) (2.2) N/M Capital expenditures 390.0 231.8 301.8 234.5 101.9 39.9% FINANCIAL PERCENTAGES AND RATIOS Return on revenues-continuing 6.2% 5.1% 3.7% 7.3% 5.5% Return on average invested capital 8.8% 9.8% 7.9% 11.2% 10.6% Return on average equity (f) 14.5% 12.7% 14.2% 19.3% 13.0% Ratio of earnings to fixed charges 2.7 1.3 2.0 2.6 2.0 Current ratio 1.0 0.9 0.6 0.7 0.9 Ratio of book equity to total debt (g) 0.8 0.8 0.7 0.6 0.5 Ratio of market equity to total debt (g) 2.3 3.3 3.4 5.6 2.1 Ratio of Adjusted EBITDA to interest paid 5.2 6.1 4.8 3.8 3.0 Ratio of debt to Adjusted EBITDA 2.2 1.7 2.0 2.4 3.0 SELECTED STATISTICAL DATA AS OF YEAR-END (h) Casino square footage 701,200 547,200 521,400 436,400 333,100 Number of slot machines 19,011 15,335 14,808 12,504 9,100 Number of table games 941 801 789 641 465 Number of hotel rooms (i) 6,478 5,736 5,367 5,348 5,242 Gaming win (in millions) $1,572.0 $1,498.8 $1,145.3 $ 812.1 $ 711.8
(f) Ratio computed based on Income before extraordinary items and cumulative effect of change in accounting policy. (g) For purposes of computing these ratios, total debt includes debt allocated to discontinued hotel operations for periods prior to the PHC Spin-off. (h) Includes both owned and managed properties. (i) Excludes rooms operated by the Company's discontinued hotel operations for periods prior to the PHC Spin-off. 5 Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 1996 was a demanding and difficult year for much of the casino entertainment industry. In the early 1990's, the industry enjoyed unprecedented growth as new jurisdictions embraced casino entertainment. New markets developed quickly and demand in these markets outpaced initial supply, resulting in high operating margins for the early entrants, like Harrah's, into these temporary oligopolies. In the mid-1990's, overall supply in some of these new markets has surpassed demand as the markets have been built-out with additional, ever larger properties, deflating the initial high margins experienced by the early entrants. At the same time, a lull in the opening of new markets has limited new investment and growth opportunities for the industry, resulting in the reinvestment of the industry's operating cash flows in facility expansions in existing markets, which has further increased supply and intensified competitive pressures in many markets. An aggressive participant in and beneficiary of the early 1990's expansion of casino entertainment, Harrah's Entertainment, Inc., (referred to in this discussion, together with its subsidiaries when appropriate, as "Harrah's" or the "Company,") is one of the most recognized names in casino entertainment. The Company's unique geographic distribution, achieved through its pursuit in the early 1990's of new market development projects funded largely by $1.2 billion in operating cash flows generated thus far in the 1990's, affords it the unique opportunity to serve a rapidly growing class of casino customer, the multi-market player. Following the growth and expansion of the early 1990's, Harrah's now has the opportunity to focus on the markets, operations and investments that will best serve its targeted customer base and further expand its brand value on a profitable basis. This includes selective reinvestment to expand and enhance product offerings in those markets that satisfy the Company's strategic objectives of brand growth and returns on capital invested on a long-term basis. Harrah's was not immune from the adverse effects of unprecedented growth in casino markets which buffeted the casino entertainment industry in 1996. The following discussion and analysis of Harrah's financial results and strategic plans for the future highlights the Company's responses to these market conditions and its continued focus on building the only true national casino brand. This focus should enable the Company to further build and maintain a leadership position among its targeted customers in such a way as to build value for its stockholders. OVERALL RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - ----------------------------- Percentage Increase/(Decrease) (in millions, except --------------------- earnings per share) 1996 1995 1994 96 vs 95 95 vs 94 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Revenues $1,588.1 $1,550.1 $1,339.4 2.5% 15.7% Income from operations 237.9 229.9 269.2 3.5% (14.6)% Income from continuing operations 98.9 78.8 50.0 25.5% 57.6% Net income 98.9 78.8 78.4 25.5% 0.5% Earnings per share Continuing operations 0.95 0.76 0.49 25.0% 55.1% Net income 0.95 0.76 0.76 25.0% - Operating margin 15.0% 14.8% 20.1% 0.2pts (5.3)pts Comparisons of the financial data contained in the table above are difficult due to the inclusion of various special charges in each of the periods presented. The table below reflects pro forma comparisons which exclude the impact of project write-downs and reserves, preopening costs, project reorganization costs, provision for settlement of litigation and related costs, equity in income (losses) of nonconsolidated affiliates and discontinued operations. Percentage Increase/(Decrease) (in millions, except --------------------- earnings per share) 1996 1995 1994 96 vs 95 95 vs 94 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Revenues $1,586.0 $1,578.5 $1,347.9 0.5% 17.1% Income from operations 308.4 352.4 293.0 (12.5)% 20.3% Income from continuing operations 139.8 164.6 115.5 (15.1)% 42.5% Earnings per share Continuing operations 1.35 1.60 1.12 (15.6)% 42.9% Operating margin 19.4% 22.3% 21.7% (2.9)pts 0.6pts These pro forma results reflect the increasingly competitive environment faced by Harrah's over this three year period in many of the markets in which it operates. The financial impact of the intensified competitive conditions can also be seen in the following table, which summarizes contributions to operating profit (income from operations before corporate expenses and project reorganization costs) by major operating division for 1996, 1995 and 1994 in millions of dollars and as a percent of the total: 25 Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Contribution for the Year Ended December 31, ----------------------------------------------- In Millions of Dollars Percent of Total ---------------------- --------------------- 1996 1995 1994 1996 1995 1994 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Riverboat $141 $172 $127 41% 49% 41% Atlantic City 75 86 74 22 24 24 Southern Nevada 68 73 75 20 21 24 Northern Nevada 60 66 76 17 19 24 Indian/Limited Stakes 7 8 - 2 2 - New Orleans - (28) (9) - (8) (3) Development costs (12) (17) (22) (4) (5) (7) Other 6 (6) (8) 2 (2) (3) ---- ---- ---- --- --- --- Subtotal 345 354 313 100% 100% 100% === === === Project write-downs and reserves (52) (93) - Preopening costs (6) (1) (15) ---- ---- ---- Operating profit $287 $260 $298 ==== ==== ==== DIVISION OPERATING RESULTS AND DEVELOPMENT PLANS - ------------------------------------------------ Riverboat Division - ------------------ Percentage Increase/(Decrease) ---------------------- (in millions) 1996 1995 1994 96 vs 95 95 vs 94 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Casino revenues $596.0 $557.2 $388.8 7.0% 43.3% Total revenues 629.1 593.5 415.0 6.0% 43.0% Operating profit 141.2 172.2 126.8 (18.0)% 35.8% Operating margin 22.4% 29.0% 30.6% (6.6)pts (1.6)pts Despite increased revenues for the Division in 1996 over 1995, operating margins and profits declined in the face of new and increased competition in several markets over the past year. A near doubling of regional supply introduced in neighboring Indiana in June negatively impacted operating profit and margins at Harrah's riverboat property in Joliet, Illinois. The Company believes that recent adjustments, including a modified cruising schedule, will stabilize results at the property, but revenues and profits at Harrah's Joliet are not expected to return to their previous levels. Harrah's is evaluating a proposed expansion project at the Joliet property to add a 240-suite hotel, a 380-space parking garage and meeting facilities. A decision whether or not to proceed with the expansion will be made after completion of market assessments, including the impact of Indiana casinos, financial feasibility studies and planning and design work. In Tunica, Mississippi, Harrah's opened a second property, Harrah's Tunica Mardi Gras, in April 1996, and an adjacent 200-room hotel in June 1996. A competitor opened a major new development in June 1996 and substantially increased total capacity in the Tunica market. Due to the consequences of competitive pressures which now exist in this market, Harrah's properties in Tunica reported a combined net operating loss for 1996. In reaction to this operating environment and in order to reach target customers by focusing its efforts on the new Mardi Gras property, in January 1997, Harrah's announced its intention to exit its original Tunica casino and has recorded a reserve for the impairment of the original Tunica casino's carrying value (see Other Factors Affecting Net Income section). A final decision on how to exit the original casino will be made by mid-year 1997. Harrah's North Kansas City achieved higher revenues in 1996 with the addition of a second riverboat casino, but, due to competitive factors, 1996 operating profit declined 17.5% compared to the prior year as a result of higher promotional and marketing costs, including the decision to waive admission charges. In December 1996, Harrah's opened a 200-room hotel at its North Kansas City riverboat casino, representing the final phase of an expansion project that also included the March 1996 addition of a 1,060-car parking garage, the May 1996 addition of a second riverboat casino with approximately 30,000 square feet of gaming space, and other shoreside improvements. In January 1997, a competitor opened a major new casino development, and the impact this new facility will have on operations at Harrah's North Kansas City is not yet fully known. Harrah's Shreveport posted higher revenues and operating profit in 1996 as the Company's position in this market remained strong. Harrah's is evaluating a possible expansion of its current Shreveport facility to include hotel rooms as well as additional parking, restaurant and meeting facilities. The Company is also pursuing alternative plans for a possible joint venture development which would provide for a second riverboat to be owned and operated by another casino company and construction of two separately-branded 300-room hotels, with jointly owned shoreside facilities that would be managed by Harrah's. Construction on this joint venture development could begin by mid-year 1997, with phased openings and a targeted completion date during the last half of 1998. Any expansion project is subject to the receipt of necessary regulatory approvals and reaching a definitive agreement with the City of Shreveport. In addition to the expansions of existing properties described above, in March 1997, Harrah's expects to open a riverboat casino entertainment complex in Maryland Heights, Missouri, a suburb of St. Louis, subject to regulatory approval. The facility includes four riverboat casinos, two of which will be owned and operated by Harrah's, and shoreside facilities jointly-owned with Players International, Inc., including a 291-room Harrah's-managed hotel and an entertainment mall. Harrah's two riverboats will contain a total of approximately 52,000 square feet of casino space, 1,230 slot machines and 80 table games. Harrah's investment in the Maryland Heights development project is expected to total $180 million, of which approximately $113 million had been invested at December 31, 1996, including approximately $76 million contributed to the partnership developing the shoreside facilities. 1995 revenues for the Riverboat Division were substantially higher than 1994 revenues, as 1995 marked the first full year of operations for Harrah's properties in two of Harrah's five riverboat markets. 1995 operating profits increased over 1994 primarily as a result of the additional revenues earned. 26 Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. Atlantic City - ------------- Percentage Increase/(Decrease) ---------------------- (in millions) 1996 1995 1994 96 vs 95 95 vs 94 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Casino revenues $310.1 $314.7 $287.8 (1.5)% 9.3% Total revenues 338.6 341.5 316.6 (0.8)% 7.9% Operating profit 75.0 85.6 74.5 (12.4)% 14.9% Operating margin 22.2% 25.1% 23.5% (2.9)pts 1.6pts In Atlantic City, Harrah's 1996 revenues declined only slightly from 1995 levels, but higher promotional and marketing costs resulted in disproportionate declines in operating profits and margins, as complimentary and promotional expenses rose in order to maintain competitive position. Harrah's is currently constructing a new 416-room hotel tower, which is expected to open in late second quarter 1997. This represents the final phase of an expansion project that also added 13,500 square feet of casino space and 500 slot machines in June 1996 and a new marine-themed buffet restaurant in fourth quarter 1996. Of the total $80.7 million estimated cost of the expansion, approximately $51 million had been spent as of December 31, 1996. As part of the current expansion project, Harrah's received a $15.8 million credit toward certain future obligations under the New Jersey Casino Control Act. In 1995, Harrah's Atlantic City achieved record revenues, driven by growth in slot revenues, resulting in near record operating profit. Harrah's has announced a possible second phase to its Atlantic City expansion, pending substantive progress on development of new casino hotel projects in the Marina area of Atlantic City by other companies, appropriate regulatory approvals and adequate resolution of road and access improvements that have been the subject of discussions among the state, city and developers. The expansion would position Harrah's Atlantic City as one of the largest casino resorts in that market and would link Harrah's into the overall new development plan. This phase, if completed as currently envisioned, would include significant additional guest rooms and casino space, as well as enhancements in convention facilities, restaurant offerings, parking facilities and other nongaming amenities. At present, because of the uncertainties relating to this project, there is no assurance this second phase will proceed. Southern Nevada Division - ------------------------ Percentage Increase/(Decrease) ---------------------- (in millions) 1996 1995 1994 96 vs 95 95 vs 94 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Casino revenues $190.8 $198.3 $198.5 (3.8)% (0.1)% Total revenues 289.8 297.2 293.8 (2.5)% 1.2% Operating profit 68.0 72.8 74.9 (6.6)% (2.8)% Operating margin 23.5% 24.5% 25.5% (1.0)pt (1.0)pt 1996 results in Southern Nevada were impacted by construction disruptions at Harrah's Las Vegas, where a $200 million expansion and renovation project is currently underway. The expansion and renovation includes a new 986-room hotel tower, additional casino space, a complete remodeling of the casino's exterior facade and entrances and significant additions and improvements to nongaming amenities. In the first half of 1996, prior to the start of construction on the exterior facade, Harrah's Las Vegas achieved record revenues and operating profit. During the last half of 1996, however, construction blocked entrances to the casino and gaming volume declined 11%, resulting in lower revenues and profits. The additional casino space and the facade improvements are being opened in phases and are expected to be completed during third quarter 1997. Harrah's is scheduled to begin opening the hotel rooms in May 1997, with completion of the tower expected by the end of third quarter 1997. As of December 31, 1996, approximately $86 million had been spent on this project. Harrah's Laughlin continues to be affected by competition from neighboring Arizona and California Indian casinos and from high profile new Las Vegas area casino developments. In 1996, gaming volume declined 5.1% at Harrah's Laughlin, resulting in lower revenues and operating profit. In addition to the expansion of its current Las Vegas property, Harrah's has also stated its interest in constructing or acquiring a second Las Vegas casino property, subject to location and project economics. At the present time, however, no definitive plans have been completed, no property has been identified, and there is no assurance the Company will construct or acquire such a property. Northern Nevada Division - ------------------------ Percentage Increase/(Decrease) ----------------------- (in millions) 1996 1995 1994 96 vs 95 95 vs 94 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Casino revenues $226.5 $243.6 $243.0 (7.0)% 0.2% Total revenues 299.2 315.6 310.3 (5.2)% 1.7% Operating profit 59.8 66.4 75.7 (9.9)% (12.3)% Operating margin 20.0% 21.0% 24.4% (1.0)pt (3.4)pts In Northern Nevada, 1996 casino revenues, total revenues and operating profit declined from 1995 levels due to a 6% decrease in gaming volume. Although all three properties in the Division experienced declines, the largest decrease occurred in Reno, where a major new competitor opened in July 1995. 