Harrah's, Horseshoe managers to remain
David Westerfield / The Times
Posted on March 10, 2004

The new owners of Harrah's and Horseshoe casinos said Tuesday they plan to keep the same general managers, employees and winning strategy that makes them the top two casino properties in the region.

Harrah's General Manager Thomas Roberts will leave the company to join Boyd Gaming, which is buying Harrah's for $190 million, and continue as general manager there when that deal is finalized. Horseshoe General Manager Larry Lepinski also expects to stay in his post at the Bossier City casino, the state's leader in monthly revenues, when Harrah's acquires that property.

What that means for gamers at the two casinos, which last year brought in a combined $427.5 million in revenues, is a smoother transition with known leaders who give the casinos stability and many years of hands-on experience. Both managers say new ownership will not result in major changes, as neither company wants to tamper with the operation of a successful casino.

Both deals, and related personnel issues, are subject to regulatory approval.

Boyd Gaming is expected to turn Harrah's into a Sam's Town casino a week or so after getting approval from the Louisiana Gaming Control Board. That could happen as soon as the April 12 or the May 17 board meeting. The casino will likely close for up to two days during the transition.

"I had opportunities with Harrah's and other companies too, and I had to weigh my options. It's bittersweet to leave the Harrah's family that's been so good to me," Roberts said.

"But I'm excited to stay in Shreveport and stay at this property with these employees. Boyd is a fine company with great integrity."

Boyd Gaming executives are giving the news to Harrah's employees this week.

"We have spent a lot of time getting to know Tom and he is very qualified. Tom has led this property the last four years and led it very successfully," said Keith Smith, chief operating officer for the Las Vegas-based company.

Smith said that aside from the Sam's Town name, customers will see few, if any, changes at the Shreveport casino and hotel.

Harrah's Entertainment is buying Horseshoe Gaming, and its three casinos, for $1.45 billion. That deal is expected to close by July 1.

"I expect no changes to the management team at Horseshoe. I recognize how well they've done in running that property," said Anthony Sanfilippo, central division president for Harrah's Entertainment.

"It's clear customers very much like how Horseshoe operates the casino and hotel and we want to make sure what has been appealing continues to have the same appeal."

Lepinski said he would welcome the opportunity to stay at Horseshoe.

"I told (current owner) Jack Binion as well as Anthony Sanfilippo and others I enjoy living in Bossier City, and it's always been my preference to stay here. We've developed a wonderful property, and my team has earned a reputation of operating a very good facility," Lepinski said.

"We are keeping our foot on the accelerator and making this the No. 1 casino property in the state."

Sanfilippo also said Roberts will help smooth the transition from Harrah's to Boyd.

"Thomas is an outstanding individual whom I have a lot of respect for. I'm pleased he will continue to lead these team members," he said.

In other Harrah's news, Ted Bogich has been named general manager at Harrah's Louisiana Downs. He served as assistant general manager in Shreveport from 1995 to 2000 and was most recently general manager at Harrah's North Kansas City.

Harrah's is making a $110 million investment at Louisiana Downs, where a new casino with more than 1,400 slot machines will open in early May. Live racing begins at the track May 14.

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Source: Shreve Port Times