Harrah’s Entertainment Reveals Slots Plan For City
(KDKA/AP) PITTSBURGH
Harrah’s Entertainment unveiled plans for a $512 million slot-machine parlor on the city’s South Side that would be part of a $1 billion retail, entertainment and residential development next to an already thriving development.
Cleveland-based Forest City Enterprises is partnering with Las Vegas-based Harrah’s Entertainment on the project, one of four vying for a single slot-machine license in the city.
Harrah’s proposes to build next to Station Square, a shopping and entertainment development along the Monongahela River.
The Harrah’s slots parlor would have 3,000 machines to start, with the possibility of adding 2,000 more, officials said at a news conference Monday.
The development team said Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Famer Franco Harris has signed on as a partner in the deal, making Harrah’s the second gaming company to team up with a Pittsburgh sports figure in its quest for the slots license.
In December, Isle of Capri Casinos Inc. promised to build a new $290 million arena for the Pittsburgh Penguins as part of a $1 billion development if it gets the license.
The Isle of Capri deal would apply even if the National Hockey League team is sold, owner/player Mario Lemieux said last week when he announced the team was for sale.
The two others that have applied for Pittsburgh’s slots license are Detroit casino operator Don Barden and Alco Parking owner Merrill Stabile, who is partnering with former Mandalay Resort Group executives.
The two groups want to build a casino on the city’s North Shore, along the Allegheny River, not far from the city’s pro sports stadiums, PNC Park and Heinz Field.
The state’s Gaming Control Board might not award the Pittsburgh slots license until early next year.
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