1995 revenues for the Division were consistent with those of the prior year, but profits and margins decreased due to increasing costs and competitive adjustments in Reno in response to the additional competition in that market during the second half of the year. During early January 1997, severe flooding occurred in Northern Nevada and its feeder markets, closing Harrah's Reno for one day and the primary feeder highway to Lake Tahoe for several weeks. This event is expected to significantly impact first quarter 1997 operating results for the Division. 27 Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Indian and Limited Stakes Division - ---------------------------------- Revenues from Harrah's Indian and limited stakes casinos increased in 1996 over 1995, due to higher management fees from Harrah's Phoenix Ak-Chin casino. Overall operating profit from these properties decreased slightly, however, due to costs related to Harrah's management of the Skagit Valley and Colorado casinos. Subsequent to December 31, 1996, Harrah's announced the sale of its ownership interest in the Colorado casinos, subject to regulatory approval, and its intention to discontinue managing those casinos by March 31, 1997. These transactions will not have a material impact on Harrah's financial statements. Harrah's continues to pursue additional development opportunities for casinos on Indian land and has received National Indian Gaming Commission ("NIGC") approval of development and management agreements with the Eastern Band of Cherokees for a casino development at Cherokee, North Carolina. Construction on this project is underway and the facility, which will contain approximately 60,000 square feet of casino space, is expected to open during fourth quarter 1997. Though Harrah's is not funding this development, it has guaranteed the related bank financing of $82 million, which was secured during November 1996. In early 1997, Harrah's received NIGC approval of development and management agreements with the Prairie Band of Potawatomi Indians for a development near Topeka, Kansas. Plans call for the construction of a $37 million casino facility which will include approximately 27,000 square feet of casino space. This facility, which is expected to be completed by the end of 1997, assuming timely receipt of all approvals and permits, will be managed by a Harrah's subsidiary and financed by loans which Harrah's will guarantee. Harrah's has also signed definitive development and management agreements with the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians for future casino developments in Michigan and Indiana and has previously announced agreements with other Indian tribes. These proposed developments are in various stages of negotiation and are subject to certain conditions, including approval from appropriate government agencies. During 1996, the Michigan legislature declined to concur with the Governor's execution of the compact for a Michigan casino development by the Pokagon Band, but efforts to gain alternative approvals continue. If the necessary approvals are received, Harrah's would likely guarantee the related bank financing for the projects, which could be significant. See Debt and Liquidity section for further discussion of Harrah's guarantees of debt related to Indian projects. New Orleans - ----------- Income from operations for 1995 and 1994 includes losses of $27.7 million and $8.5 million, respectively, representing Harrah's share of net losses, excluding interest expense, incurred by Harrah's Jazz Company ("Harrah's Jazz"), the partnership which holds the right to develop the sole land-based casino in Orleans Parish, Louisiana. No equity pick-up was included for the 1996 period related to Harrah's Jazz as the book value of this investment was reduced to zero in fourth quarter 1995. (See Harrah's Jazz Company and Other Factors Affecting Net Income sections for further discussion.) Other - ----- During first quarter 1996, Harrah's Sky City opened in Auckland, New Zealand, and is the first Harrah's casino entertainment facility outside the United States. The casino portion of the facility opened in February 1996 and contains 45,000 square feet of casino space, 1,050 slot machines and 100 table games. In second quarter 1996, a 344-room hotel opened, followed by the third quarter 1996 opening of a 700-seat theater. Construction continues on a 1,066-foot sky tower, the final phase of the Sky City project, which is expected to open in mid-1997. This facility is owned by Sky City Limited, a New Zealand publicly-traded company in which Harrah's owns a 12.5% equity interest, and is managed by Harrah's for a fee. Management fees received from Harrah's Sky City are reported in Revenues-Management fees. Development costs for 1996 decreased from prior year levels due to lower levels of development activity. OTHER FACTORS AFFECTING NET INCOME - ---------------------------------- Percentage Increase/(Decrease) (income)/expense ----------------------- (in millions) 1996 1995 1994 96 vs 95 95 vs 94 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Project write-downs and reserves $52.2 $ 93.3 $ - N/M N/M Preopening costs 5.9 0.5 15.3 N/M N/M Corporate expense 34.3 30.3 28.9 13.2% 4.8% Project reorgani- zation costs 14.6 - - N/M N/M Interest expense, net 70.9 94.4 78.4 (24.9)% 20.4% Provision for settlement of litigation and related costs - - 53.4 N/M N/M Other income (5.2) (16.1) (1.9) (67.7)% N/M Effective tax rate 39.1% 40.0% 54.1% (0.9)pt (14.1)pts Minority interests $ 5.9 $ 12.1 $ 13.9 (51.2)% (12.9)% Discontinued operations Hotel earnings, net of tax - (21.2) (36.3) N/M (41.6)% Spin-off transaction costs, net of tax - 21.2 - N/M N/M Cumulative effect of change in accounting policy, net of tax - - 7.9 N/M N/M 28 Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. Project write-downs and reserves in 1996 include write-downs for the impairment of certain long-lived assets, primarily the Company's original Tunica, Mississippi, casino property, computed in accordance with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of," as well as the accrual of reserves for certain contingent obligations. Project write-downs and reserves in 1995 related to Harrah's write-offs of investments in and advances to nonconsolidated affiliates, including Harrah's investment in Harrah's Jazz, and the write-down of impaired and abandoned assets. Preopening costs for 1996 include costs incurred in connection with the second quarter 1996 opening of Harrah's Tunica Mardi Gras and expansions of Harrah's North Kansas City, Las Vegas and Atlantic City properties. 1995 preopening costs related to the opening of the Hampton Inn hotel tower in Reno and 1994 costs related primarily to the opening of Harrah's Shreveport and North Kansas City properties. Corporate expense increased in 1996 over 1995 as a result of higher information technology, legal and corporate relations costs, and in 1995 over 1994 as a result of higher information technology costs. Project reorganization costs incurred during 1996 represent Harrah's costs, including legal fees, associated with the development of a reorganization plan for the New Orleans casino (see Harrah's Jazz Company section). Interest expense decreased in 1996 from 1995, and increased in 1995 over 1994, primarily as a result of 1995's inclusion of Harrah's pro rata share of Harrah's Jazz interest expense. 1994 operating results included a provision for settlement of litigation and related costs of $53.4 million to record the settlement of certain litigation associated with the 1990 spin-off of the Company and the acquisition of the Holiday Inn business by Bass PLC, along with related legal fees and other expenses. Other income decreased in 1996 due primarily to the inclusion in 1995's results of an $11.7 million gain on the sale of a portion of Harrah's investment in Sky City Limited which owns the casino entertainment facility in Auckland, New Zealand. The effective tax rates for all years are higher than the federal statutory rate primarily due to state income taxes. Additionally, the 1994 tax rate is higher due to the inclusion in Harrah's 1994 operating results of the provision for settlement of litigation, which is not deductible for federal income tax purposes. Minority interests reflect joint venture partners' shares of income at joint venture riverboat casinos and decreased in 1996 from the prior year level as a result of the minority partner's share of the impairment write-down of Harrah's original Tunica property and lower Joliet earnings. As a result of the June 30, 1995 spin-off of the Company's hotel operations (the "PHC Spin-off"), the operating results of the hotel business prior to July 1, 1995, are segregated and reported as discontinued operations in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income for periods prior to the spin-off date. Prior year operating results include the earnings of discontinued operations, as well as a 1995 charge of $21.2 million, or $0.21 per share, net of tax, representing the costs to complete the PHC Spin-off transaction. 1994 results include a net cumulative charge of $7.9 million, or $0.08 per share, associated with Harrah's change in its accounting policy related to preopening costs (see Note 10 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements). Harrah's adopted SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," in 1996. This statement defines a fair value based method of measuring compensation costs for employee stock compensation programs, but permits companies to follow the intrinsic value based method previously required, with pro forma footnote disclosure of the effect that the fair value method would have had on net income and earnings per share. Harrah's elected the disclosure alternative, and, as required, the pro forma effects of this statement are included in its financial statement footnotes. HARRAH'S JAZZ COMPANY - --------------------- A Harrah's subsidiary owns an approximate 47% interest in Harrah's Jazz, a partnership formed for purposes of developing, owning and operating the exclusive land-based casino entertainment facility in New Orleans, Louisiana, on the site of the former Rivergate Convention Center (the "Rivergate"). On November 22, 1995, Harrah's Jazz and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Harrah's Jazz Finance Corp., filed petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. Prior to the filing, Harrah's Jazz was operating a temporary casino in the New Orleans, Louisiana Municipal Auditorium (the "Basin Street Casino") and constructing a new permanent casino facility on the Rivergate site (the "Rivergate Casino"). Harrah's Jazz ceased operation of the Basin Street Casino and construction of the Rivergate Casino on November 22, 1995 prior to the bankruptcy filings. Harrah's Jazz filed a plan of reorganization with the Bankruptcy Court on April 3, 1996 and has filed several subsequent amendments to the plan (the "Plan"). On February 28, 1997, the Bankruptcy Court approved the disclosure statement of Harrah's Jazz relating to the Plan and set a confirmation hearing to approve the Plan for April 14, 1997. Under the Plan, the assets and business of Harrah's Jazz would vest in Jazz Casino Corporation, a newly formed corporation ("JCC"), on the effective date of the Plan. JCC would be responsible for completing construction of the Rivergate Casino. Under the Plan, Harrah's Jazz's existing public debt would be canceled and the holders of that debt would receive 37.1% of the equity in JCC's indirect parent ("JCC Holding"). An additional 15% of the equity in JCC Holding would be allocated to debtholders who execute certain releases and an affiliate of the Company would receive in exchange for equity investments and other consideration to be provided under the Plan the remaining 47.9% of the equity in JCC Holding, a portion of which would be assigned to certain Harrah's Jazz partner-related parties. 