Rebuilding In Lake Charles

Harrah’s Entertainment is considering several ways to rebuild its two hurricane-damaged casino riverboats in Lake Charles, La., including combining the two into one larger venue.

Hurricane Rita, which hit Lake Charles September 24th, beached one of the boats.

Anthony Sanfilippo, president of Harrah’s central division, told the Louisiana Gaming Control Board the company would present its plan for the riverboats in February after getting approval from its own corporate board. Employees have been told that it will take at least two years before the properties can reopen.

Meanwhile, the company’s land-based New Orleans casino wasn’t badly damaged by Hurricane Katrina and expects to reopen in February.