CIRCUS CIRCUS ENTERPRISES INC
424B2, 1996-11-22
MISCELLANEOUS AMUSEMENT & RECREATION
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<PAGE>
                                               Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2)-
                                            Registration Statement No. 33-65359.
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
(TO PROSPECTUS DATED JANUARY 11, 1996)
 
   [LOGO]
                                  $150,000,000
                        CIRCUS CIRCUS ENTERPRISES, INC.
 
                     6.70% DEBENTURES DUE NOVEMBER 15, 2096
                               -----------------
 
                    INTEREST PAYABLE MAY 15 AND NOVEMBER 15
                              -------------------
 
THE  6.70% DEBENTURES  WILL NOT  BE REDEEMABLE  AT THE  OPTION OF  CIRCUS CIRCUS
ENTERPRISES, INC. (THE "COMPANY") PRIOR TO MATURITY.
 THE 6.70% DEBENTURES WILL BE REDEEMABLE  AT THE OPTION OF THE HOLDERS  THEREOF
 ON  NOVEMBER  15,  2003  AT  100% OF  THEIR  PRINCIPAL  AMOUNT  PLUS ACCRUED
   INTEREST. SEE "DESCRIPTION OF  THE 6.70% DEBENTURES  -- REDEMPTION AT  THE
   OPTION  OF THE HOLDERS." THE 6.70%  DEBENTURES WILL BE REPRESENTED BY ONE
    GLOBAL SECURITY REGISTERED IN  THE NAME OF A  NOMINEE OF THE  DEPOSITORY
    TRUST  COMPANY, AS DEPOSITARY  (THE "DEPOSITARY"). BENEFICIAL INTERESTS
     IN THE 6.70% DEBENTURES WILL BE SHOWN ON, AND TRANSFERS THEREOF  WILL
      BE  EFFECTED ONLY THROUGH, RECORDS  MAINTAINED BY THE DEPOSITARY AND
      ITS PARTICIPANTS. EXCEPT AS  DESCRIBED HEREIN, 6.70% DEBENTURES  IN
       DEFINITIVE  FORM  WILL NOT  BE ISSUED.  THE 6.70%  DEBENTURES WILL
       TRADE IN THE DEPOSITARY'S  SAME-DAY FUNDS SETTLEMENT SYSTEM.  ALL
        PAYMENTS  OF PRINCIPAL AND INTEREST ON THE GLOBAL SECURITY WILL
         BE MADE BY  THE COMPANY  IN IMMEDIATELY  AVAILABLE FUNDS.  SEE
         "DESCRIPTION OF THE 6.70%
                                     DEBENTURES -- BOOK-ENTRY SYSTEM."
                            ------------------------
 
THESE  SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED  OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
  EXCHANGE COMMISSION  OR  ANY  STATE  SECURITIES  COMMISSION  NOR  HAS  THE
    SECURITIES  AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION
      PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS  SUPPLEMENT
       OR  THE ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS.  ANY    REPRESENTATION TO THE
                        CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
                              -------------------
 
NEITHER THE NEVADA GAMING COMMISSION,  THE NEVADA STATE GAMING CONTROL  BOARD,
  THE  MISSISSIPPI  GAMING  COMMISSION  NOR  ANY  OTHER  GAMING  REGULATORY
     AUTHORITY  HAS  PASSED  UPON  THE  ACCURACY  OR  ADEQUACY  OF   THIS
       PROSPECTUS  SUPPLEMENT  OR THE  ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS  OR THE
          INVESTMENT MERITS OF THE  SECURITIES OFFERED HEREBY.  ANY
                     REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS UNLAWFUL.
                              -------------------
 
                       PRICE 99.777% AND ACCRUED INTEREST
                              -------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      UNDERWRITING
                                                 PRICE                DISCOUNTS AND             PROCEEDS TO
                                             TO PUBLIC (1)           COMMISSIONS (2)          COMPANY (1)(3)
                                        -----------------------  -----------------------  -----------------------
<S>                                     <C>                      <C>                      <C>
PER 6.70% DEBENTURE...................          99.777%                  0.625%                   99.152%
TOTAL.................................       $149,665,500               $937,500               $148,728,000
</TABLE>
 
- ---------
 
  (1) PLUS ACCRUED INTEREST FROM NOVEMBER 15, 1996.
 
  (2) THE  COMPANY  HAS AGREED  TO  INDEMNIFY THE  UNDERWRITERS  AGAINST CERTAIN
      LIABILITIES, INCLUDING LIABILITIES UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933.
 
  (3) BEFORE DEDUCTION OF EXPENSES PAYABLE BY THE COMPANY ESTIMATED AT $150,000.
                            ------------------------
 
    THE 6.70% DEBENTURES  ARE OFFERED, SUBJECT  TO PRIOR SALE,  WHEN, AS AND  IF
ACCEPTED BY THE UNDERWRITERS AND SUBJECT TO APPROVAL OF CERTAIN LEGAL MATTERS BY
SKADDEN,  ARPS, SLATE, MEAGHER &  FLOM LLP, COUNSEL FOR  THE UNDERWRITERS. IT IS
EXPECTED THAT DELIVERY OF THE 6.70% DEBENTURES WILL BE MADE ON OR ABOUT NOVEMBER
26, 1996 THROUGH  THE BOOK-ENTRY  FACILITIES OF THE  DEPOSITARY AGAINST  PAYMENT
THEREFOR IN IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE FUNDS.
 