29 Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations In addition, holders of the public debt would receive (i) $187.5 million in aggregate principal amount of 8% Senior Subordinated Notes of JCC due 2006 with contingent payments, and (ii) a pro rata share of Senior Subordinated Contingent Notes of JCC due 2006. During the course of the bankruptcy of Harrah's Jazz, a subsidiary of the Company has made debtor-in-possession loans to Harrah's Jazz, totalling approximately $17.2 million as of December 31, 1996, to fund certain obligations to the City of New Orleans and other cash requirements of Harrah's Jazz. The Company has proposed to make up to $25 million in such loans, however, it is likely that Harrah's Jazz will require debtor-in-possession loans from the Company in excess of the $25 million currently proposed. If the Plan is consummated, Harrah's would invest an additional $75 million in the project and deliver new completion guaranties. Any debtor-in-possession financing, including the approximately $17.2 million in financing already advanced and discussed above, would be repaid or converted into equity (and count toward the $75 million investment referred to above) upon consummation of the Plan. The Plan also provides that JCC will obtain a $180 million secured term loan and revolving credit facility to finance completion of the Rivergate Casino and provide JCC with working capital availability, and that Harrah's will guarantee or provide credit support for $120 million of this financing. If the Plan is consummated, it is anticipated that Harrah's will also make an additional $20 million subordinated loan to JCC to assist in financing construction of the Rivergate Casino. The Plan also contemplates the opening of the permanent casino at the Rivergate Casino site approximately nine months after the consummation of the Plan. If the Plan is consummated, it is expected that the consummation would occur in second quarter 1997. Under the Plan, there would be no temporary casino and the Basin Street Casino would not reopen. In addition to the matters discussed above, the Plan is subject to other amendments, and such other amendments may be material. There can be no assurance that definitive agreements necessary to consummate the Plan will be reached or that the amended Plan will be approved, or, if approved, that the conditions to consummation of the Plan will be met. Additionally, ongoing litigation and reorganization costs related to the Harrah's Jazz bankruptcy, which could be significant, will have a corresponding impact on Harrah's future earnings and cash flows. In the event the Plan is consummated, the Company anticipates that a significant part of such litigation will be dismissed. CAPITAL SPENDING AND DEVELOPMENT SUMMARY - ---------------------------------------- In addition to the specific development and expansion projects discussed above, Harrah's performs on-going refurbishment and maintenance at its casino entertainment facilities in order to maintain the Company's quality standards. Harrah's also continues to pursue possible development opportunities for additional casino entertainment facilities that meet its strategic brand goals and return on investment criteria. Prior to the receipt of necessary regulatory approvals, the costs of pursuing development projects are expensed as incurred. Construction-related costs incurred after the receipt of necessary approvals are capitalized and depreciated over the estimated useful life of the resulting asset. Preopening costs incurred during the construction period are deferred and expensed at the respective property's opening. The Company's planned development projects, if they go forward, will require, individually and in the aggregate, significant capital commitments and, if completed, may result in significant additional revenues. The commitment of capital, the timing of completion and the commencement of operations of casino entertainment development projects are contingent upon, among other things, negotiation of final agreements and receipt of approvals from the appropriate political and regulatory bodies. Cash needed to finance projects currently under development as well as additional projects being pursued by Harrah's will be made available from operating cash flows, the Bank Facility (see Debt and Liquidity section), Harrah's existing shelf registration (see Debt and Liquidity section), joint venture partners, specific project financing, guarantees by Harrah's of third party debt and, if necessary, additional Harrah's debt and/or equity offerings. Harrah's capital spending for 1996 totalled approximately $390 million. Estimated total capital expenditures for 1997 are expected to be $350 million to $400 million, including the projects discussed in the Division Operating Results and Development Plans section, the refurbishment of existing facilities and other projects, but excluding the possible purchase or construction of a second Las Vegas property and the possible second phase of Harrah's Atlantic City expansion. DEBT AND LIQUIDITY - ------------------ During fourth quarter 1996, Harrah's negotiated amendments to its reducing revolving and letter of credit facility, including an increase in total capacity from $750 million to $1.1 billion and modifications to certain financial covenants. As amended, this bank facility consists of a five-year $950 million reducing revolving and letter of credit facility maturing in 2000 and a separate $150 million revolving credit facility which is renewable annually, at the lenders' option, through 2000 (collectively, the "Facility"). Scheduled reductions of the borrowing capacity under the $950 million facility are as follows: $50 million, July 1998; $75 million, January 1999; $75 million, July 1999; $100 million, January 2000; and $650 million, July 30 Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. 2000. As of December 31, 1996, $481.0 million in borrowings were outstanding under the Facility, with an additional $19.9 million committed to back letters of credit, resulting in $599.1 million of available Facility capacity as of December 31, 1996. Interest Rate Agreements - ------------------------ To manage the relative mix of its debt between fixed and variable rate instruments, Harrah's has entered into interest rate swap agreements to modify the interest characteristics of its outstanding debt without an exchange of the underlying principal amount. As of December 31, 1996, Harrah's was a party to the following interest rate swap agreements on certain fixed rate debt: Effective Next Semi- Swap Rate at Annual Rate Associated Rate Dec. 31, Adjustment Debt (LIBOR+) 1996 Date Swap Maturity - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10 7/8% Notes $200 million 4.73% 10.46% April 15 October 1997 8 3/4% Notes $50 million 3.42% 8.99% May 15 May 1998 $50 million 3.22% 9.25% January 15 July 1998 In accordance with the terms of the interest rate swap agreements, the effective interest rate on $50 million of the 8 3/4% Notes was adjusted on January 15, 1997, to 8.95%. Harrah's maintains seven additional interest rate swap agreements which effectively convert variable rate debt to a fixed rate. The following table summarizes the terms of these swap agreements, all of which reset on a quarterly basis, as of December 31, 1996: Swap Rate Received Swap Rate (Variable) at Swap Notional Amount Paid (Fixed) Dec. 31, 1996 Maturity - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $50 million 7.910% 5.531% January 1998 $50 million 6.985% 5.582% March 2000 $50 million 6.951% 5.594% March 2000 $50 million 6.945% 5.594% March 2000 $50 million 6.651% 5.500% May 2000 $50 million 5.788% 5.500% June 2000 $50 million 5.785% 5.500% June 2000 In accordance with the terms of the above $50 million swap which matures in January 1998, the variable interest rate was adjusted on January 27, 1997, to 5.563%. The differences to be paid or received by Harrah's under the terms of its interest rate swap agreements are accrued as interest rates change and recognized as an adjustment to interest expense for the related debt. Changes in the variable interest rates to be paid or received by Harrah's pursuant to the terms of its interest rate agreements will have a corresponding effect on its future cash flows. These agreements contain a credit risk that the counterparties may be unable to meet the terms of the agreements. Harrah's minimizes that risk by evaluating the creditworthiness of its counterparties, which are limited to major banks and financial institutions, and does not anticipate nonperformance by the counterparties. Guarantees of Third Party Debt - ------------------------------ As part of a transaction whereby Harrah's effectively secured an option to a site for a potential casino, Harrah's has guaranteed a third party's $24.7 million variable rate bank loan. Harrah's also entered into an interest rate swap agreement, in which Harrah's receives a fixed interest rate of 7% from the third party and pays the variable interest rate of the subject debt (LIBOR plus 1% at December 31, 1996) to the bank. The interest rate swap is marked to market by Harrah's, with the adjustment recorded in interest expense. Both the loan and the swap agreement expire on February 28, 1997, and are currently being renegotiated. The existing guaranty contains an element of risk that, should the borrower be unable to perform, the Company could become responsible for repayment of at least a portion of the obligation. Harrah's has reduced this exposure by obtaining a security interest in certain assets of the third party. Harrah's may continue to guarantee the renegotiated debt. As described in the Division Operating Results and Development Plans - Indian and Limited Stakes section, Harrah's may guarantee all or part of the debt incurred by Indian tribes with which Harrah's has entered a management contract to fund development of casinos on the Indian lands. For all existing guarantees of Indian debt, Harrah's has obtained a first lien on the personal property (tangible and intangible) of the casino enterprise. There can be no assurance, however, the value of such property would satisfy Harrah's obligations in the event these guarantees were enforced. Additionally, Harrah's has received limited waivers from the Indian tribes of their sovereign immunity to allow Harrah's to pursue its rights under the contracts between the parties and to enforce collection efforts as to any assets in which a security interest is taken. Shelf Registration - ------------------ To provide for additional financing flexibility, Harrah's, together with its wholly-owned subsidiary Harrah's Operating Company, Inc. ("HOC"), has an effective shelf registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") for up to $200 million of Harrah's common stock or HOC preferred stock or debt securities. The issue price of the Harrah's common stock or the terms and conditions of the HOC preferred stock or debt securities, which will be unconditionally guaranteed by Harrah's, will be determined by market conditions at the time of issuance. The shelf registration is available until October 1997. EQUITY TRANSACTIONS - ------------------- In October 1996, Harrah's Board of Directors approved a plan which authorizes the purchase in open market and other transactions of up to 10% of Harrah's outstanding shares of common stock. As of December 31, 1996, 759,400 shares had been purchased at a cost of approximately $13 million and are being held in treasury. The Company expects to acquire additional shares from time to time at prevailing market prices through the December 31, 1997, expiration of the approved plan. 31 Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations INCOME TAX MATTERS - ------------------ In connection with the PHC Spin-off, Harrah's entered into a tax sharing agreement with PHC wherein each company is obligated for those taxes associated with their respective businesses. Additionally, Harrah's is obligated for all taxes for periods prior to the PHC Spin-off date which are not specifically related to PHC operations and/or PHC hotel locations. Harrah's obligations under this agreement are not expected to have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position or results of operations. EFFECTS OF CURRENT ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL CONDITIONS - ---------------------------------------------------- Competitive Pressures - --------------------- The casino entertainment industry has undergone substantial growth over the past several years as a result of the spread of gaming to new jurisdictions. Whereas traditional markets were limited, drawing primarily long-distance travelers, the newer casino markets are geographically dispersed, resulting in casino entertainment being within a reasonable driving distance for many Americans. Harrah's participated in this industry transformation, developing casinos in many new markets, and as a result is an extremely diverse gaming company. As compared to the early 1990's, the number of new markets opening for development in 1996 was more limited and existing markets became much more competitive. The focus of many casino operators in 1996 shifted to investing in existing markets, in an effort both to attract new customers and to gain a greater market share of existing customers. As companies have completed these expansion projects, supply has grown at a faster pace than demand in some markets and competition has increased significantly. Furthermore, several operators, including Harrah's, have announced plans for additional developments or expansions in some markets. The impact that these projects will have on Harrah's operations, if they are completed, cannot be determined at this time. Harrah's properties in the traditional gaming markets in Nevada and New Jersey have generally reacted less significantly to the changing competitive conditions, as the amount of supply change within these markets has represented a smaller percentage change than that experienced in some riverboat markets. In Reno, where a significant new development opened in July 1995, Harrah's operating profit improved significantly in fourth quarter 1996 over the prior year quarter, as competitive adjustments have been made, resulting in margin improvement. In Las Vegas, several major developments have opened within the past few years and numerous new developments and property expansions, including an expansion at Harrah's Las Vegas, are underway. To date, the Las Vegas market has continued to absorb these additions to its supply, but there can be no assurance that it will continue to do so. In the Atlantic City market, additional casino space and hotel rooms have opened within the past year and several major developments are proposed. This activity has intensified competition during the last year, increasing promotional costs and reducing margins. In riverboat markets, the recent additions to supply have had a more noticeable impact, due to the fact that competition was limited in the early stages of many of these markets. Four of the five riverboat markets in which Harrah's operates have seen significant additional competition within the past twelve months. In Joliet, the opening in late second quarter 1996 of Indiana riverboats, effectively doubling the Chicago area capacity, resulted in a 24% decline in Harrah's combined third and fourth quarter gaming volume from the comparable prior year period. In Tunica, where Harrah's operated two casino properties for most of 1996, a major new property opened in June 1996, and several existing properties, including Harrah's, added hotel rooms and other amenities and more are planned. In response to competitive pressures in this market and in order to build a market leading position for Harrah's Tunica Mardi Gras Casino, Harrah's has announced that it will have a final decision on how to exit its original Tunica property by mid-1997. In October 1996, a fourth casino entered the Shreveport market, and in January 1997, a major new development opened in the Kansas City market. The ultimate impact that these developments will have on Harrah's operating results cannot be predicted at this time. Over the past several years, there has also been a significant increase in the number of casinos on Indian lands, made possible by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988. Harrah's manages two such facilities and two additional properties are currently under development. The future growth potential from Indian casinos is also uncertain, however. Although the short-term effect of these competitive developments on the Company has been negative, Harrah's is not able to determine the long-term impact, whether favorable or unfavorable, that these trends and events will have on its current or future markets. Management believes that the diversity of Harrah's operations, its multi-market customer base and the Company's continuing efforts to establish Harrah's as a premier brand name have well-positioned Harrah's to face the challenges present within the industry. Political Uncertainties - ----------------------- The casino entertainment industry is also subject to political and regulatory uncertainty. In recent months, the U.S. government has formed a federal commission to study the casino gaming industry. At this time, the role of the commission and the ultimate impact that it will have on the industry is uncertain. 