Harrah’s linked to Philadephia casino project
Harrah’s Entertainment is being floated as the casino operator willing to take over a troubled project in South Philadelphia, once linked to the Connecticut Indian tribe that operates the Foxwoods casino.
A company spokeswoman declined to comment on a report in the Philadelphia Inquirer that said Harrah’s was in negotiations with the local backers of the project.
Earlier this year, Wynn Resorts signed deal to operate the planned casino along the Delaware River, but backed out of the project.
Pennsylvania gaming authorities have threatened to revoke the project’s casino license and are expected to take up the matter at a public hearing next week. The project was first licensed in 2006, one of two available for the city of Philadelphia. The other license went to SugarHouse Casino, which opened last month.
Because Harrah’s already operates a casino at the Chester racetrack, it would be allowed under Pennsylvania law to own only 33 percent of the project in Philadelphia.