                              -------------------
 
MORGANSTANLEY & CO.                                         GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
      INCORPORATED
CS FIRST BOSTON
       DONALDSON, LUFKIN & JENRETTE
                        SECURITIES CORPORATION
                                             SALOMON BROTHERS INC
                                  SCHRODER WERTHEIM & CO.
                                                             BA SECURITIES, INC.
NOVEMBER 21, 1996
<PAGE>
    NO  DEALER, SALESMAN  OR ANY  OTHER PERSON HAS  BEEN AUTHORIZED  TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR  TO  MAKE  ANY  REPRESENTATIONS OTHER  THAN  THOSE  CONTAINED  OR
INCORPORATED  BY REFERENCE  IN THIS  PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT  AND THE ACCOMPANYING
PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE,  SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST  NOT
BE  RELIED UPON AS  HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED  BY THE COMPANY  OR THE UNDERWRITERS.
THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND THE ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS DO NOT CONSTITUTE  AN
OFFER  TO SELL  OR A  SOLICITATION OF AN  OFFER TO  BUY THE  6.70% DEBENTURES BY
ANYONE IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION IS NOT AUTHORIZED
OR IN WHICH THE PERSON MAKING SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION IS NOT QUALIFIED TO  DO
SO OR TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION.
 
                              -------------------
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
                             PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                              PAGE
                                                                                                            ---------
<S>                                                                                                         <C>
The Company...............................................................................................        S-3
Concurrent Offerings......................................................................................        S-4
Gaming Regulation.........................................................................................        S-5
Use of Proceeds...........................................................................................        S-7
Recent Developments.......................................................................................        S-7
Description of the 6.70% Debentures.......................................................................        S-8
Underwriters..............................................................................................       S-11
Legal Matters.............................................................................................       S-11
 
                                                     PROSPECTUS
 
Available Information.....................................................................................          2
Incorporation of Certain Information by Reference.........................................................          2
The Company...............................................................................................          3
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges........................................................................          4
Use of Proceeds...........................................................................................          5
Description of Debt Securities............................................................................          5
Plan of Distribution......................................................................................         16
Legal Matters.............................................................................................         17
Experts...................................................................................................         17
</TABLE>
 
                              -------------------
 
    IN  CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFERING, THE UNDERWRITERS MAY OVER-ALLOT OR EFFECT
TRANSACTIONS  WHICH  STABILIZE  OR  MAINTAIN  THE  MARKET  PRICE  OF  THE  6.70%
DEBENTURES OFFERED HEREBY AT A LEVEL ABOVE THAT WHICH MIGHT OTHERWISE PREVAIL IN
THE  OPEN MARKET.  SUCH STABILIZING,  IF COMMENCED,  MAY BE  DISCONTINUED AT ANY
TIME.
 
                                      S-2
<PAGE>
                                  THE COMPANY
 
    The  Company is one of the largest and most diversified gaming entertainment
companies in the world, with interests in 17 gaming properties located primarily
in Nevada, and also in Mississippi, Illinois and Canada. The Company's marketing
and operating strategies emphasize high volume business by providing  reasonably
priced  hotel  rooms,  restaurants  and entertainment  in  conjunction  with the
Company's gaming activities.
 
    The Company  owns  and  operates,  through  wholly  owned  subsidiaries,  10
hotel-casino  properties with approximately 16,000 rooms in the State of Nevada,
including  four  properties  in  Las  Vegas  (Circus  Circus-Las  Vegas,  Luxor,
Excalibur and the Hacienda Hotel and Casino which will close December 1, 1996 to
make  way for the construction of  a new hotel-casino complex with approximately
4,000 rooms), two properties  in Jean (Gold Strike  Hotel and Gambling Hall  and
Nevada  Landing Hotel and Casino),  the Circus Circus Hotel  and Casino in Reno,
the Railroad Pass Hotel  and Casino in Henderson,  and the Colorado Belle  Hotel
and  Casino and the Edgewater Hotel and Casino which are located on the Colorado
River in Laughlin. The Company also owns and operates a dockside casino situated
on a 24-acre site in Tunica County, Mississippi and operates two smaller casinos
on the Las Vegas Strip, Slots-A-Fun (which the Company also owns) and the Silver
City Casino (which the Company operates under a long-term lease).
 
    The Company also  holds interests in  joint ventures which  own and  operate
hotel  and casino properties, including 50%  interests in joint venture entities
that own and operate a recently opened 3,000-room hotel-casino on the Las  Vegas
Strip,  a  1,711-room hotel-casino  in Reno,  Nevada and  a riverboat  casino in
Elgin, Illinois. The Company also holds a one-third interest in a company  which
is operating an interim casino in Windsor, Ontario, Canada.
 
    As  part of its growth strategy, the  Company is in the process of expanding
and renovating several of its current properties. The Company is  simultaneously
moving  forward with several  new developments, including  a new hotel-casino in
Las Vegas and  a new  hotel-casino development  on the  Mississippi Gulf  Coast.
While  the Company  has attempted to  conduct the expansions  and renovations at
these properties in a manner intended to minimize the impact upon operations and
earnings, the Company has experienced substantial decreases in operating results
in the fiscal  second and third  quarters at those  properties undergoing  major
expansions  and renovations, primarily  Luxor and Circus  Circus-Las Vegas. Some
level of disruption  is expected  to continue  through the  completion of  these
projects.
 
    The  Company is nearing completion of a casino renovation and room expansion
at Luxor that will add approximately  2,000 rooms (bringing the total number  of
rooms  at that property to  approximately 4,500). The rooms  are situated in two
identical 22-story towers  located between  Luxor and  Excalibur. The  expansion
will  continue  into 1997  and is  planned to  include additional  casino space,
retail areas,  restaurants, a  multipurpose  showroom, and  a reworking  of  the
attractions  floor. A majority of  the rooms are currently  scheduled to open by
the end of 1996. The estimated cost of this expansion is $280 million.
 