32 Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. From time to time, individual jurisdictions also consider legislation which could adversely impact Harrah's operations. In April 1996, the Louisiana State Legislature approved a local option bill which purported to give voters in each Parish the right to decide during the November 1996 general elections what forms of gaming they wanted to continue in their Parish. On November 5, 1996, residents of Orleans Parish voted to approve gaming at the Rivergate Casino, and residents of Caddo Parish, site of Harrah's Shreveport, voted to continue gaming in that market. The casino entertainment industry represents a significant source of tax revenues to the various jurisdictions in which casinos operate. From time to time, various state and federal legislators and officials have proposed changes in tax laws, or in the administration of such laws, which would affect the industry. It is not possible to determine with certainty the scope or likelihood of possible future changes in tax laws or in the administration of such laws. If adopted, such changes could have a material adverse effect on Harrah's financial results. INTERCOMPANY DIVIDEND RESTRICTION - --------------------------------- Agreements governing the terms of its debt require Harrah's to abide by covenants which, among other things, limit HOC's ability to pay dividends and make other restricted payments, as defined, to Harrah's. The amount of HOC's restricted net assets, as defined, computed in accordance with the most restrictive of these covenants regarding restricted payments (other than for repurchases of Harrah's common stock), was approximately $719.9 million at December 31, 1996. With respect to any payments by HOC to Harrah's for the purpose of providing funds to Harrah's for the repurchase of its common stock, the amount of HOC's restricted net assets under such covenant was approximately $543.4 million at December 31, 1996. Harrah's principal asset is the stock of HOC, a wholly-owned subsidiary which holds, directly and through subsidiaries, the principal assets of Harrah's businesses. Given this ownership structure, these restrictions should not impair Harrah's ability to conduct its business through its subsidiaries, to pursue its development plans or to complete the stock repurchase program. EFFECTS OF INFLATION - -------------------- Inflation has had little effect on Harrah's historical operations. Generally, Harrah's has not experienced any significant negative impact on gaming volume or on the wagering propensity of its customers as a result of inflationary pressures. Further, Harrah's has been successful in increasing the amount of wagers and playing time of its casino customers through effective marketing programs. Casino management has also, from time to time, adjusted its required minimum bets at table games and changed the relative mix of slot machines in favor of machines with higher denominations. These strategies, supplemented by effective cost management programs, have offset the impact of inflation on Harrah's operations. Inflation tends to increase the underlying value of Harrah's casino entertainment properties. PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT - ---------------------------------------- The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "safe harbor" for forward looking statements. Certain information included in Harrah's 1996 Form 10-K and other materials filed or to be filed by the Company with the SEC (as well as information included in oral statements or other written statements made or to be made by the Company) contains statements that are forward looking. These include statements relating to the following activities, among others: (A) operations and expansions of existing properties, including future performance, anticipated scope and opening dates of expansions, and exit plans with respect to certain properties; (B) planned openings and development of Indian casinos that would be managed by the Company; (C) the planned opening of facilities in Maryland Heights, Missouri; (D) the plan of reorganization and its various facets for New Orleans; (E) implementation of the stock repurchase program and planned capital expenditures for 1997; and (F) the possible acquisition/construction of a second property in Las Vegas, Nevada. These activities involve important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward looking statements made by or on behalf of the Company. These include, but are not limited to, the following factors as well as other factors described from time to time in the Company's reports filed with the SEC: construction factors, including zoning issues, environmental restrictions, soil conditions, weather and other hazards, site access matters and building permit issues; access to available and feasible financing; regulatory and licensing approvals, third party consents and approvals, and relations with partners, owners and other third parties; business and economic conditions; litigation, judicial actions and political uncertainties, including gaming legislation and taxation; the effects of competition including locations of competitors and operating and marketing competition. Any forward looking statements are made pursuant to the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and, as such, speak only as of the date made. 33 Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. Consolidated Balance Sheets (In thousands, except share amounts)
December 31, ------------------------ 1996 1995 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Assets Current assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 105,594 $ 96,345 Receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $14,064 and $10,910 41,203 37,751 Deferred income taxes (Note 8) 25,551 21,425 Prepayments and other 18,401 21,275 Inventories 10,838 12,040 ---------- ---------- Total current assets 201,587 188,836 ---------- ---------- Land, buildings, riverboats and equipment Land and land improvements 232,721 232,616 Buildings, riverboats and improvements 1,248,792 1,054,758 Furniture, fixtures and equipment 496,447 436,340 ---------- ---------- 1,977,960 1,723,714 Less: accumulated depreciation (588,066) (518,824) ---------- ---------- 1,389,894 1,204,890 Investments in and advances to nonconsolidated affiliates (Note 16) 215,539 71,939 Deferred income tax benefits (Note 8) - 4,532 Deferred costs and other (Note 4) 167,053 166,537 ---------- ---------- $1,974,073 $1,636,734 ========== ========== Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Current liabilities Accounts payable $ 44,934 $ 46,178 Construction payables 17,975 4,718 Accrued expenses (Note 4) 139,892 148,632 Current portion of long-term debt (Note 5) 1,841 2,038 ---------- ---------- Total current liabilities 204,642 201,566 Long-term debt (Note 5) 889,538 753,705 Deferred credits and other 97,740 72,006 Deferred income taxes (Note 8) 45,443 - ---------- ---------- 1,237,363 1,027,277 ---------- ---------- Minority interests 16,964 23,908 ---------- ---------- Commitments and contingencies (Notes 6, 12 through 14 and 16) Stockholders' equity (Notes 3, 14 and 16) Common stock, $0.10 par value, authorized - 360,000,000 shares, outstanding - 102,969,699 and 102,673,828 shares (net of 771,571 and 19,026 shares held in treasury) 10,297 10,267 Capital surplus 385,941 362,783 Retained earnings 290,797 204,838 Unrealized gain on marketable equity securities 51,394 10,552 Deferred compensation related to restricted stock (18,683) (2,891) ---------- ---------- 719,746 585,549 ---------- ---------- $1,974,073 $1,636,734 ========== ==========
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these consolidated balance sheets. 34 Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. Consolidated Statements of Income (In thousands, except per share amounts)
Year Ended December 31, -------------------------------------- 1996 1995 1994 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Revenues Casino $1,323,466 $1,313,910 $1,118,107 Food and beverage 188,081 181,312 162,413 Rooms 115,456 109,036 105,642 Management fees 16,227 12,762 914 Other 80,858 87,158 80,151 Less: casino promotional allowances (135,939) (154,102) (127,821) ---------- ---------- ---------- Total revenues 1,588,149 1,550,076 1,339,406 ---------- ---------- ---------- Operating expenses Direct Casino 649,720 620,438 497,686 Food and beverage 95,909 91,495 82,825 Rooms 35,460 32,915 33,430 Depreciation of buildings, riverboats and equipment 92,130 80,416 70,632 Development costs 12,021 17,428 22,015 Project write-downs and reserves (Note 7) 52,188 93,348 - Preopening costs 5,907 450 15,313 Other 358,000 353,318 319,411 ---------- ---------- ---------- Total operating expenses 1,301,335 1,289,808 1,041,312 ---------- ---------- ---------- Operating profit 286,814 260,268 298,094 Corporate expense (34,348) (30,347) (28,907) Project reorganization costs (14,601) - - ---------- ---------- ---------- Income from operations 237,865 229,921 269,187 Interest expense, net of interest capitalized (Note 2) (69,968) (73,890) (76,363) Interest expense, net, from nonconsolidated affiliates (947) (20,526) (1,959) Provision for settlement of litigation and related costs (Note 13) - - (53,449) Other income, including interest income 5,160 16,078 1,867 ---------- ---------- ---------- Income before income taxes and minority interests 172,110 151,583 139,283 Provision for income taxes (Note 8) (67,316) (60,677) (75,391) Minority interests (5,897) (12,096) (13,908) ---------- ---------- ---------- Income from continuing operations 98,897 78,810 49,984 Discontinued operations (Note 9) Earnings from hotel operations, net of tax provisions of $15,434 and $26,798 - 21,230 36,319 Spin-off transaction expenses, net of tax benefit of $5,134 - (21,194) - ---------- ---------- ---------- Income before cumulative effect of change in accounting policy 98,897 78,846 86,303 Cumulative effect of change in accounting policy, net of tax benefit of $4,317 (Note 10) - - (7,932) ---------- ---------- ---------- Net income $ 98,897 $ 78,846 $ 78,371 ========== ========== ========== Earnings (loss) per share Continuing operations $ 0.95 $ 0.76 $ 0.49 Discontinued operations Earnings from hotel operations, net - 0.21 0.35 Spin-off transaction expenses, net - (0.21) - Cumulative effect of change in accounting policy, net - - (0.08) ---------- ---------- ---------- Net income $ 0.95 $ 0.76 $ 0.76 ========== ========== ========== Average common shares outstanding 103,736 103,188 102,810 ========== ========== ==========
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these consolidated statements. 35 Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Notes 3, 14 and 16) (In thousands)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Unrealized Deferred Common Stock Gain on Compensation ------------------------ Marketable Related to Shares Capital Retained Equity Restricted Outstanding Amount Surplus Earnings Securities Stock Total - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Balance-December 31, 1993 102,258 $10,226 $344,197 $ 187,203 $ - $ (5,589) $ 536,037 Net income 78,371 78,371 Net shares issued under incentive compensation plans, including income tax benefit of $3,252 145 14 5,999 3,016 9,029 ------- ------- -------- --------- ------- -------- --------- Balance-December 31, 1994 102,403 10,240 350,196 265,574 - (2,573) 623,437 Net income 78,846 78,846 Spin-off of Promus Hotel Corporation (Notes 1 and 9) (139,582) (139,582) Unrealized gain on available-for- sale securities, less tax provision of $6,746 10,552 10,552 Net shares issued under incentive compensation plans, including income tax benefit of $6,616 271 27 12,587 (318) 12,296 ------- ------- -------- --------- ------- -------- --------- Balance-December 31, 1995 102,674 10,267 362,783 204,838 10,552 (2,891) 585,549 Net income 98,897 98,897 Unrealized gain on available-for- sale securities, less tax provision of $26,112 40,842 40,842 Treasury stock purchases (759) (76) (12,938) (13,014) Net shares issued under incentive compensation plans, including income tax benefit of $1,576 1,055 106 23,158 (15,792) 7,472 ------- ------- -------- --------- ------- -------- --------- Balance-December 31, 1996 102,970 $10,297 $385,941 $ 290,797 $51,394 $(18,683) $ 719,746 ======= ======= ======== ========= ======= ======== =========
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these consolidated statements. 36 Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Note 11) (In thousands)
Year Ended December 31, ------------------------------------ 1996 1995 1994 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash flows from operating activities Net income $ 98,897 $ 78,846 $ 78,371 Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash flows from operating activities Depreciation and amortization 102,338 95,388 86,644 Project write-downs and reserves 52,188 93,348 - Discontinued operations Earnings from hotel operations - (21,230) (36,319) Spin-off transaction expenses, before income taxes - 26,328 - Provision for settlement of litigation and related costs - - 49,158 Cumulative effect of change in accounting policy, before income taxes - - 12,249 Other noncash items 27,985 17,088 10,348 Minority interests' share of net income 5,897 12,096 13,908 Equity in (income) losses of nonconsolidated affiliates (1,182) 51,182 12,398 Net (gains) losses from asset sales - (13,156) 570 Net change in long-term accounts (375) (18,144) (4,447) Net change in working capital accounts (14) (36,576) 30,883 Net change in accrued litigation settlement and related costs - (43,438) - Tax indemnification payments to Bass - (28,000) (26,466) --------- --------- --------- Cash flows provided by operating activities 285,734 213,732 227,297 --------- --------- --------- Cash flows from investing activities Land, buildings, riverboats and equipment additions (314,465) (186,233) (219,139) Increase (decrease) in construction payables 13,257 (6,161) (15,466) Proceeds from sale of equity investments - 20,745 - Proceeds from asset sales 1,355 10,850 4,192 Investments in and advances to nonconsolidated affiliates (75,553) (45,603) (82,705) Other (8,255) (2,844) (18,291) --------- --------- --------- Cash flows used in investing activities (383,661) (209,246) (331,409) --------- --------- --------- Cash flows from financing activities Net borrowings under Revolving Credit Facility, net of financing costs of $982 in 1996 and $2,322 in 1995 133,518 274,172 118,550 Debt retirements (2,488) (219,614) (40,320) Purchases of treasury stock (13,014) - - Minority interests distributions, net of contributions (10,840) (6,360) (8,434) Other - (543) - --------- --------- --------- Cash flows provided by financing activities 107,176 47,655 69,796 --------- --------- --------- Cash flows from discontinued hotel operations Net transfers (to) from discontinued hotel operations - (14,840) 60,975 Payment of spin-off transaction expenses - (25,924) - --------- --------- --------- Cash flows (used in) provided by discontinued operations - (40,764) 60,975 --------- --------- --------- Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 9,249 11,377 26,659 Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year 96,345 84,968 58,309 --------- --------- --------- Cash and cash equivalents, end of year $ 105,594 $ 96,345 $ 84,968 ========= ========= =========
