Firm marketing to soap fans

Thursday, July 18, 2002 | 11:09 a.m.

Las Vegas casino operator Harrah's Entertainment Inc. has launched a marketing agreement with SoapCity, a website for soap opera fans, to jointly promote their services.

SoapCity, located at www.soapcity.com, is run by Sony Pictures Digital Entertainment Inc. and offers coverage of soap opera plot lines as well as links to soap stars' fan sites and for shows including "The Young and the Restless" and "The Bold and the Beautiful."

The arrangement will allow Harrah's to promote its brand to a growing number of SoapCity visitors, the casino company said.

"We know many of our customers are soap opera fans and we are excited to work with the premier online soap opera site to bring the soap opera experience alive at our casinos," Rich Mirman, senior vice president at Harrah's, said.

Mary Coller, vice president and general manager of SoapCity, added: "The glamour and excitement of Harrah's adds an important new dimension to SoapCity's offerings."

The companies will soon begin a promotion offering discounts on merchandise for sale at SoapCity's online store to members of the casino operator's Total Rewards program. Total Rewards is a frequent-player club that allows gamblers across Harrah's properties to receive various promotions. Also, Harrah's activities and offers will be promoted in newsletters e-mailed to SoapCity customers.