    The Company  is also  nearing completion  of a  1,000-room tower  at  Circus
Circus-Las  Vegas. This addition  will bring the  total number of  rooms at that
property to approximately  3,800. These  rooms are also  currently scheduled  to
open  by the  end of  1996. Concurrent with  the opening  of the  new rooms, the
Company plans on having completed the refurbishment of approximately 1,200 rooms
in the existing Skyrise  Tower, as well  as the improvements  in the casino  and
midway.  The remainder  of the older  rooms at  this property are  planned to be
refurbished in  the coming  year. The  total cost  of the  new rooms  and  other
improvements at this property is estimated to be $95 million.
 
    The  Company has announced  that it expects  to commence construction before
fiscal year-end on an  entertainment megastore of  approximately 4,000 rooms  on
the  site of the current Hacienda Hotel and Casino, which will close on December
1, 1996. The theme, cost  and other elements of  this complex will be  announced
later  this year. This  new resort is  currently expected to  open in the second
half of 1998.
 
                                      S-3
<PAGE>
    In Tunica County, Mississippi,  the Company has announced  that it plans  to
add  a 1,200-room  tower to  its property.  The Company  intends to  remodel and
retheme the property into a more elegant resort under the name Gold Strike. This
project is slated  for completion  in late  1997 at  an estimated  cost of  $125
million.
 
    Also  in Mississippi, the Company  has announced that it  plans to develop a
hotel-casino on the Mississippi Gulf  Coast at the north end  of the Bay of  St.
Louis.  As currently planned, the resort  will feature 1,500 rooms and, assuming
receipt of all required approvals on a timely basis, would open in late 1998  or
early  1999. As presently structured, the Company  will own 90% of this project,
with a  partner  contributing  land  in exchange  for  the  remaining  10%.  The
estimated cost of this project is currently $225 million.
 
    At  Circus Circus-Reno, the  Company recently completed  refurbishing all of
the rooms and is nearing completion on a new parking garage which is expected to
open by the end  of November. Additionally, the  Company is planning to  remodel
the  casino and other public  areas, as well as add  a new restaurant. The total
cost for this project is estimated at $35 million.
 
    At Excalibur,  the Company  is undertaking  the refurbishment  of all  4,000
rooms  commencing  in 1997,  as well  as the  addition of  retail space  and the
relocation of  certain  restaurants.  The  Company  has  already  completed  the
re-engineering  of  the  pedestrian  overpasses  over  Las  Vegas  Boulevard and
Tropicana Avenue to provide more direct pedestrian access to Excalibur. The cost
of the Excalibur renovations is anticipated to be approximately $50 million.
 
    The Company has entered into an agreement with Mirage Resorts,  Incorporated
to  participate in  the development  of a  150-acre site  located in  the Marina
District of Atlantic  City. The  agreement provides  for the  Company to  obtain
sufficient  land for the  development of a  destination resort and  casino of at
least 2,000 rooms, including dramatic public spaces, in an architectural  format
that  conforms to a "master plan". As currently contemplated, Mirage will act as
master-developer for the 150-acre  site in the Marina  District and Circus  will
own  its land and its  resort project, which will  connect to Mirage's resort as
well as to a joint-venture resort to be developed by Boyd Gaming Corporation and
Mirage. Mirage's development  of the site  is subject to  the satisfaction of  a
number  of conditions. Accordingly, there can be  no assurances as to whether or
when Mirage  will  proceed with  its  development  of the  site.  The  Company's
participation,  among other conditions, is  subject to Mirage's determination to
proceed with development of the site.  The Company's ability to proceed is  also
subject  to its obtaining the requisite  gaming and other approvals and licenses
in New Jersey,  as well as  the approval  of the gaming  authorities of  various
other  jurisdictions. While neither the exact  extent of a potential development
nor a starting date for construction can be determined at this time, the Company
is currently  contemplating  an  investment of  approximately  $600  million  to
construct this hotel/casino megaresort.
 
    The  Company's executive  offices are  located at  2880 Las  Vegas Boulevard
South, Las Vegas,  Nevada 89109,  and its  telephone number  is (702)  734-0410.
Unless the context otherwise indicates, all references herein to the Company are
to Circus Circus Enterprises, Inc. and its subsidiaries.
 
                              CONCURRENT OFFERINGS
 
    Concurrently  with the offering of the 6.70% Debentures that are the subject
of the Registration  Statement of  which this  Prospectus Supplement  will be  a
part,  the Company is offering $150 million of its 7.0% Debentures Due 2036 (the
"7.0% Debentures") pursuant to a separate registration statement and  prospectus
supplement.  The proceeds received by the Company from the issuance of the 6.70%
Debentures and  the 7.0%  Debentures will  be used  for the  purposes  described
below.  See "Use of Proceeds." The 6.70%  Debentures and the 7.0% Debentures are
sometimes collectively referred to herein as the "Debentures".
 
                                      S-4
<PAGE>
                               GAMING REGULATION
 
    The ownership  and operation  of  casino gaming  facilities are  subject  to
extensive  state and local  regulation. The states  of Illinois, Mississippi and
Nevada and the applicable local authorities, and the Province of Ontario, Canada
require various licenses,  findings of suitability,  registrations, permits  and
approvals  (individually a "Gaming License"  and collectively "Gaming Licenses")
to be held  by the  Company and  its subsidiaries  and joint  ventures that  are
engaged  in gaming operations. The Illinois Gaming Board, the Mississippi Gaming
Commission,  the  Nevada  Gaming  Commission  and  the  Ontario  Gaming  Control
Commission  (collectively, the  "Gaming Authorities"), may,  among other things,
limit, condition, suspend  or revoke  a Gaming License  or approval  to own  the
stock  or joint venture interests of any of the Company's Illinois, Mississippi,
Nevada and Ontario operations, respectively, for any cause deemed reasonable  by
such  licensing  authority.  Substantial  fines  or  forfeiture  of  assets  for
violations of gaming laws or regulations may be levied against the Company, such
subsidiaries and  joint ventures  and the  persons involved.  The suspension  or
revocation of any of the Company's Gaming Licenses or the levy on the Company of
substantial  fines or forfeiture of assets  could have a material adverse effect
on the business of the Company.
 