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these consolidated statements. 37 Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise stated) Note 1-Basis Of Presentation And Organization - --------------------------------------------- Harrah's Entertainment, Inc., ("Harrah's" or the "Company" and including its subsidiaries where the context requires), a Delaware corporation, is one of America's leading casino entertainment companies. Harrah's casino entertainment facilities include casino hotels in all five major Nevada and New Jersey gaming markets: Reno, Lake Tahoe, Las Vegas and Laughlin, Nevada; and Atlantic City, New Jersey. Harrah's riverboat and dockside casinos are in Joliet, Illinois; Shreveport, Louisiana; Tunica and Vicksburg, Mississippi; and North Kansas City, Missouri. Harrah's owns a minority interest in and manages a casino in Auckland, New Zealand, and also manages casinos on Indian lands near Phoenix, Arizona and Seattle, Washington. Harrah's will discontinue managing two limited stakes casinos in Colorado by the end of the first quarter 1997. On June 30, 1995, Harrah's completed a spin-off (the "PHC Spin-off") that split the Company into two independent public corporations. Harrah's retained ownership of the casino entertainment business and the Company's hotel business was transferred to a new entity, Promus Hotel Corporation ("PHC"). For periods prior to the PHC Spin-off, Harrah's financial statements reflect the hotel business as discontinued operations (see Note 9). Note 2-Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies - ------------------------------------------------- Principles of Consolidation. The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Harrah's and its majority-owned subsidiaries after elimination of all significant intercompany accounts and transactions. Investments in 20% to 50% owned companies and joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method. Harrah's reflects its share of net income excluding interest expense of these nonconsolidated affiliates in Revenues-Other. Harrah's proportionate share of interest expense of such nonconsolidated affiliates is reported as Interest expense, net, from nonconsolidated affiliates. (See Note 16.) Cash Equivalents. Cash equivalents are highly liquid investments with a maturity of less than three months and are stated at the lower of cost or market value. Inventories. Inventories, which consist primarily of food, beverage and operating supplies, are stated at average cost. Land, Buildings, Riverboats and Equipment. Land, buildings, riverboats and equipment are stated at cost. Land includes land held for future development or disposition which totaled $32.5 million and $32.0 million at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively. Improvements and extraordinary repairs that extend the life of the asset are capitalized. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Interest expense is capitalized on internally constructed assets at Harrah's overall weighted average borrowing rate of interest. Capitalized interest amounted to $11.0 million, $3.6 million and $3.8 million in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. Depreciation of buildings, riverboats and equipment is calculated using the straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset or, if applicable, the related lease term as follows: Buildings and improvements 10 to 40 years Riverboats 30 years Furniture, fixtures and equipment 2 to 15 years Treasury Stock. Shares of Harrah's common stock held in treasury are reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity as if they were retired. Revenue Recognition. Casino revenues consist of net gaming wins. Food and beverage and rooms revenues include the aggregate amounts generated by those departments at all company-owned casinos and casino hotels. Casino promotional allowances consist principally of the retail value of complimentary food and beverages, accommodations, admissions and entertainment provided to casino patrons. The estimated costs of providing such complimentary services, classified as casino expenses through interdepartmental allocations, were as follows: 1996 1995 1994 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Food and beverage $ 81,857 $72,400 $63,414 Rooms 15,673 15,098 13,875 Other 4,491 10,856 2,634 -------- ------- ------- $102,021 $98,354 $79,923 ======== ======= ======= Amortization. The excess of costs over net assets of businesses acquired and other intangibles are amortized on a straight-line basis over periods up to 40 years. Deferred financing charges are amortized using the interest method over the terms of the related debt agreements. Preopening Costs. Preopening costs, representing primarily direct salaries and other operating costs, incurred prior to the opening of new facilities are deferred as incurred and expensed upon the opening of the related facility. Preopening costs incurred in connection with the expansion of existing facilities are expensed as incurred. (See Note 10.) Earnings Per Share. Earnings per share is computed by dividing Net income by the number of weighted average common shares outstanding during the year, including common stock equivalents. Reclassifications. Certain amounts for prior years have been reclassified to conform with the presentation for 1996. Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. 38 Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. Note 3-Stockholders' Equity - --------------------------- In addition to its common stock, Harrah's has the following classes of stock authorized but unissued: Preferred stock, $100 par value, 150,000 shares authorized Special stock, 2,000,000 shares authorized- Series A, $1.125 par value In October 1996, Harrah's Board of Directors approved a plan which authorized the purchase in open market and other transactions of up to 10% of Harrah's outstanding shares of common stock. As of December 31, 1996, 759,400 shares had been purchased at an average price of $17.14 per share, and are being held in treasury. The Company expects to acquire additional shares from time to time at prevailing market prices through the December 31, 1997, expiration of the approved plan. In July 1996, Harrah's Board of Directors adopted a stockholder rights plan to replace the existing rights which expired on October 5, 1996. The new plan provides for one special stock purchase right (a "Right") to be attached to each outstanding share of Harrah's common stock. These Rights entitle the holder to purchase, under certain conditions, units consisting of fractional shares of Special Stock-Series A at a purchase price of $130 per unit, subject to adjustment. The Rights also, under certain conditions, entitle holders to purchase $260 worth of Harrah's common stock for $130. Under certain conditions, including a merger or business combination in which the Company is not the surviving corporation, each holder of a Right will have the right to purchase shares of common stock of the acquiring company with a market value equal to two times the then current exercise price of the Right. The Rights expire on October 5, 2006, unless Harrah's Board of Directors decides to redeem them earlier at $0.01 per Right or upon occurrence of certain other events. On June 30, 1995, the PHC Spin-off was completed and the Company distributed to its stockholders the stock of PHC as a dividend on a one-for-two basis. To reflect this distribution, the $139.6 million value of the net assets of discontinued operations as of the Spin-off date was charged against the Company's retained earnings (see Note 9). On April 29, 1994, Harrah's stockholders approved an amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation which increased the number of authorized common shares from 120 million to 360 million and reduced the par value per common share from $1.50 to $0.10. As a result, amounts reported in the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for periods prior to this amendment were restated to reclassify amounts from common stock to capital surplus to retroactively reflect the impact of the change in par value. Under the terms of employee compensation programs previously approved by its stockholders, Harrah's has reserved shares of its common stock for issuance under the Restricted Stock and Stock Option Plans. (See Note 14 for a description of the plans.) The following table summarizes the total number of shares authorized for issuance under each of these plans and the remaining unissued shares as of December 31, 1996: Restricted Stock Stock Plan Option Plan - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total shares authorized for issuance under the plans 5,300,000 10,350,000 Shares issued and options granted, net of cancellations (5,178,098) (7,481,328) ---------- ---------- Shares held in reserve for issuance or grant under the plans as of December 31, 1996 121,902 2,868,672 ========== ========== Note 4-Detail of Certain Balance Sheet Accounts - ----------------------------------------------- Deferred costs and other consisted of the following: 1996 1995 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Excess of cost over net assets of businesses acquired, net of amortization $ 45,202 $ 47,041 Cash surrender value of life insurance (Note 14) 43,613 41,061 Deposits 15,944 15,944 Deferred finance charges, net of amortization 11,983 14,153 Other 50,311 48,338 -------- -------- $167,053 $166,537 ======== ======== Accrued expenses consisted of the following: 1996 1995 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Insurance claims and reserves $ 49,590 $ 49,821 Payroll and other compensation 34,243 46,251 Accrued interest payable 11,786 12,543 Deposits and customer funds 7,841 6,765 Taxes, including income taxes 2,475 (2,411) Other accruals 33,957 35,663 -------- -------- $139,892 $148,632 ======== ======== Note 5-Long-term Debt - --------------------- Long-term debt consisted of the following: 1996 1995 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Secured Revolving Credit Facilities, 6.07%-8.25% at December 31, 1996, maturities to 2000 $481,000 $346,500 Unsecured Senior Subordinated Notes 8 3/4%, maturity 2000 200,000 200,000 10 7/8%, maturity 2002 200,000 200,000 Unsecured Notes Payable, 10.00%-12.67%, maturities to 2001 6,864 8,489 Capitalized Lease Obligations, 3.0%-5.2%, maturities to 2025 3,515 754 -------- -------- 891,379 755,743 Current portion of long-term debt (1,841) (2,038) -------- -------- $889,538 $753,705 ======== ======== 39 Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise stated) Harrah's outstanding corporate debt, comprised primarily of the Secured Revolving Credit Facilities and Unsecured Senior Subordinated Notes, has been issued by its wholly-owned subsidiary, Harrah's Operating Company, Inc. ("HOC") (see Note 15). As of December 31, 1996, annual principal requirements for the four years subsequent to 1997 were: 1998, $1.8 million; 1999, $1.3 million; 2000, $682.5 million; and 2001, $0.8 million. Revolving Credit Facility. During October 1996, Harrah's negotiated amendments to its reducing revolving and letter of credit facility (the "Facility"), including an increase in total capacity from $750 million to $1.1 billion and modifications to certain financial covenants. As amended, the Facility consists of a $950 million reducing revolving and letter of credit facility maturing July 31, 2000, and a separate $150 million revolving credit facility which is renewable annually, at the lenders' option, through the July 31, 2000, maturity date. Of the $1.1 billion available under the Facility, there is a sub-limit of $50 million for letters of credit. Reductions of the borrowing capacity available under the $950 million facility are as follows: $50 million, July 1998; $75 million, January 1999; $75 million, July 1999; $100 million, January 2000; and $650 million, July 2000. At December 31, 1996, the Facility provided for borrowings at a base rate of either Eurodollar plus 50 basis points or the prime lending rate. The weighted-average annual fees on letters of credit and commitment fees on the unutilized portion under the Facility, at December 31, 1996, were 0.63% and 0.14%, respectively. The Facility is secured by the assets of Harrah's Nevada and New Jersey casino properties, the stock of HOC and certain other subsidiaries and certain trademarks. The Facility agreement contains financial covenants requiring Harrah's to maintain a specific tangible net worth and to meet other financial ratios. Its covenants limit Harrah's ability to pay dividends and to repurchase its outstanding shares (see Note 15). As of December 31, 1996, Harrah's borrowings under the Facility were $481.0 million and an additional $19.9 million was committed to back certain letters of credit. After consideration of these borrowings, $599.1 million of the Facility was available to Harrah's at December 31, 1996. Interest Rate Agreements. To manage the relative mix of its debt between fixed and variable rate instruments, Harrah's enters into interest rate swap agreements to modify the interest characteristics of its outstanding debt without an exchange of the underlying principal amount. At December 31, 1996 and 1995, Harrah's was a party to the following interest rate swap agreements pursuant to which it pays a variable interest rate in exchange for receiving a fixed interest rate. The average variable rate paid by Harrah's was 5.7% and 5.9% at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively, and the average fixed interest rate received was 5.9% at both dates. The impact of these interest rate swap agreements on the effective interest rates of the associated debt was as follows: Effective Next Semi- Swap Rate at Annual Rate Associated Rate December 31, Adjustment Debt (LIBOR+) 1996 1995 Date Swap Maturity - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10 7/8% Notes $200 million 4.73% 10.46% 10.74% April 15 October 1997 8 3/4% Notes $50 million 3.42% 8.99% 9.23% May 15 May 1998 $50 million 3.22% 9.25% 9.10% January 15 July 1998 In accordance with the terms of the interest rate swap agreements, the effective interest rate on $50 million of the 8 3/4% Notes was adjusted on January 15, 1997 to 8.95%. Harrah's also maintains seven additional interest rate swap agreements to effectively convert a total of $350 million in variable rate debt to a fixed rate. Pursuant to the terms of these swaps, all of which reset quarterly, Harrah's receives variable payments tied to LIBOR in exchange for its payments at a fixed interest rate. The fixed rates to be paid by Harrah's and variable rates to be received by Harrah's are summarized in the following table: Swap Rate Swap Rate Received Paid (Variable) at Swap Notional Amount (Fixed) Dec. 31, 1996 Maturity - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $50 million 7.910% 5.531% January 1998 $50 million 6.985% 5.582% March 2000 $50 million 6.951% 5.594% March 2000 $50 million 6.945% 5.594% March 2000 $50 million 6.651% 5.500% May 2000 $50 million 5.788% 5.500% June 2000 $50 million 5.785% 5.500% June 2000 In accordance with the terms of the above $50 million swap which matures in January 1998, the variable interest rate was adjusted on January 27, 1997 to 5.563%. The differences to be paid or received under the terms of the interest rate swap agreements are accrued as interest rates change and recognized as an adjustment to interest expense for the related debt. Changes in the variable interest rates to be paid or received by Harrah's pursuant to the terms of its interest rate agreements will have a corresponding effect on its future cash flows. These agreements contain a credit risk that the counterparties may be unable to meet the terms of the agreements. Harrah's minimizes that risk by evaluating the creditworthiness of its counterparties, which are limited to major banks and financial institutions, and does not anticipate nonperformance by the counterparties. Shelf Registration. Harrah's, together with its wholly-owned subsidiary HOC, has an effective shelf registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission for up to $200 million of Harrah's common stock or HOC preferred stock or debt securities. The issue price of the Harrah's common stock or the terms and conditions of the HOC preferred stock or debt securities, which will be unconditionally guaranteed by Harrah's, will be determined by market conditions at the time of issuance. The shelf registration is available until October 1997. 