Thursday, March 20, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.
Harrah's, which has a riverboat casino in Shreveport, agreed last year to a deal with Hilton under which Hilton's Flamingo would move from New Orleans to Shreveport and dock beside Harrah's boat.
In addition, both companies would have jointly built a hotel and other dockside facilities.
Hilton informed Harrah's this week that the deal was off, said Ralph Berry, a Harrah's Entertainment spokesman in Memphis, Tenn. Berry said Thursday that Harrah's plans to build its own hotel, along with convention facilities and extra parking.
The Louisiana Gaming Control Board approved the deal and the Flamingo's move last September. However, board chairman Hilary Crain has said that for the Flamingo to move to another berth in Shreveport, the board will have to reconsider the case.
In addition, the move likely would have to be approved by Caddo Parish voters under a constitutional amendment approved in September, Crain said.
Hilton spokeswoman Kathy Sheppard declined comment Thursday on the company's plans and why the joint project was called off.
Harrah's has one of the four riverboat casinos currently operating in Shreveport-Bossier City, which consistently leads the state's four casino markets in money won from gamblers.
Last week, the gambling board approved Hollywood Casino's $194 million riverboat resort project in Bossier City. That also will require voter approval.
Before joining Hilton, Harrah's had planned a 400-room hotel in Shreveport. Berry said the size of the project was being restudied in light of competitive changes in the market.
"We will go back and go immediately to work on plans for our own expansion," Berry said.
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