Meskwaki Tribe to Double Tama, Iowa, Casino Size, Add 400 Jobs
As reported by The Miami Herald

TAMA, Iowa - Unintimidated by proposals that could increase competition for the Meskwaki Bingo-Casino-Hotel, Meskwaki leaders Wednesday announced a $100 million plan to more than double the size of their gambling and entertainment complex just west of here and add 400 jobs.

"We are creating the largest full-service destination resort in the state of Iowa," Tribal Council Chairman Homer Bear Jr. said.

The expansion will increase the facility from about 400,000 square feet to 1.1 million square feet.

Meskwaki General Manager Larry Lasley said the casino, which was closed more than seven months last year during a tribal leadership dispute, lacks the space to accommodate the additional gamblers who have visited the casino since its Dec. 31 reopening.

The expansion, he said, will also "enhance the gaming experience" for all visitors at the casino.

Bear said construction would start this summer and be completed in the spring of 2006.

The expansion, he said, will increase the casino's full-time employment from 1,300 to 1,700 and generate 350 construction jobs.

Caesars, Bally's and Hilton Atlantic City Casinos Partner with Macy's for Ultimate Shopping Spree

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J.--Caesars Entertainment, Inc. the parent company of Caesars, Bally's and Hilton casinos in Atlantic City, announced that it is teaming up with Macy's department stores to offer its guests the ultimate shopping spree.

For three months beginning March 1, Caesars Entertainment Connection Card comp dollars will be redeemable for Macy's gift cards at any of the company's three Atlantic City casinos. The gift cards can be used to purchase a variety of men's and women's fashions, accessories and jewelry as well as the latest in housewares and furnishings in 430 Macy's and Macy's division department stores in 33 states, Puerto Rico and Guam.

Connection Card holders will have the option of redeeming their comp dollars for a Macy's gift card until May 31, 2004. Gift cards will be available in $10, $25, $50 and $100 denominations. Comp dollars will be redeemable for Macy's Gift cards at a two-to-one ratio (100 comp dollars are redeemable for a $50 Macy's Gift card).

Players earn comp dollars when they use their Connection Cards while playing slot machines and/or table games at any Caesars Entertainment property. In addition to Macy's gift cards, Connection Card holders can earn and receive complimentary rooms, meals, show tickets and merchandise at any Caesars Entertainment property.

Enrollment into Caesars Entertainment's Connection Card program is free. To sign up for a Connection Card, guests should visit any one of the Connection Centers located on the casino floors of Bally's Atlantic City, Caesars Atlantic City, or the Atlantic City Hilton. Guests who are at least 21 years of age will be issued a Connection Card upon presenting valid identification. Complete rules and regulations are available at the Connection Centers.