40 Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. Fair Market Value. Based on the borrowing rates currently available for debt with similar terms and maturities and market quotes of its publicly traded debt, the fair value of Harrah's long-term debt, including the interest rate swap agreements, at December 31, 1996 and 1995, was as follows: December 31, --------------------------------------------------- 1996 1995 -------------------- ------------------------ Carrying Market Carrying Market (in millions) Value Value Value Value - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Outstanding debt $(891.4) $(904.7) $(755.7) $(782.7) Interest rate swap agreements (used for hedging purposes) (0.3) (4.8) (0.3) (12.2) The amounts reflected as the "Carrying Value" of the interest rate swap agreements represent the accrual balance as of the date reported. The "Market Value" of the interest rate swap agreements represents the estimated amount, considering the prevailing interest rates, that Harrah's would pay to terminate the agreements as of the date reported. Note 6-Leases - ------------- Harrah's leases both real estate and equipment used in its operations and classifies those leases as either operating or capital leases following the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 13, "Accounting for Leases." The remaining lives of the Company's real estate operating leases range from five to 10 years with various automatic extensions totalling up to 45 years. The average remaining term for other operating leases, which generally contain renewal options, extends approximately five years. Rental expense associated with operating leases is charged to expense in the year incurred and was included in the Consolidated Statements of Income as follows: 1996 1995 1994 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Noncancelable Minimum $14,774 $17,097 $ 9,919 Contingent 2,032 - - Sublease (313) (53) (11) Other 3,435 2,001 2,195 ------- ------- ------- $19,928 $19,045 $12,103 ======= ======= ======= The future minimum rental commitments as of December 31, 1996, were as follows: Noncancelable Operating Leases - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1997 $ 13,576 1998 10,574 1999 9,150 2000 8,936 2001 8,434 Thereafter 86,476 -------- Total minimum lease payments $137,146 ======== In addition to these minimum rental commitments, certain of these operating leases provide for contingent rentals based on a percentage of revenues in excess of specified amounts. Note 7-Project Write-downs and Reserves - --------------------------------------- Harrah's operating results for 1996 and 1995 include various pre-tax charges to record asset impairments, contingent liability reserves and project write-offs. During 1996, in recognition of changing economic conditions and competitive environments in which certain long-lived assets are deployed, the Company re-evaluated the recoverability of its original Tunica, Mississippi, casino facility and of an idle riverboat casino. The carrying values of those assets were adjusted to their estimated fair values, based on terms of a proposed sale of the casino facility and independent appraisals of the riverboat, in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of." The Company also recorded a reserve during 1996 pursuant to the provisions of SFAS No. 5, "Accounting for Contingencies," to recognize its estimated liability arising from the guarantee of third party debt. Management believes that the estimates used to evaluate the amounts of such write-downs and reserves are reasonable. However, actual results could differ from the estimates made for purposes of these evaluations. The 1995 charges related primarily to the Company's New Orleans casino development project (see Note 16). Project write-downs and reserves reported by the Company for 1996 and 1995 were as follows: 1996 1995 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Impairment of long-lived assets $33,369 $ - Reserve for contingent liability exposure 14,034 - Write-off of investment in and advances to nonconsolidated affiliate 2,141 9,638 Write-off of abandoned design and other costs 2,644 8,261 ------- ------- 52,188 17,899 Harrah's Jazz-related Write-off of investment in and advances to affiliate - 54,349 Acquisition of partner loan - 16,000 Estimated legal and severance costs - 5,100 ------- ------- $52,188 $93,348 ======= ======= 41 Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise stated) Note 8-Income Taxes - ------------------- Harrah's federal and state income tax provision (benefit) allocable to identified income statement and balance sheet line items was as follows: 1996 1995 1994 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Income before income taxes and minority interests $67,316 $60,677 $75,391 Stockholders' equity Unrealized gain on marketable equity securities 26,112 6,746 - Compensation expense for tax purposes in excess of amounts recognized for financial reporting purposes (1,576) (6,616) (3,252) Other 1,045 - - Discontinued operations Earnings from hotel operations - 15,434 26,798 Spin-off transaction costs, including $3,956 of deferred tax benefit - (5,134) - Cumulative effect of change in accounting policy - - (4,317) ------- ------- ------- $92,897 $71,107 $94,620 ======= ======= ======= Income tax expense attributable to Income before income taxes and minority interests consisted of the following: 1996 1995 1994 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Current Federal $42,003 $ 60,850 $103,264 State 6,622 9,987 4,992 Deferred 18,691 (10,160) (32,865) ------- -------- -------- $67,316 $ 60,677 $ 75,391 ======= ======== ======== The differences between the statutory federal income tax rate and the effective tax rate expressed as a percentage of Income before income taxes and minority interest were as follows: 1996 1995 1994 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Statutory tax rate 35.0% 35.0% 35.0% Increases (decreases) in tax resulting from State taxes, net of federal tax benefit 2.5 4.3 3.2 Minority interests in partnership earnings (1.2) (2.8) (3.5) Provision for settlement of litigation and related costs (Note 13) - - 13.3 Other 2.8 3.5 6.1 ---- ---- ---- 39.1% 40.0% 54.1% ==== ==== ==== The components of Harrah's net deferred tax balance included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows: 1996 1995 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Deferred tax assets Compensation $ 24,858 $ 21,067 Self-insurance reserves 7,562 9,231 Bad debt reserve 5,089 4,163 Preopening costs 4,699 8,994 Debt consent costs 3,237 3,956 Deferred income 1,108 1,474 Investments in nonconsolidated affiliates - 15,978 Other 12,979 10,595 -------- -------- 59,532 75,458 -------- -------- Deferred tax liabilities Property (53,068) (45,334) Investment in nonconsolidated affiliates (26,356) - Other - (4,167) -------- -------- (79,424) (49,501) -------- -------- Net deferred tax (liability) asset $(19,892) $ 25,957 ======== ======== Note 9-Discontinued Operations - ------------------------------ As discussed in Note 1, on June 30, 1995, Harrah's, formerly The Promus Companies Incorporated ("Promus"), completed a spin-off of its hotel operations to PHC. Accordingly, results of operations and cash flows of the Company's hotel business have been reported as discontinued operations in the Consolidated Financial Statements for all periods prior to the PHC Spin-off. Earnings from discontinued operations for such prior year periods were as follows: Six Months Year Ended Ended June 30, Dec. 31, 1995 1994 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Revenues $132,785 $ 242,724 Costs and expenses (79,652) (148,470) -------- --------- Operating income 53,133 94,254 Interest expense (16,742) (31,148) Other income 273 11 -------- --------- Income before income taxes 36,664 63,117 Provision for income taxes (15,434) (26,798) -------- --------- Earnings from discontinued hotel operations $ 21,230 $ 36,319 ======== ========= Prior to the PHC Spin-off, the Company's corporate debt was not specifically related to either its casino entertainment or hotel segment. However, corporate debt service requirements had been met using cash flows provided by both segments. For periods prior to the PHC Spin-off, interest expense was allocated to discontinued hotel operations based on the percentage of Promus' existing corporate debt which was expected to be retired using proceeds from a new PHC bank facility. Interest expense of $9.5 million and $17.2 million for 1995 and 1994, respectively, was allocated to discontinued hotel operations. 42 Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. Note 10-Change in Accounting Policy - ----------------------------------- Effective January 1, 1994, Harrah's changed its accounting policy for its consolidated casinos relating to preopening costs to capitalize such costs as incurred and to expense them upon opening of each project. Previously, the Company had capitalized preopening costs and amortized them to expense over 36 months from the date of opening. As a result of this change, operating results for the year ended December 31, 1994, reflect the cumulative charge against earnings, net of income taxes, of $7.9 million, or $0.08 per share, to write-off the unamortized preopening costs balances related to projects opened in prior years. Note 11-Supplemental Cash Flow Information - ------------------------------------------ The increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents due to the changes in long-term and working capital accounts was as follows: 1996 1995 1994 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Long-term accounts Deferred costs and other assets $ (2,279) $ (4,746) $ 1,413 Deferred credits and other long-term liabilities 1,904 (13,398) (5,860) -------- -------- -------- Net change in long-term accounts $ (375) $(18,144) $ (4,447) ======== ======== ======== Working capital accounts Receivables $ 8,088 $(27,616) $(15,256) Inventories 1,202 (565) 369 Prepayments and other 2,888 (94) (1,868) Other current assets 14 - (798) Accounts payable (18,373) (10,279) 22,552 Accrued expenses 6,167 1,978 25,884 -------- -------- -------- Net change in working capital accounts $ (14) $(36,576) $ 30,883 ======== ======== ======== Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Paid for Interest and Taxes. The following table reconciles Harrah's Interest expense, net of interest capitalized, per the Consolidated Statements of Income, to cash paid for interest: 1996 1995 1994 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Interest expense, net of amount capitalized $69,968 $73,890 $76,363 Adjustments to reconcile to cash paid for interest: Net change in accruals (8,664) 10,739 (4,923) Amortization of deferred finance charges (3,151) (3,626) (2,844) Net amortization of discounts and premiums (21) (53) (176) ------- ------- ------- Cash paid for interest, net of amount capitalized $58,132 $80,950 $68,420 ======= ======= ======= Cash payments, net of refunds, for income taxes, including amounts paid on behalf of the discontinued hotel operations, amounted to $34,578, $85,001 and $116,093 for 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively (see Note 8). Note 12-Commitments and Contingencies - ------------------------------------- Contractual Commitments. Harrah's is pursuing additional casino development opportunities that may require, individually and in the aggregate, significant commitments of capital, up-front payments to third parties, guarantees by Harrah's of third party debt and development completion guarantees. As of December 31, 1996, Harrah's had guaranteed third party loans and leases of $99 million, which are secured by certain assets, and had commitments of $207 million, primarily construction-related. Harrah's has also committed to guarantee an additional $37 million in financing for a new development that was approved by regulatory authorities subsequent to December 31, 1996. The agreements under which Harrah's manages casinos on Indian lands contain provisions required by law which provide that a minimum monthly payment be made to the tribe. That obligation has priority over scheduled payments of borrowings for development costs. In the event that insufficient cash flow is generated by the operations to fund this payment, Harrah's must pay the shortfall to the tribe. Such advances, if any, would be repaid to Harrah's in future periods in which operations generate cash flow in excess of the required minimum payment. These commitments will terminate upon the occurrence of certain defined events, including termination of the management contract. As of December 31, 1996, the aggregate monthly commitment pursuant to these contracts, which extend for periods of up to 60 months from opening date, was $1.2 million, including commitments for two projects with contracts approved by the National Indian Gaming Commission that are under development but not yet open. As part of a transaction whereby Harrah's effectively secured an option to a site for a potential casino, Harrah's has guaranteed a $24.7 million third party variable rate bank loan. Harrah's also has entered into an interest rate swap agreement in which Harrah's receives a fixed interest rate of 7% from the third party and pays the variable interest rate of the subject debt, which is currently LIBOR plus 1.0%. The interest rate swap is marked to market by Harrah's with the adjustment recorded in interest expense. Both the loan and the swap agreement expire February 28, 1997, and are currently being renegotiated. The existing guaranty contains an element of risk that, should the borrower be unable to perform, the Company could become responsible for repayment of at least a portion of the obligation. Harrah's has reduced this exposure by obtaining a security interest in certain assets of the third party. Harrah's may continue to guarantee the renegotiated debt. See Note 16 for discussion of the completion guarantees issued by Harrah's related to development of the New Orleans casino. Severance Agreements. Harrah's has severance agreements with 36 of its senior executives, which provide for payments to the executives in the event of their termination after a change in control, as defined. These agreements provide, among other things, for a compensation payment ranging from 1.5 times to 2.99 times the average of the three highest years of annual 43 Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise stated) compensation of the last five calendar years preceding the change in control, as well as for accelerated payment or accelerated vesting of any compensation or awards payable to the executive under any of Harrah's incentive plans. The estimated amount, computed as of December 31, 1996, that would