    To date, the  Company has  obtained all  Gaming Licenses  necessary for  the
operation  of  its  gaming  activities.  However,  Gaming  Licenses  and related
approvals are deemed to  be privileges under  Illinois, Mississippi, Nevada  and
Ontario  law, and no assurances  can be given that  any new Gaming Licenses that
may be required in the future will  be granted or that existing Gaming  Licenses
will not be revoked or suspended.
 
    The  Nevada Gaming Commission may, in  its discretion, require the holder of
any Debentures issued by the Company  to file applications, be investigated  and
be  found  suitable to  own  such Debentures.  If  the Nevada  Gaming Commission
determines that a person is unsuitable to own such Debentures, then pursuant  to
the Nevada Gaming Control Act, the Company can be sanctioned, including the loss
of its approvals, if without the prior approval of the Nevada Gaming Commission,
it:   (i)  pays  to  the  unsuitable  person  any  dividend,  interest,  or  any
distribution whatsoever; (ii)  recognizes any  voting right  by such  unsuitable
person  in connection  with such  securities; (iii)  pays the  unsuitable person
remuneration in any form; or (iv) makes any payment to the unsuitable person  by
way  of  principal, redemption,  conversion,  exchange, liquidation,  or similar
transaction. The Illinois  Gaming Board, the  Mississippi Gaming Commission  and
the Ontario Gaming Control Commission also have jurisdiction over the beneficial
holders  of  the  Debentures  issued  by  the  Company  and  may  require  their
investigation and approval.
 
    In certain jurisdictions, the Company may not make a public offering of  its
securities  without the prior  approval of the  applicable Gaming Authorities if
the securities  or proceeds  therefrom are  intended to  be used  to  construct,
acquire  or finance  gaming facilities  in such  jurisdictions, or  to retire or
extend obligations incurred for  such purposes or  for similar transactions.  On
June  19, 1996, the Nevada Gaming  Commission granted the Company prior approval
to make public offerings for a period of one year, subject to certain conditions
("Nevada Shelf  Approval").  The  Nevada  Shelf Approval  also  applies  to  any
affiliated company wholly owned by the Company (a "Gaming Affiliate") which is a
publicly   traded  corporation  or  would   thereby  become  a  publicly  traded
corporation pursuant  to  a public  offering.  The Nevada  Shelf  Approval  also
includes  approval for the  Company's licensed Nevada  subsidiaries to guarantee
any security issued by, or to hypothecate their assets to secure the payment  or
performance of any obligations issued by, the Company or a Gaming Affiliate in a
public  offering  under  the  Registration Statement  of  which  this Prospectus
Supplement is a part.  However, the Nevada Shelf  Approval may be rescinded  for
good cause without prior notice upon the issuance of an interlocutory stop order
by  the Chairman of  the Nevada State  Gaming Control Board  and must be renewed
annually.  The   Nevada  Shelf   Approval  does   not  constitute   a   finding,
recommendation  or approval by the Nevada  Gaming Commission or the Nevada State
Gaming Control  Board  as  to  the  accuracy  or  adequacy  of  this  Prospectus
Supplement  or  the  accompanying Prospectus  or  the investment  merits  of the
securities offered. Any representation to  the contrary is unlawful. The  public
offering of the Debentures will be made pursuant to the Nevada Shelf Approval.
 
                                      S-5
<PAGE>
    On  January 31, 1996, the Mississippi  Gaming Commission granted the Company
prior approval to make  public offerings for  a period of  one year, subject  to
certain  conditions (the  "Mississippi Shelf  Approval"). The  Mississippi Shelf
Approval also  applies  to any  Gaming  Affiliate  which is  a  publicly  traded
corporation  or would thereby become a publicly traded corporation pursuant to a
public offering. The Mississippi Shelf  Approval also includes approval for  the
Company's licensed Mississippi subsidiaries to guarantee any security issued by,
or  to hypothecate  their assets  to secure  the payment  or performance  of any
obligations issued by, the  Company or a Gaming  Affiliate in a public  offering
under  the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus Supplement is a part.
However, the Mississippi Shelf Approval may be rescinded for good cause  without
prior notice upon the issuance of an interlocutory stop order by the Chairman or
the  Executive Director of the Mississippi Gaming Commission and must be renewed
annually.  The  Mississippi  Shelf  Approval  does  not  constitute  a  finding,
recommendation  or  approval  by the  Mississippi  Gaming Commission  as  to the
accuracy or  adequacy  of  the  prospectus  or  the  investment  merits  of  the
securities  offered. Any representation to the  contrary is unlawful. The public
offering of  the Debentures  will  be made  pursuant  to the  Mississippi  Shelf
Approval.
 
    The foregoing is only a summary of the regulatory requirements applicable to
the  Company. For  a more  detailed description  of the  regulatory requirements
applicable to  the Company,  see  "Regulation and  Licensing" in  the  Company's
Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  for the  fiscal  year  ended  January  31, 1996,
incorporated by reference herein.
 
