'HARRAH'S METROPOLIS' MOVING IN

METROPOLIS, Ill. -- Players Riverboat Casino in Metropolis has been a win-win proposal for both the gaming company and this Southern Illinois town of 7,500.

The casino has profited from the more than 10 million visitors, while Metropolis has taken in more than $45 million as the boat's host city.

But there's more to come as the casino complex changes from Players Island Casino to Harrah's Metropolis.

New facilities, a new look and a new name will greet customers to the new Harrah's Metropolis before year's end, starting next month with opening of the first phase of a $65 million complex along the Metropolis riverfront.

The first phase of the expansion, featuring Harrah's signature restaurants -- the Range Steakhouse and Fresh Market Square Buffet -- along with the Diamond Lounge, will open next month.

The arrival of a new casino riverboat will complete the transformation in late September.

"We are excited about the changes," said Mike Crider, vice president and general manager. "We expect to see a 20 percent increase in business in our first year after opening the new facility."

He added that employment could go up to 1,100 by the end of the year. Players currently employs 960 workers.

City improvements

In addition to more jobs, the community will benefit from additional tax revenues generated from the business.

Metropolis Mayor Beth Clanahan noted the improvements already made since the casino opened:

* Metropolis streets and some alleys have been paved.

* Land was bought for an industrial park.

* Metropolis residents are paying less in property taxes.

* The city helped finance a four-lane road from Interstate 24 into the downtown areas.

* The city has constructed a new electrical substation and some electrical lines, at a cost of almost $2 million.

* More than $1 was put into library renovations.

* Metropolis has purchased new police cars and an extrication and rescue unit. The city has also added new personnel, including police and firefighters.

* Work has been done on the sewer system to prevent sewer backup.

"We feel fortunate in Metropolis, to count the casino as not only excellent corporate neighbors, but as a friend to the community," said Clanahan, who is a member of the Players Island Community Involvement Project.

Community involvement

Players has been involved in many area projects through its Community Involvement Project.

During the past year, Players branched out to the Mound City, Ill., area, where it helped with a donation of $12,500 to the National Cemetery Preservation Commission proceed with its plans to expand the national cemetery.

Players was also active in the WPSD Telethon of Starts, Toys for Tots program, Project Hope Human Society, the United Way, and Helping Hands Food Drive. The company was also active as a sponsor for the annual Fort Massac Encampment, which attracts more than 100,000 visitors to Metropolis each year; the annual Octoberfest Celebration, which draws as many as 10,000 visitor to town; and the annual Superman Celebration, which attracts more than 50,000 visits each year.

Started in 1993

Players Riverboat Casino has been in the fast lane since it was launched by entertainer Merv Griffin on March 13, 1993. Included in the land-side complex are a 120-room hotel and a 350-seat theater.

Players, with operations in Metropolis, Lousiana and the St. Louis area, sold its properties to Harrah's Entertainment Corp. in August 1999. The purchased also included a horse-racing track in Paducah, Ky.

Harrah's Entertainment, a $2 billion company based in Las Vegas, is one of the nation's largest gambling companies, with more than 20 U.S. casinos.