Harrah's Adds Surcharge to Offset Energy Costs - LOS ANGELES, CA - Following the lead of Marriott International Inc., Hilton Hotels Corp. and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc., casino operator Harrah's Entertainment Inc. has added a $3-per-night room surcharge in Nevada to help offset energy prices that have risen as much as 30% in the last six months, a Harrah's spokesman said April 12. The surcharge took effect April 1 at Harrah's five Nevada properties containing a total of 8,230 rooms.

Tropicana Exhibits Torture Through the Ages - ATLANTIC CITY, NJ - The story from the middle ages to the present is told in the gripping exhibit: Torture Through the Ages in the Grand Exhibition Center at Tropicana Casino and Resort Atlantic City. The internationally renowned exhibit makes its east coast debut on May 27, 2001. Torture Through the Ages provides a powerful lesson on an often overlooked part of human history. Tickets, priced at $13.95 for adults, $11.95 for seniors and $6.95 for children, may be purchased at the door, at the Tropicana Box Office. The exhibit will be open from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm daily. The Grand Exhibition Center is located on the fourth floor of the South Tower.

Empress Casino and Hotel Changes Hand - ALTON, IL - Argosy Gaming Co. has agreed to buy the Empress Casino & Hotel in Joliet from Horseshoe Gaming Holding Co. for $465 million, Argosy announced April 16. The deal is expected to close in the third quarter. "We are excited about the opportunity to expand our presence in Illinois, where we received our first gaming license in 1991 and look forward to operating in the Chicago market, one of the strongest markets in the country," said Argosy's president and CEO, James Perry.