    Consistent with the foregoing, the Debentures  will each be issued under  an
Indenture  that will provide  that each beneficial or  record holder thereof, by
accepting any of such  Debentures, shall be  deemed to have  agreed that if  the
Gaming  Authority  of  any jurisdiction  in  which  the Company  or  any  of its
subsidiaries conducts or proposes to conduct  gaming requires that a person  who
is  a beneficial or record holder must  be licensed, qualified or found suitable
under  applicable  Gaming  Laws,  such   holder  shall  apply  for  a   license,
qualification  or a finding  of suitability within the  required time period. If
such person  fails  to  apply  or  become licensed  or  qualified  or  is  found
unsuitable, the Company shall have the right, at its option, (i) to require such
person  to dispose  of its Debentures  or beneficial interest  therein within 30
days of receipt of notice of the Company's election or such earlier date as  may
be  requested or  prescribed by  such Gaming  Authority or  (ii) to  redeem such
Debentures at a redemption price equal to  the lesser of (A) such person's  cost
and  (B) 100% of the principal amount  thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest
to the  earlier  of  the  redemption  date  and  the  date  of  the  finding  of
unsuitability, which may be less than 30 days following the notice of redemption
if  so requested or prescribed by the Gaming Authority. The Company shall notify
the trustee under the  Indenture in writing  of any such  redemption as soon  as
practicable.  The Company shall not be responsible for any costs or expenses any
such holder  may  incur  in  connection with  its  application  for  a  license,
qualification or a finding of suitability.
 
                                      S-6
<PAGE>
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
    The  net proceeds received by  the Company from the  sale of the Debentures,
estimated at $297 million, are expected  to be used to repay approximately  $297
million  of borrowings  under the Company's  corporate debt program,  and to the
extent not used to repay such  borrowings, for other general corporate  purposes
of   the  Company,   which  may  include   acquisitions,  capital  expenditures,
repurchases by the  Company of shares  of its common  stock and working  capital
requirements. As of October 31, 1996, the Company had approximately $374 million
of  outstanding amounts  under its  corporate debt  program bearing  interest at
floating rates  with  a weighted  average  of approximately  5.6%.  The  amounts
outstanding  under  the  corporate  debt  program  are  short-term  with varying
maturities. Certain of  the amounts  outstanding under  the Company's  corporate
debt  program were originally incurred by the Company in connection with various
expansion and  rennovation projects  as described  under "the  Company"  section
above  and in connection with repurchases by the Company of its shares of common
stock.
 
                              RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
 
    On November 21, 1996, the Company announced its third quarter earnings.  For
the  third quarter  ended October  31, 1996,  the company  reported earnings per
share of $0.34 compared  with $0.45 for  the same quarter last  year. As in  the
second   quarter,  operating  results  were  negatively  affected  by  extensive
construction at both  Circus Circus-Las Vegas  and Luxor, which  are two of  the
Company's major profit producers. Operating cash flow at Circus Circus-Las Vegas
was approximately $8.5 million compared to $16.5 million in the prior comparable
quarter  and Luxor  generated approximately $14  million in  operating cash flow
compared to $23 million in the  prior comparable quarter. By December 24,  1996,
construction  on the 1,000-room tower at  Circus Circus-Las Vegas is expected to
be completed, and  nearly all  the approximately 2,000  new rooms  at Luxor  are
expected  to  be  on  line,  along with  casino  and  public  area improvements.
Meanwhile, because of this on-going construction, the Company's earnings in  the
fourth  quarter are expected to fall below  results compared to the prior year's
quarter.
 
    Elsewhere in Las Vegas,  the Company's resorts  delivered strong results  in
the  third quarter. Excalibur  generated approximately $26  million of operating
cash flow (up 2%), while the new  Monte Carlo continued to exceed the  Company's
expectations.  This property, which opened in June  and is a 50-50 joint venture
with Mirage Resorts, Incorporated, produced operating cash flow of approximately
$24.2 million in the quarter and posted a cash-flow margin of 36%.
 
    In Reno, the Company  produced $14.4 in operating  cash flow between  Circus
Circus-Reno  and its 50% share of the  Silver Legacy, slightly below last year's
combined results. In Laughlin, the Colorado Belle and Edgewater also were  below
their  operating  results  in  the  prior  comparable  quarter,  as  was  Circus
Circus-Tunica, where three new competitors have entered the market. Construction
has begun  on  the 1,200-room  hotel  tower  that will  redefine  the  Company's
presence  in Tunica  -- involving  both retheming  and renaming  of the existing
casino property.  This $125  million  expansion project  is  expected to  be  in
operation by December 1997.
 
    In  Illinois, in the third quarter, The Grand Victoria contributed (and will
contribute on an  ongoing basis) approximately  20% of its  operating income  to
public  entities in Kane County and the  City of Elgin, in accordance with prior
agreements. The Company's 50% interest in the vessel accounted for approximately
$11.9 million in operating cash  flow (after contributions), compared with  last
year's $14.9 million, which was before contributions began.
 
                                      S-7
<PAGE>
                      DESCRIPTION OF THE 6.70% DEBENTURES
 
GENERAL
    The  6.70% Debentures will be issued under an Indenture dated as of February
1, 1996 between the Company and Wells Fargo Bank (Colorado), N.A. (as  successor
to First Interstate Bank of Nevada, N.A.), as trustee (the "Trustee") (the "Base
Indenture"), and a supplemental indenture thereto to be dated as of November 15,
1996  between the Company and the Trustee.  Provisions of the Base Indenture are
more fully  described under  "Description of  Debt Securities"  in the  attached
Prospectus  to  which reference  is hereby  made. The  6.70% Debentures  will be
limited to  $150  million in  aggregate  principal  amount and  will  be  senior
unsecured obligations of the Company.
 