be payable under the agreements to these executives based on earnings and stock options aggregated approximately $35.0 million. Guarantee of Insurance Contract. Harrah's has guaranteed the value of a guaranteed investment contract with an insurance company held by Harrah's defined contribution savings plan. Harrah's has also agreed to provide non-interest-bearing loans to the plan to fund, on an interim basis, withdrawals from this contract by retired or terminated employees. Harrah's maximum exposure on this guarantee as of December 31, 1996, was $6.2 million. Tax Sharing Agreements. In connection with the PHC Spin-off, Harrah's entered into a Tax Sharing Agreement with PHC wherein each company is obligated for those taxes associated with their respective businesses. Additionally, Harrah's is obligated for all taxes of Promus for periods prior to the PHC Spin-off date which are not specifically related to PHC operations and/or PHC hotel locations. Harrah's obligations under this agreement are not expected to have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position or re sults of operations. Self Insurance. Harrah's is self-insured for various levels of general liability, workers' compensation and employee medical coverage. Insurance claims and reserves include accruals of estimated settlements for known claims, as well as accruals of actuarial estimates of incurred but not reported claims. Note 13-Litigation - ------------------ Harrah's is involved in various inquiries, administrative proceedings and litigation relating to contracts, sales of property and other matters arising in the normal course of business. While any proceeding or litigation has an element of uncertainty, management believes that the final outcome of these matters will not have a material adverse effect upon Harrah's consolidated financial position or its results of operations. In addition to the matters described above, Harrah's and certain of its subsidiaries have been named as defendants in a number of lawsuits arising from the suspension of development of a land-based casino, and the closing of the temporary gaming facility, in New Orleans, Louisiana, by Harrah's Jazz Company, a partnership in which the Company owns an approximate 47% interest and which has filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code (see Note 16). The ultimate outcomes of these lawsuits cannot be predicted at this time, and no provisions for the claims are included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. The Company intends to defend these actions vigorously. In March 1995, the Company entered into a settlement agreement (the "Settlement") with Bass PLC ("Bass") of all claims related to the Merger Agreement and Tax Sharing Agreement arising from the 1990 spin-off of Promus and acquisition of the Holiday Inn business by Bass. As a result of the Settlement, a charge of $49.2 million was recorded in 1994 to accrue for the cost of the Settlement, related legal fees and other associated expenses. In addition to these costs, $4.3 million in legal fees and other expenses incurred related to the Company's defense of this litigation were included in the Provision for settlement of litigation and related costs in the Consolidated Statements of Income. All amounts due under the Settlement were paid in 1995. Note 14-Employee Benefit Plans - ------------------------------ Harrah's has established a number of employee benefit programs for purposes of attracting, retaining and motivating its employees. The following is a description of the basic components of these programs. Stock Option Plan. Employees may be granted options to purchase shares of Harrah's common stock under the Harrah's Stock Option Plan ("SOP"). An SOP grant typically allows the option holder to purchase stock over specified periods of time, generally ten years, at a fixed price equal to the market value at the date of grant. No options may be granted under the SOP after November 1999. As allowed under the provisions of SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," which the Company adopted during 1996, Harrah's applies the provisions of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees," and related interpretations to account for the SOP and, accordingly, does not recognize compensation expense. Had compensation expense for the SOP been determined in accordance with SFAS No. 123, Harrah's Net income and Earnings per share would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts indicated in the following table: 1996 1995 --------------------- --------------------- As Pro As Pro Reported Forma Reported Forma - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net income $98,897 $93,787 $78,846 $76,247 Earnings per share 0.95 0.90 0.76 0.74 The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions: 1996 1995 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Expected dividend yield 0.0% 0.0% Expected stock price volatility 39.0% 31.0% Risk-free interest rate 6.2% 5.4% Expected average life of options (years) 6 6 Because the provisions of SFAS No. 123 have not been applied to options granted prior to January 1, 1995, and due to the issuance in 1996 of a large option grant under the 44 Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. special program discussed below, the resulting pro forma compensation cost for the years presented may not be representative of that to be expected in future years. Given the competitive environment in which Harrah's operates and the need to retain and provide incentives for key management, the Company's Board of Directors was concerned by the large number of outstanding options with an exercise price above the current market price of the stock. To restore the intended incentive offered to employees by SOP grants, during 1996 the Company approved a special program which enabled option holders to consent to the cancellation of certain outstanding stock options, whether vested or unvested, in exchange for a grant of new unvested stock options with an option price based on the current market price of the Company's stock. For each three options canceled, the consenting option holder received two new stock options. The new options vest in four equal annual installments commencing January 1, 1998. In total, 2,755,291 options with an average exercise price of $27.71 per share were canceled in exchange for 1,830,951 new options with an exercise price of $16.875 per share. A summary of SOP activity during 1996, including those options canceled and the replacement options issued in connection with this special program, is as follows: Number of Weighted Common Shares Average ---------------------------- Exercise Price Options Available (Per Share) Outstanding For Grant - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Balance-December 31, 1995 $21.21 5,418,826 3,647,874 Granted 18.71 3,706,759 (3,706,759) Exercised 9.97 (225,510) - Canceled 27.59 (2,927,557) 2,927,557 ---------- ---------- Balance-December 31, 1996 16.95 5,972,518 2,868,672 ========== ========== Exercisable at December 31, 1996 1,079,125 ========== Weighted average fair value of options granted $ 9.13 ====== The following table summarizes additional information regarding those options outstanding at December 31, 1996: Options Outstanding Options Exercisable ------------------------------------ ---------------------- Weighted Weighted Weighted Average Average Average Range of Number Remaining Exercise Number Exercise Exercise Prices Outstanding Contract Life Price Exercisable Price - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 2.80-$13.34 1,470,537 4.3 years $ 8.69 902,304 $ 8.08 16.88- 18.50 1,853,851 9.8 years 16.90 22,115 18.50 20.24- 29.72 2,612,752 9.5 years 21.39 142,494 23.09 33.27- 35.59 35,378 7.0 years 35.00 12,212 34.91 --------- --------- 5,972,518 1,079,125 ========= ========= In connection with the PHC Spin-off, the option price and number of shares of all options outstanding on June 30, 1995, were adjusted to preserve their approximate value to the employee immediately before the PHC Spin-off. A summary of SOP activity during 1995, including this adjustment, is as follows: Number of Weighted Common Shares Average ------------------------------ Exercise Price Options Available (Per Share) Outstanding For Grant - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Balance-December 31, 1994 $19.80 2,268,294 2,491,965 Granted 36.53 1,473,290 (1,473,290) Exercised 10.43 (111,807) - Canceled 11.21 (843,700) 843,700 ---------- ---------- Balance-June 30, 1995 26.74 2,786,077 1,862,375 Adjustment to reflect PHC Spin-off N/A 1,136,463 (1,136,463) ---------- ---------- Adjusted balance- June 30, 1995 19.03 3,922,540 725,912 Additional shares authorized N/A - 4,500,000 Granted 26.05 1,836,563 (1,836,563) Exercised 8.14 (81,752) - Canceled 26.54 (258,525) 258,525 ---------- ---------- Balance-December 31, 1995 21.21 5,418,826 3,647,874 ========== ========== Exercisable at December 31, 1995 725,961 ========== Weighted average fair value of options granted $10.76 ====== Restricted Stock Plan. Employees may be granted shares of common stock under the Harrah's Restricted Stock Plan ("RSP"). Shares granted under the RSP are restricted as to transfer and subject to forfeiture during a specified period or periods prior to vesting. The shares generally vest in equal installments over a period of four years. No awards of RSP shares may be made under the current plan after November 1999. The compensation arising from an RSP grant is based upon the market price at the grant date. Such expense is deferred and amortized to expense over the vesting period. This expense totaled $0.9 million, $1.2 million and $4.4 million in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. In December 1996, Harrah's issued time accelerated restricted stock ("TARSAP") awards to certain key executives which fully vest on January 1, 2002. However, the vesting of some or all of these shares will be accelerated to 1999, 2000 and 2001 if the Company achieves certain financial performance targets set by the Board of Directors. The expense arising from the TARSAP awards will be amortized to expense over the periods in which the restrictions lapse. A summary of RSP shares granted during 1996, including the TARSAP awards, and during 1995 is as follows: 1996 1995 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Number of shares granted 825,406 140,070 Weighted-average price per share on date of grant $20.52 $24.87 Savings and Retirement Plan. Harrah's maintains a defined contribution savings and retirement plan, which, among other things, allows pre-tax and after-tax contributions to be made by employees to the plan. Under the plan, participating employees may elect to contribute up to 16 percent of their eligible earnings, the first six percent of which Harrah's will match fully. Amounts contributed to the plan are invested, at the participant's direction, in various investment funds, 45 Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise stated) including a Harrah's company stock fund. Participants become vested in Harrah's matching contribution over seven years of credited service. Harrah's contribution expense for this plan was $14.1 million, $12.9 million and $11.4 million in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. Employee Stock Ownership Plan. Harrah's has an employee stock ownership plan, which is a noncontributory stock bonus plan covering employees of Harrah's and its affiliates. Harrah's contributions to the plan are discretionary and are made only if approved by the Human Resources Committee of Harrah's Board of Directors. Contributions were approved for the 1995 and 1994 plan years, and the related expense was not material. Deferred Compensation Plans. Harrah's maintains deferred compensation plans under which certain employees and members of its Board of Directors may defer a portion of their compensation. Amounts deposited into these plans are unsecured liabilities of Harrah's and earn interest at rates approved by the Human Resources Committee of the Board of Directors. The total liability included in Deferred credits and other liabilities for these plans at December 31, 1996 and 1995 was $45.2 million and $38.7 million, respectively. In connection with the administration of one of these plans, Harrah's has purchased company-owned life insurance policies insuring the lives of certain directors, officers and key employees. Multi-Employer Pension Plan. Approximately 2,600 of Harrah's employees are covered by union sponsored, collectively bargained multi-employer pension plans. Harrah's contributed and charged to expense $2.1 million, $1.9 million and $1.9 million in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively, for such plans. The plans' administrators do not provide sufficient information to enable Harrah's to determine its share, if any, of unfunded vested benefits. Note 15-Summarized Financial Information - ---------------------------------------- HOC is a wholly-owned subsidiary and the principal asset of Harrah's. Summarized financial information of HOC as of December 31, 1996 and 1995 and for each of the three years ended December 31, 1996, prepared on the same basis as Harrah's, was as follows: 1996 1995 1994 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Current assets $ 199,838 $ 185,950 Land, buildings, riverboats and equipment, net 1,389,894 1,204,890 Other assets 382,516 242,773 ---------- ---------- 1,972,248 1,633,613 ---------- ---------- Current liabilities 191,689 184,454 Long-term debt 889,538 753,705 Other liabilities 143,705 73,216 Minority interests 16,964 23,908 ---------- ---------- 1,241,896 1,035,283 ---------- ---------- Net assets $ 730,352 $ 598,330 ========== ========== Revenues $1,588,013 $1,549,198 $1,337,110 ========== ========== ========== Income from operations $ 236,921 $ 226,169 $ 267,742 ========== ========== ========== Income from continuing operations $ 96,727 $ 76,370 $ 49,044 ========== ========== ========== Net income $ 96,727 $ 76,406 $ 77,430 ========== ========== ========== The agreements governing the terms of the Company's debt contain certain covenants which, among other things, place limitations on HOC's ability to pay dividends and make other restricted payments, as defined, to Harrah's. The amount of HOC's restricted net assets, as defined, computed in accordance with the most restrictive of these covenants regarding restricted payments (other than for repurchases of Harrah's common stock), was approximately $719.9 million at December 31, 1996. With respect to any payments by HOC to Harrah's for the purpose of providing funds to Harrah's for the repurchase of its common stock, the amount of HOC's restricted net assets under such covenant was approximately $543.4 million at December 31, 1996. Note 16-Nonconsolidated Affiliates - ---------------------------------- Harrah's Jazz Company. A Harrah's subsidiary owns an approximate 47% interest in Harrah's Jazz Company ("Harrah's Jazz"), a partnership formed for purposes of developing, owning and operating the exclusive land-based casino entertainment facility in New Orleans, Louisiana, on the site of the former Rivergate Convention Center (the "Rivergate"). On November 22, 1995, Harrah's Jazz and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Harrah's Jazz Finance Corp., filed petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. Prior to the filing, Harrah's Jazz was operating a temporary casino in the New Orleans, Louisiana Municipal Auditorium (the "Basin Street Casino") and constructing a new permanent casino facility on the Rivergate site (the "Rivergate Casino"). Harrah's Jazz ceased operation of the Basin Street Casino and construction of the Rivergate Casino on November 22, 1995 prior to the bankruptcy filings. Harrah's Jazz filed a plan of reorganization with the Bankruptcy Court on April 3, 1996 and has filed several subsequent amendments to the plan (the "Plan"). On February 28, 1997, the Bankruptcy Court approved the disclosure statement of Harrah's Jazz relating to the Plan and set a confirmation hearing to approve the Plan for April 14, 1997. Under the Plan, the assets and business of Harrah's Jazz would vest in Jazz Casino Corporation, a newly formed corporation ("JCC"), on the effective date of the Plan. JCC would be responsible for completing construction of the Rivergate Casino. Under the Plan, Harrah's Jazz's existing public debt would be canceled and the holders of that debt would receive 37.1% of the equity in JCC's indirect parent ("JCC Holding"). An additional 15% of the equity in JCC Holding would be allocated to debtholders who execute certain releases and an affiliate of the Company would receive in exchange for equity investments and other consideration to be provided under the Plan the remaining 47.9% of the equity in JCC Holding, a portion of which would be assigned to certain Harrah's Jazz partner-related parties. In addition, holders of the public debt would receive (i) $187.5 million in aggregate principal amount of 8% Senior Subordinated Notes of JCC due 2006 with contingent payments, and (ii) a pro rata share of Senior Subordinated Contingent Notes of JCC due 2006. 