Issue 2
August 7 - August 28, 2000
Volume 1
page 2
 

MGM Grand Detroit Casino Celebrates First Anniversary

MGM Grand Detroit Casino, Detroit's first gaming facility, celebrated its first anniversary Saturday, July 29. Over the past year, MGM Grand Detroit Casino has donated almost $2 million dollars in food, clothing and monies as charity and community contributions, and has made a significant impact on the City of Detroit.

"The casinos have played an important role in the rebirth and economic revitalization of Detroit,'" said Mayor Dennis Archer, City of Detroit. "I'm proud to say the benefits of the gaming industry have helped contribute new life to our great city.'' "We're very proud of the positive effect we've had on Detroit to date,'' said Scott Snow, MGM Grand Detroit Casino president and chief operating officer, "and we expect the impact to grow as we do.''

Many changes have taken place at the casino in the past year including

the addition of Venti Uno, a new Italian restaurant, the construction of a 2,200 space parking deck, an increase in the number of slot machines and gaming tables, a relocated casting center and the appointment of a new chief operating officer. ``We're excited about the progress we've made this past year,'' said Snow. ``We continue to look for ways to improve the casino and to make it a great place for our guests and cast members.''

In addition to MGM Grand Detroit Casino's $2 million worth of food, clothing and monetary donations, the casino encourages its cast members to participate in community events. Recently more than 60 cast members participated in an American Red Cross Blood Drive, donating a total of 72 pints of life-saving blood, which will help 216 Detroit area patients. Also this past spring, 150 MGM Grand Detroit cast members comprised the

largest corporate team participating in an area March of Dimes walk, raising over $18,000.

MGM Grand Detroit Casino, which will soon welcome its 5 millionth visitor, is expected to operate in the temporary casino for approximately three more years before moving into the permanent facility.

MGM Mirage owns and operates, through subsidiaries, 18 casino properties in the United States, Australia, Witbank, and the Republic of South Africa, including: the MGM Grand and New York-New York Hotel-Casino in Las Vegas. Whiskey Pete's, Buffalo Bill's, Primm Valley and the Primadonna RV Village gaming properties on the California and Nevada state line.


Harrah's Entertainment Wins CIO-100 Award for Customer-Service Excellence - Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. is a recipient of this year's CIO-100 award, CIO Magazine's annual recognition of companies around the world that exemplify the highest levels of operational and strategic excellence in use of information technology. This year's CIO-100 awards honor companies exhibiting excellence, innovation and improved business performance through the use of customer-oriented practices that increase market share and build customer loyalty. Harrah's Entertainment is the only gaming company among this year's CIO-100 honorees. In addition to Harrah's, winners included Charles Schwab & Co., Cisco Systems Inc., Cox Communications Inc., Dell Computer Corp., Ford Motor Co., The Home Depot Inc., Intel Corp., Lucent Technologies, The Proctor & Gamble Co., SBC Communications Inc. and Southwest Airlines. CIO magazine is published by CXO Media, Inc., a subsidiary of IDG, the world's leading IT media, a research and exposition company.

Hollywood Casino Aurora Opens Barge Expansion - Hollywood Casino Corporation announced August 8 the opening of a barge expansion at Hollywood Casino in Aurora, Illinois. The expansion significantly increased the passenger capacity and customer appeal of Aurora's two riverboat casinos. Customers can now easily access either of Aurora's riverboat and move freely between the two casinos. The 4,000 square foot barge significantly increases the spaciousness and comfort of the gaming facility and provides additional customer service amenities including a casino cage, a promotions booth and a luxurious beverage facility. Hollywood casino Corporation owns and operates distinctive Hollywood-themed casino entertainment facilities under the service ark Hollywood Casino® in Aurora, Illinois and Tunica, Mississippi.

Midnight Gambler Left Cape Cod - Provincetown, MA (Cape Cod Times) - The Midnight Gambler has abandoned ship. The ship's operators, citing bad weather and low passenger turnout, closed up ship and departed Provincetown Harbor on July 27. The owner of the Provincetown-based venture, Fishermen's Wharf Excursions, had filed for bankruptcy July 7. The abrupt shutdown is the latest in a string of controversies surrounding the Midnight Gambler. Officials from the boat have been in front of the Provincetown Licensing Board and the Truro Board of Selectmen to discuss the ship's operations. Both governing boards considered sending the business to the Cape Cod Commission for referral but later dismissed the idea.

Greektown Casino Sets November 10 Grand Opening - Following a week of exciting activities that will include a charity event, a VIP party and practice play nights, Greektown Casino will open for business on November 10, pending final approvals from the state. Greektown Casino, in the heart of Greektown, MI, will feature 2,4000 slot machines, and 104 table games in 75,000 square feet of Mediterranean-themed gaming space. The Michigan Gaming Board (MGCB) will meet September 5 to consider issuing a certificate of Suitability, a required document for Greektown Casino's operation.

Aladdin Resort Casino


Barbara Eden, star of the classic TV show "I Dream of
Jeannie", greets the crowd at Aladdin Resort's opening


The $1.3 billion mega-resort Aladdin Hotel & Casino opened on August 18 in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip. The Aladdin sits across from the Bellagio Resort and next door to the Paris Las Vegas, features 130+ shops and 21 world-class restaurants. The resort was the first casino demolished and rebuilt under the same name.

"With the Aladdin we have raised the bar in Las Vegas. By combining unique shopping, headline entertainment and exciting casino venues, we have provided the complete Las Vegas experience," said Aladdin Gaming CEO Richard Goeglien.

The desert-themed casino, an elegant 15,000-square-foot gaming area offering baccarat, poker, roulette, blackjack, and premium slot machines, is a joint venture between Britain's London Clubs International and a private investment group. Desert Passage, the 500,000-square-foot shopping complex, was built by Canadian developer TrizecHahn Corporation.

The new 2,600-room, 35-acre Aladdin replaces the hotel of the same name where Elvis Presley married Priscilla Beaulieu on May 1, 1967.


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