    The 6.70% Debentures will mature on November 15, 2096. Interest on the 6.70%
Debentures  will accrue from November 15,  1996 and will be payable semiannually
on each May 15 and November 15, beginning May 15, 1997, to the persons in  whose
names  the 6.70% Debentures are registered at the close of business on the May 1
or November 1  prior to the  payment date at  the annual rate  set forth on  the
cover page of this Prospectus Supplement.
 
    The principal of, and interest on, the 6.70% Debentures are to be payable at
the office or agency of the Company in New York, New York. Interest on the 6.70%
Debentures  will be  paid on the  basis of  a 360-day year  consisting of twelve
30-day months.
 
REDEMPTION AT THE OPTION OF THE COMPANY
 
    The 6.70% Debentures  will not be  redeemable at the  option of the  Company
prior to maturity.
 
REDEMPTION AT THE OPTION OF THE HOLDERS
 
    The   6.70%  Debentures  will  be  redeemable  on  November  15,  2003  (the
"Redemption Date"),  at the  option of  the holders  thereof, at  100% of  their
principal amount, together with interest payable to the date of redemption. Less
than  the entire principal amount of any  6.70% Debenture may be redeemed on the
Redemption Date, provided the principal amount which is to be redeemed is  equal
to $1,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000.
 
    The Depositary or its nominee, as registered holder of the 6.70% Debentures,
will  be entitled  to tender  the 6.70%  Debentures on  the Redemption  Date for
repayment. During  the  period  from  and including  the  September  15  to  and
including  the  October  15  immediately  preceding  the  Redemption  Date,  the
Depositary will receive instructions from its participants (acting on behalf  of
owners  of beneficial  interests in  the 6.70%  Debentures) to  tender the 6.70%
Debentures for repayment  under the  Depository's procedures.  Such tenders  for
repayment  will be made by the Depositary, provided that the Depositary receives
instructions from  tendering  participants by  Noon  on October  15,  2003.  The
Depositary  will notify the Paying Agent by the close of business on October 15,
2003 as to the aggregate principal amount  of the 6.70% Debentures, if any,  for
which  the Depositary shall have received  instructions to tender for repayment.
OWNERS OF BENEFICIAL INTERESTS  IN 6.70% DEBENTURES WHO  WISH TO EFFECTUATE  THE
TENDER  AND REPAYMENT  OF SUCH 6.70%  DEBENTURES MUST  INSTRUCT THEIR RESPECTIVE
DEPOSITARY PARTICIPANT OR PARTICIPANTS A REASONABLE PERIOD OF TIME IN ADVANCE OF
OCTOBER 15, 2003.
 
    If at any time the use of a book-entry system through the Depositary (or any
successor securities  depositary)  is discontinued  with  respect to  the  6.70%
Debentures,  tenders for repayment of any 6.70% Debenture on the Redemption Date
shall be made according to the following procedures. The Company must receive at
the principal office of the Paying  Agent, during the period from and  including
September  15  to  and  including  the  October  15  immediately  preceding  the
Redemption Date (i) the 6.70% Debenture with the form entitled "Option to  Elect
Repayment"  attached  thereto, duly  completed;  or (ii)(x)  a  telegram, telex,
facsimile transmission or letter from a member of a national securities exchange
or the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. or a commercial bank  or
a  trust company in the United States of  America, setting forth the name of the
registered holder of  the 6.70%  Debenture, the  principal amount  of the  6.70%
Debenture,  the amount of the 6.70% Debenture to be repaid, a statement that the
option to elect repayment  is being exercised thereby  and a guarantee that  the
6.70% Debenture to be repaid, with the form entitled "Option to Elect Repayment"
attached  thereto, will be received by the  Company not later than five business
days after the date of such  telegram, telex, facsimile transmission or  letter;
and (y) such 6.70%
 
                                      S-8
<PAGE>
Debenture  and  form  duly completed  are  received  by the  Company  such fifth
business day. Any such notice received by the Company during the period from and
including  such  September  15  to  and  including  such  October  15  shall  be
irrevocable.  All questions as  to the validity,  eligibility (including time of
receipt) and  the  acceptance of  any  6.70%  Debenture for  repayment  will  be
determined by the Company, whose determination will be final and binding.
 
    For  all purposes of this section, if such October 15 is not a business day,
it shall be deemed to refer to the next succeeding business day.
 
CONDITIONAL RIGHT TO SHORTEN MATURITY
 
    The Company intends  to deduct  interest paid  on the  6.70% Debentures  for
Federal  income  tax  purposes.  However,  the  Clinton  Administration's budget
proposal for Fiscal Year 1997, released on March 19, 1996, contained a series of
proposed tax law changes that, among other things, would prohibit an issuer from
deducting interest payments on debt instruments with a maturity of more than  40
years.  On March 29, 1996, the Chairmen  of the Senate Finance Committee and the
House Ways  and Means  Committee issued  a  statement to  the effect  that  this
proposal,  if enacted, would not be effective  prior to the date of "appropriate
congressional action." There can be no assurance, however, that this proposal or
similar legislation affecting the Company's  ability to deduct interest paid  on
the  6.70%  Debentures  will not  be  enacted in  the  future or  that  any such
legislation would not have a retroactive effective date.
 
    Upon occurrence of a Tax Event (as defined below), the Company will have the
right to shorten the maturity of the 6.70% Debentures to the extent required, in
the opinion of a  nationally recognized independent  tax counsel experienced  in
such  matters, such that, after the shortening of the maturity, interest paid on
the 6.70% Debentures will be deductible  for Federal income tax purposes.  There
can be no assurance that the Company would not exercise its right to shorten the
maturity of the 6.70% Debentures upon the occurrence of such a Tax Event.
 
