Mr. Atwood: Our company is the most storied casino company in America. The first Harrah's Casino opened in 1937. Today we operate more casinos in more locations than any other company. We have the best geographic distribution in the industry and we have the best-known brand name in the industry. We went from a very small company beginning in business in 1937 to the best-known company and most respected company in the industry today.
TWST: What were the key elements in building the success of the company?
Mr. Atwood: The company was founded by an individual, William F. Harrah,
who had a great commitment to quality and to fair play, both with
customers and with employees. He built a special relationship with both
groups. That commitment is still a core value of the company today.
After Bill Harrah passed away in 1978, the company was acquired by
Holiday Inns. Holiday Inns expanded the company rapidly, moving the
Harrah's brand names into Atlantic City and into Las Vegas. In the early
1990s the company recognized quickly that customers who liked to play in
casinos were not particularly averse to playing on riverboats or on
Indian reservations. Consequently, the company aggressively pursued
opportunities to develop casinos in those locations. By moving
aggressively, the company was able to obtain a large number of licenses
to operate casinos throughout the United States. As a result of that
first mover advantage, the company today is one of the largest casino
companies in America and still growing.
Tickers included in this excerpt: HET
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