Uncertain Future For Harrahs In Lake Charles
The gaming industry took a hard hit from hurricane Rita, but some casinos are already back up and running, or will be in the near future. That does not appear to be the case for Harrahs in Lake Charles. Officials with the casino say they have no idea when the dice will roll again.
Harrahs Regional President John Payne says, "We took extensive damage during the storm, when Rita came through." It only takes one look at Harrahs to realize the entire complex is facing the wrong direction. The casino is beached in the mud along the shore of Lake Charles.
Payne says, "We are completely in a recovery mode right now." The same holds true for other Harrahs casinos along the Gulf Coast. Payne says, "Nine thousand employees that work for Harrahs are out of work right now." Around 1400 of those employees worked in Lake Charles. Harrahs is paying its employees for the next 90 days and even picking up their benefits.
Payne says, "All of our restaurants are completely destroyed. The hotel takes another two or three months to repair. Its too early to say where we are headed in Lake Charles." Officials with Harrahs say it could take between six and nine months just to remove one of the casino boats. The boat may have to be completely taken apart because of the shallow water were it sits.
Every day the dice are not rolled and the cards are not dealt, it seems to cost everyone big bucks. Payne says, "We pay a minimum rent of $7,000,000 a year to the city. That is being lost as we speak. That does not even include the 21 and a half percent in gaming revenue that we pay to the state of Louisiana."
2005-10-22