    In  the event that the  Company elects to exercise  its right to shorten the
maturity of the 6.70% Debentures on the  occurrence of a Tax Event, the  Company
will  mail a notice of shortened maturity to  each holder of record of the 6.70%
Debentures by first-class  mail not more  than 60 days  after the occurrence  of
such  Tax Event,  stating the  new maturity date  of the  6.70% Debentures. Such
notice shall be effective immediately upon mailing.
 
    The  Company   believes  that   the  6.70%   Debentures  should   constitute
indebtedness  for  Federal income  tax purposes  under current  law and  that an
exercise of its right to shorten the maturity of the 6.70% Debentures would  not
be  a taxable event to holders.  Prospective investors should be aware, however,
that the Company's exercise of  its right to shorten  the maturity of the  6.70%
Debentures  will  be a  taxable event  to  holders if  the 6.70%  Debentures are
treated as equity for purposes of Federal income taxation before the maturity is
shortened.
 
    "Tax Event"  means that  the Company  shall have  received an  opinion of  a
nationally recognized independent tax counsel experienced in such matters to the
effect  that on or after the date of  the issuance of the 6.70% Debentures, as a
result of  (a) any  amendment to,  clarification of,  or change  (including  any
announced  prospective change)  in laws, or  any regulations  thereunder, of the
United States, (b) any judicial decision, official administrative pronouncement,
ruling, regulatory procedure,  notice or announcement,  including any notice  or
announcement   of   intent  to   adopt  such   procedures  or   regulations  (an
"Administrative Action"), or (c) any  amendment to, clarification of, or  change
in  the official position or the interpretation of such Administrative Action or
judicial decision that differs from the theretofore generally accepted position,
in each case, on or after the date of the issuance of the 6.70% Debentures, such
change in tax law creates a more  than insubstantial risk that interest paid  by
the Company on the 6.70% Debentures is not, or will not be, deductible, in whole
or in part, by the Company for purposes of United States Federal income tax.
 
DEFEASANCE
    The  6.70% Debentures will be subject  to defeasance and covenant defeasance
as provided in the accompanying Prospectus.
 
                                      S-9
<PAGE>
BOOK-ENTRY SYSTEM
    The 6.70% Debentures will be issued in  the form of and be represented by  a
fully  registered global security (a "Registered Global Security") registered in
the name  of the  Depositary or  its  nominee. The  Depositary or  nominee  will
credit, on its book entry registration and transfer system, participant accounts
with  the respective principal amounts of 6.70% Debentures that are beneficially
owned by such participants and represented by the Registered Global Security.  A
description  of the  depositary arrangements  generally applicable  to the 6.70%
Debentures is  set  forth  in  the accompanying  Prospectus  under  the  caption
"Description  of  Debt Securities  -  Registered Global  Securities."  The 6.70%
Debentures will not  be issued in  definitive form except  in the  circumstances
described  under  such  caption  in the  accompanying  Prospectus,  and  in such
circumstances, will only be issued in minimum denominations of $1,000.
 
    The Depositary  has advised  the Company  as follows:  the Depositary  is  a
limited-purpose  trust company organized  under the Banking Law  of the State of
New York,  a member  of the  Federal Reserve  System, a  "clearing  corporation"
within  the meaning  of the  New York Uniform  Commercial Code,  and a "clearing
agency" registered pursuant to  the provision of Section  17A of the  Securities
Exchange  Act of 1934, as amended. The Depositary was created to hold securities
of its participants and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of securities
transactions among its participants in such securities through electronic  book-
entry  changes in accounts of the participants, thereby eliminating the need for
physical movement  of  securities certificates.  The  Depositary's  participants
include  securities  brokers  and  dealers,  banks,  trust  companies,  clearing
corporations and certain  other organizations, including  the Underwriters.  The
Depositary  is  owned by  a number  of participants  and by  the New  York Stock
Exchange, Inc., the American Stock  Exchange, Inc. and the National  Association
of Securities Dealers, Inc. Access to the Depositary's book-entry system is also
available  to others, such  as banks, brokers, dealers  and trust companies that
clear through or maintain  a custodial relationship  with a participant,  either
directly or indirectly.
 
                                      S-10
<PAGE>
                                  UNDERWRITERS
 
    Subject  to the terms and conditions  contained in an Underwriting Agreement
dated the  date  hereof,  the  Company  has  agreed  to  sell  to  each  of  the
Underwriters  named below, severally, and each of the Underwriters has severally
agreed to  purchase, the  respective principal  amount of  6.70% Debentures  set
forth opposite their respective names below.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     PRINCIPAL
                                                                     AMOUNT OF
                                                                        YEAR
                              NAME                                   DEBENTURES
- -----------------------------------------------------------------  --------------
<S>                                                                <C>
Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated................................  $  37,650,000
Goldman, Sachs & Co. ............................................     37,500,000
CS First Boston Corporation......................................     19,950,000
Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation..............     19,950,000
Salomon Brothers Inc ............................................     19,950,000
Schroder Wertheim & Co. Incorporated.............................      9,750,000
BA Securities, Inc. .............................................      5,250,000
                                                                   --------------
       Total.....................................................  $ 150,000,000
                                                                   --------------
                                                                   --------------
</TABLE>
 
    Under   the  terms  and  conditions   of  the  Underwriting  Agreement,  the
Underwriters are obligated to take  and pay for all  of the 6.70% Debentures  if
any are taken.
 
