"There are a number of exciting dynamics taking place in Atlantic City," says Phil Satre, chairman/CEO of Harrah's Entertainment. "The casino expansion will capitalize on those dynamics by providing new amenities that should draw additional customers to our property."

The expansion Satre's referring to is an $80 million project that will add 28,000 sf of casino space, almost 1,000 slot machines, a 19,500-sf grand lobby and a variety of interior and exterior aesthetic improvements. The Atlantic City planning board okayed Harrah's proposal late last week. The work is expected to be completed by the middle of next year.

This latest project will be done concurrently to Harrah's hotel expansion, already underway. The $113 million expansion will add more than 450, bringing the property to a room count of 1,626. It will be the largest hotel in New Jersey, at least until the Tropicana completes its own expansion and the Borgata opens in 2003.