46 Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. During the course of the bankruptcy of Harrah's Jazz, a subsidiary of the Company has made debtor-in-possession loans to Harrah's Jazz, totalling approximately $17.2 million as of December 31, 1996, to fund certain obligations to the City of New Orleans and other cash requirements of Harrah's Jazz. The Company has proposed to make up to $25 million in such loans, however, it is likely that Harrah's Jazz will require debtor-in-possession loans from the Company in excess of the $25 million currently proposed. If the Plan is consummated, Harrah's would invest an additional $75 million in the project and deliver new completion guaranties. Any debtor-in-possession financing, including the approximately $17.2 million in financing already advanced and discussed above, would be repaid or converted into equity (and count toward the $75 million investment referred to above) upon consummation of the Plan. The Plan also provides that JCC will obtain a $180 million secured term loan and revolving credit facility to finance completion of the Rivergate Casino and provide JCC with working capital availability, and that Harrah's will guarantee or provide credit support for $120 million of this financing. If the Plan is consummated, it is anticipated that Harrah's will also make an additional $20 million subordinated loan to JCC to assist in financing construction of the Rivergate Casino. The Plan also contemplates the opening of the permanent casino at the Rivergate Casino site approximately nine months after the consummation of the Plan. If the Plan is consummated, it is expected that the consummation would occur in second quarter 1997. Under the Plan, there would be no temporary casino and the Basin Street Casino would not reopen. In addition to the matters discussed above, the Plan is subject to other amendments, and such other amendments may be material. There can be no assurance that definitive agreements necessary to consummate the Plan will be reached or that the amended Plan will be approved, or, if approved, that the conditions to consummation of the Plan will be met. Other. Summarized balance sheet and income statement information of nonconsolidated gaming affiliates, including Harrah's Jazz, which Harrah's accounted for using the equity method, as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and for the three fiscal years ended December 31, 1996, is included in the following tables. 1996 1995 1994 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Combined Summarized Balance Sheet Information Current assets $ 33,516 $ 63,216 Land, buildings and equipment, net 391,133 266,602 Other assets 171,748 169,033 -------- --------- Total assets 596,397 498,851 -------- --------- Current liabilities 129,114 130,816 Long-term debt 486,740 465,386 -------- --------- Total liabilities 615,854 596,202 -------- --------- Net assets $(19,457) $ (97,351) ======== ========= Combined Summarized Statements of Operations Revenues $ 30,930 $ 118,798 $ 291 ======== ========= ======== Operating loss $(18,194) $ (30,296) $(23,891) ======== ========= ======== Net loss $(22,080) $(139,200) $(29,201) ======== ========= ======== Condensed financial information relating to the Company's minority ownership interest in a restaurant subsidiary has not been presented since its operating results and financial position are not material to Harrah's. Harrah's investments in and advances to nonconsolidated affiliates are reflected in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as follows: 1996 1995 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Harrah's investments in and advances to nonconsolidated affiliates Accounted for under the equity method $ 98,356 $22,374 Accounted for at historical cost - 32,267 Equity securities available-for-sale and recorded at market value 117,183 17,298 -------- ------- $215,539 $71,939 ======== ======= Harrah's share of nonconsolidated affiliates' net income (losses) excluding interest expense, including Harrah's Jazz operations through November 21, 1995, is reflected in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income as follows: 1996 1995 1994 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net income (loss) excluding interest expense (included in Revenues-Other) $2,129 $(28,719) $(10,535) ====== ======== ======== Harrah's share of nonconsolidated affiliates' combined interest expense is reflected as Interest expense, net, from nonconsolidated affiliates in the Consolidated Statements of Income. During 1995, Harrah's sold a portion of its investment in a New Zealand casino property, reducing its ownership percentage from 20% to 12.5% and resulting in a pre-tax gain of approximately $11.7 million. In accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities," Harrah's adjusts the carrying value of certain marketable equity securities to include the unrealized gains. A corresponding increase is recorded in the Company's stockholders' equity and deferred income tax accounts. 47 Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. Management's Report on Financial Statements Harrah's is responsible for preparing the financial statements and related information appearing in this report. Management believes that the financial statements present fairly its financial position, its results of operations and its cash flows in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. In preparing its financial statements, Harrah's is required to include amounts based on estimates and judgments which it believes are reasonable under the circumstances. Harrah's maintains accounting and other control systems designed to provide reasonable assurance that financial records are reliable for purposes of preparing financial statements and that assets are properly accounted for and safeguarded. Compliance with these systems and controls is reviewed through a program of audits by an internal auditing staff. Limitations exist in any internal control system, recognizing that the system's cost should not exceed the benefits derived. The Board of Directors pursues its responsibility for Harrah's financial statements through its Audit Committee, which is composed solely of directors who are not Harrah's officers or employees. The Audit Committee meets from time to time with the independent public accountants, management and the internal auditors. Harrah's internal auditors report directly to the Audit Committee pursuant to gaming regulations. The independent public accountants have direct access to the Audit Committee, with and without the presence of management representatives. /s/ Philip G. Satre /s/ Michael N. Regan Philip G. Satre Michael N. Regan Chairman of the Board, Vice President, President and Controller and Chief Executive Officer Chief Accounting Officer Report of Independent Public Accountants To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of Harrah's Entertainment, Inc.: We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. (a Delaware corporation) and subsidiaries (Harrah's) as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years ended December 31, 1996. These financial statements are the responsibility of Harrah's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Harrah's as of December 31, 1996 and 1995 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years ended December 31, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. As explained in Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements, effective January 1, 1994, Harrah's changed its method of accounting for preopening costs. /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP Memphis, Tennessee, February 3, 1997 (except with respect to the matter discussed in Note 16, as to which the date is February 28, 1997). 48 Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) (In thousands, except per share amounts)
------------------------------------------------------- First Second Third Fourth Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Year - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1996 - ---- Revenues $383,107 $401,215 $429,201 $374,626 $1,588,149 Income from operations 72,430 68,962 89,890 6,583 (1) 237,865(1) Net income (loss) 31,410 29,977 42,350 (4,840)(1) 98,897(1) Earnings (loss) per share(3) 0.30 0.29 0.41 (0.05)(1) 0.95(1) 1995 - ---- Revenues $356,481 $389,337 $425,824 $378,434 $1,550,076 Income (loss) from operations 72,421 83,760 103,771 (30,031)(2) 229,921(2) Income (loss) from continuing operations 28,696 35,351 51,310 (36,547)(2) 78,810(2) Income from discontinued hotel operations 9,604 11,626 - - 21,230 Net income (loss) 23,102 40,981 51,310 (36,547)(2) 78,846(2) Earnings (loss) per share(3) Continuing operations 0.28 0.35 0.50 (0.35)(2) 0.76(2) Discontinued operations 0.09 0.11 - - 0.21 Net income (loss) 0.22 0.40 0.50 (0.35)(2) 0.76(2)
(1) 1996 includes $52.2 million in pre-tax charges for project write-downs and reserves, of which $50.0 million was recorded in fourth quarter 1996 (see Note 7). (2) Fourth quarter 1995 includes $93.3 million in pre-tax charges for project write-downs (see Note 7). (3) The sum of the quarterly per share amounts may not equal the annual amount reported, as per share amounts are computed independently for each quarter while the full year is based on the annual weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding. 49

                                                                      Exhibit 21


                                                           February 25, 1997

                          HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
                                  SUBSIDIARIES

Jurisdiction Percentage Date of of of Incorpor- Name Incorporation Ownership ation Aster Insurance Ltd. Bermuda 100% 02/06/90 Harrah's Operating Company, Inc. Delaware 100% 08/08/83 Harrah South Shore Corporation California 100% 10/02/59 Harrah's - Holiday Inns of New Jersey, Inc. New Jersey 100% 09/19/79 Harrah's Alabama Corporation Nevada 100% 09/09/93 Harrah's Alberta Investment Corporation Alberta 100% 04/05/95 Harrah's Arizona Corporation Nevada 100% 01/26/93 Harrah's Asia Development Company Nevada 100% 09/20/96 Harrah's Asia Investment Company Nevada 100% 09/20/96 Harrah's Asia Management Company Nevada 100% 09/20/96 Harrah's Atlantic City, Inc. New Jersey 100% 02/13/79 Harrah's Aviation, Inc. Tennessee 100% 03/11/63 Harrah's California Corporation Nevada 100% 02/02/94 Harrah's California SSR Corporation Nevada 100% 10/12/94 Harrah's Colorado Investment Corporation Nevada 100% 06/23/93 Harrah's Colorado Management Company Nevada 100% 06/23/93 Harrah's Colorado Standby Corporation Nevada 100% 11/10/93 Harrah's Connecticut Corporation Nevada 100% 01/25/94 Harrah's Huntington Corporation W. Virginia 100% 03/03/95 Harrah's Illinois Corporation Nevada 100% 12/18/91 Van Buren Leasing Corporation* Nevada 100% 08/30/96 Harrah's Indiana Casino Corporation Nevada 100% 09/09/93 Harrah's Indiana Management Corporation Nevada 100% 09/09/93 Harrah's Interactive Entertainment Nevada 100% 09/21/94 Company Harrah's Interactive Investment Company Nevada 100% 09/21/94 Harrah's Kansas Casino Corporation Nevada 100% 11/12/93 Harrah's Las Vegas, Inc. Nevada 100% 03/21/68 Harrah's Laughlin, Inc. Nevada 100% 07/10/87 Harrah's Management Company Nevada 100% 04/07/83 Harrah's Maryland Heights Corporation Nevada 100% 07/30/93 Harrah's Maryland Heights LLC** Delaware 99% 10/16/95 Harrah's Maryland Heights Operating Company Nevada 100% 06/20/95 Harrah's Mexico Holding Company Nevada 100% 04/11/95 Harrah's de Mexico, S.A. de C.V.*** Mexico 50% Harrah's Michigan Corporation Nevada 100% 06/15/93 Harrah's Minnesota Corporation Nevada 100% 10/20/92 Harrah's NC Casino Company, LLC**** North Carolina 99% 04/21/95 Harrah's New Jersey, Inc. New Jersey 100% 09/13/78 Harrah's New Orleans Investment Company Nevada 100% 05/21/93 Harrah's Jazz Finance Corp.***** Delaware 47.07% 12/17/93 Harrah's New Orleans Management Company Nevada 100% 05/21/93 Harrah's New Zealand Inc. Nevada 100% 02/18/92 Harrah's North Carolina Casino Corporation North Carolina 100% 12/22/94 Harrah's-North Kansas City Corporation Nevada 100% 02/23/93 Harrah's Ohio Corporation Nevada 100% 11/02/94 Harrah's Ohio Management Company Nevada 100% 11/02/94 Harrah's Ontario, Inc. Canada 100% 06/23/93 Harrah's Pennsylvania Development Co. Nevada 100% 05/18/94 Harrah's Pittsburgh Investment Company Nevada 100% 05/26/94 Harrah's Pittsburgh Management Company Nevada 100% 06/08/94 Harrah's Red River Corporation Nevada 100% 08/05/96 Harrah's Reno Holding Company, Inc. Nevada 100% 02/23/88 Harrah's Riverboat Leasing Company Nevada 100% 06/20/95 Harrah's Shreveport Investment Nevada 100% 04/23/92 Company, Inc. Harrah's Shreveport Management Nevada 100% 04/23/92 Company, Inc. Harrah's Skagit Valley Agency Corporation Nevada 100% 11/08/95 Harrah's Southeast Washington Casino Nevada 100% 11/21/95 Corporation Harrah's Southwest Michigan Casino Nevada 100% 04/06/95 Corporation Harrah's Tunica Corporation Nevada 100% 08/10/92 Harrah's Vicksburg Corporation Nevada 100% 07/13/92 Harrah's Virginia Corporation Nevada 100% 12/01/94 Harrah's Washington Corporation Nevada 100% 02/03/94 Harrah's West Virginia Corporation W. Virginia 100% 03/03/95 Harrah's Wheeling Corporation Nevada 100% 04/29/94
* 100% owned by Des Plaines Development Limited Partnership of which Harrah's Illinois Corporation is 80% partner ** 99% Harrah's Operating Company, Inc., 1% Harrah Maryland Heights Operating Company *** 50% Harrah's Operating Company, Inc., 50% Harrah's Mexico Holding Company **** 99% Harrah's Operating Company, Inc., 1% Harrah's Management Company ***** 47.07% Harrah's New Orleans Investment Company
 


5 1,000 12-MOS DEC-31-1996 DEC-31-1996 105,594 0 55,267 14,064 10,838 201,587 1,977,960 588,066 1,974,073 204,642 889,538 0 0 10,297 709,449 1,974,073 0 1,588,149 0 1,301,335 0 0 70,915 172,110 67,316 98,897 0 0 0 98,897 0.95 0.95