Gaming briefs for Dec. 15, 2003

Monday, Dec. 15, 2003 | 11:09 a.m.

New England expansion plan focuses on Rhode Island

BOSTON -- Harrah's Entertainment Inc. Chief Executive Gary Loveman said the company is refocusing efforts on establishing Las Vegas-style gambling in Rhode Island and giving up plans for Massachusetts through at least 2004, the Boston Herald said.

Loveman said the Las Vegas company is also considering a bid for Rhode Island's Lincoln Park racetrack. Harrah's and the Narragansett Indian Tribe also have plans for a $500 million casino and resort complex in Rhode Island, though it has not yet gained state approval.

The company pulled back on lobbying efforts in Massachusetts after two major gambling bills were defeated in the state earlier this year, the paper said. Loveman said there's no reason to think that casino gambling won't eventually come to Massachusetts, the paper reported.

Governor's conference begins

Workplace diversity, international travel and the future of the tourism industry are on the agenda of the 20th Governor's Conference on Tourism, which opens today in Las Vegas.

The three-day event also will include an industry tribute to former Harrah's Las Vegas chief executive Claudine Williams and state-of-the-industry addresses from two gaming experts. Frank Fahrenkopf, head of the American Gaming Association, and Indian gaming expert William Eadington of the University of Nevada, Reno, are scheduled to make presentations.

Sessions on international travel, selling meeting space at Nevada properties and customer service also are on the agenda and author Deepak Chopra is a scheduled speaker at the event, which is expected to attract about 1,000 people.