Casino developer announces Harrah’s deal

Saturday, Aug. 23, 1997 | 3:53 a.m.

E.T. Smith, a broker for Columbia, said the deal was signed Friday. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Approval of the 440-acre site on St. Louis Bay just north of Pass Christian was granted in June 1996 by the Mississippi Gaming Commission.

"Columbia brings one of the finest locations for a casino resort," Smith said. "Harrah's will be the primary investor. It's an option that Harrah's fully intends to exercise."

Ralph Berry, Harrah's vice president of communications, said he could not confirm whether Harrah's had signed an option with Columbia.

"I do know we have had an interest in that area," Berry said.

The company has previously held land options in Harrison County that have expired, he said.

Smith said the project could evolve into a resort with a hotel, casino, golf course, marina, restaurants and shops. The initial plans call for a $150 million project that would create 1,000-1,500 jobs.

"It is very possible that Harrah's could double the original projects for the bay front site," said Columbia President John Ellis.

Harrah's operates casinos in Vicksburg and Tunica County.

In May, Harrah's closed its original casino in Tunica to concentrated on its Mardi Gras Casino opened in 1996.

In April, Belz Enterprises, a Memphis, Tenn.-based company, sold its interest in Harrah's casinos in Tunica County. The company sold its stake back to Harrah's Entertainment.