Harrah’s casino reopens after low-water shutdown

Thursday, Aug. 11, 2005 | 9:21 a.m.

METROPOLIS, Ill. -- The Harrah's Metropolis Casino reopened Wednesday evening after it was closed for three days because of shallow water on the Ohio River, costing the facility nearly _$1 million in lost gambling revenue.

Company officials opened the casino around 6 p.m. Wednesday after receiving the go-ahead from the Illinois State Fire Marshal's office and the Illinois Gaming Board, Harrah spokeswoman Robyn Ryan said.

The facility had been shut since late Sunday after low water levels created unsafe walking conditions between the gaming boat and a barge grounded on the bank of the Ohio River.

Ryan said inspectors approved the facility's reopening after workers enlarged the main casino entrance and made improvements to three ramps leading to the boat. Harrah estimates it lost _$975,000 in gaming revenue during the shutdown, she said.

Live chat: Tuesday, noon PST; Chat with Krista Creelman; Problem Gambling Center executive director Krista Creelman will answer questions about gambling addiction from Las Vegas Sun readers from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. ... Submit question