Harrah's may soon become Sam's Town - 2004-02-06
Harrah's casino in Shreveport is will soon have new ownership and a new name.

Boyd Gaming is in the process of purchasing Harrah's Casino and Hotel in Shreveport for $190 million.

Boyd plans to change the name to Sam's Town, patterned after Sam's Town in Las Vegas.

The one in Nevada also features an events center, movie theater, bowling center and two RV parks.

Harrah's hopes to have the deal finalized with Boyd by the summer.
Read the full story at KTBS

2 Bids For Casino Heavy With Clout - 2004-02-06
The list of investors in at least two companies fighting for the state's last remaining casino license serve as a who's who of clout, including a business partner of a controversial Bridgeport trucking company owner who is a childhood friend of Mayor Richard Daley. Peter Ferro Jr., a former owner of the Empress Casino in Joliet and a partner of Daley friend Michael Tadin, is listed as an investor in a casino proposed for Country Club Hills, according to information disclosed under the state's Riverboat Gambling Act.

Another investor in that proposal is Charles P. Hammersmith Jr., a member of a prominent DuPage County family and one-time shareholder in the Empress Casino.
Read the full story at GamblingMagazine.com