    The Underwriters initially propose to offer the 6.70% Debentures directly to
the  public at  the public offering  price set forth  on the cover  page of this
Prospectus Supplement and to certain dealers at such price less a concession not
in excess  of  0.375% of  the  principal amount  of  the 6.70%  Debentures.  The
Underwriters may allow, and such dealers may reallow, a concession not in excess
of  0.250% of  the principal  amount of  the 6.70%  Debentures to  certain other
dealers. After the initial public offering, the public offering price and  other
selling  terms for the 6.70%  Debentures may from time to  time be varied by the
Underwriters.
 
    The Company does not intend to apply for listing of the 6.70% Debentures  on
a  national securities  exchange. The  Underwriters presently  intend to  make a
market in the  6.70% Debentures in  the secondary trading  market. However,  the
Underwriters  are not obligated to make a market in the 6.70% Debentures and any
such market making may be discontinued at any time at the sole discretion of the
Underwriters. No assurance can be given as  to the liquidity of, or the  trading
markets for, the 6.70% Debentures.
 
    The Company has agreed to indemnify the several Underwriters against certain
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
 
    Certain  of the  underwriters and  their affiliates  have from  time to time
performed various investment  banking and  commercial banking  services for  the
Company  and  its subsidiaries,  for which  compensation  has been  received. BA
Securities, Inc. and CS First Boston Corporation are commercial paper  placement
agents  under the Company's corporate debt program. The Company intends to use a
significant portion of the net proceeds from the sale of the 6.70% Debentures to
repay outstanding amounts  due under  its corporate  debt program.  See "Use  of
Proceeds."  As a  result, the  offering of  the 6.70%  Debentures is  being made
pursuant to  the provisions  of Rule  2710(c)(8)  of the  Conduct Rules  of  The
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
    Certain  legal  matters will  be passed  upon  for the  Company by  Latham &
Watkins, and, as to matters of Nevada law, by Schreck, Jones, Bernhard,  Woloson
&  Godfrey  Chartered.  Certain  legal  matters  will  be  passed  upon  for the
Underwriters by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP.
 
                                      S-11
<PAGE>
PROSPECTUS
                                  $400,000,000
                        CIRCUS CIRCUS ENTERPRISES, INC.
                                DEBT SECURITIES
                               ------------------
 
    Circus Circus Enterprises, Inc., a Nevada corporation (the "Company"), may
offer from time to time in one or more series its debt securities consisting of
debentures, notes or other evidence of indebtedness (the "Debt Securities"), in
amounts as may be sold for an aggregate public offering price of up to
$400,000,000, or, if Debt Securities are issued at an original issue discount,
such greater amount as shall result in aggregate proceeds of $400,000,000 to the
Company, on terms to be determined at the time of the offering. At the option of
the Company, the Debt Securities may be issued as senior secured Debt
Securities, as senior unsecured Debt Securities, as senior subordinated Debt
Securities or as subordinated Debt Securities, and in any combination thereof.
The general terms and conditions of the Debt Securities are described under
"Description of Debt Securities" in this Prospectus. Debt Securities may be
offered separately or together, in separate series, in amounts, at prices and on
terms determined by market conditions at the time of sale and to be set forth in
one or more supplements to this Prospectus (each, a "Prospectus Supplement").
 
    The specific terms of the Debt Securities for which this Prospectus is being
delivered will be set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement which will
include, where applicable, the specific title, aggregate principal amount, form
(which may be certificated or global), authorized denominations, maturity (which
may be fixed or extendible), interest rate or rates (which may be fixed or
variable) (or manner of calculation thereof), if any, the time of payment of
interest, if any, any terms of redemption at the option of the Company or
repayment at the option of the holder, any terms for sinking fund payments,
additional covenants, initial public offering price, purchase price and other
terms with respect to the Debt Securities. The Debt Securities may be issued as
original issue discount securities to be sold at a substantial discount below
their principal amount and, if issued, certain terms thereof will be set forth
in the Prospectus Supplement related thereto. See "Description of Debt
Securities."
 
    The applicable Prospectus Supplement will also contain information, where
applicable, about certain United States federal income tax considerations
relating to, and any listing on a securities exchange of, the Debt Securities
covered by such Prospectus Supplement.
                            ------------------------
 
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
 EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE
   SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION
     PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY
                REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
                            ------------------------
 
  NEITHER THE NEVADA GAMING COMMISSION, THE NEVADA STATE GAMING CONTROL BOARD
     NOR ANY OTHER GAMING REGULATORY AUTHORITY HAS PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY
         OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS OR THE INVESTMENT MERITS OF THE
                 SECURITIES OFFERED HEREBY. ANY REPRESENTATION
                          TO THE CONTRARY IS UNLAWFUL.
                            ------------------------
 
    The Debt Securities may be offered directly to one or more purchasers,
through agents designated from time to time by the Company or to or through
underwriters or dealers. If any agents or underwriters are involved in the sale
of the Debt Securities, their names, and any applicable purchase price, fee,
commission or discount arrangement between or among them, will be set forth, or
will be calculable from the information set forth, in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement. See "Plan of Distribution." No Debt Securities may be sold without
delivery of a Prospectus Supplement describing the method and terms of the
offering of such Debt Securities.
 
                            ------------------------
 
                THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS JANUARY 11, 1996
<PAGE>
    IN CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFERING, THE UNDERWRITERS MAY OVER-ALLOT OR EFFECT
TRANSACTIONS WHICH STABILIZE OR MAINTAIN THE MARKET PRICE OF THE SECURITIES
OFFERED HEREBY AT A LEVEL ABOVE THAT WHICH MIGHT OTHERWISE PREVAIL IN THE OPEN
MARKET. SUCH STABILIZING, IF COMMENCED, MAY BE DISCONTINUED AT ANY TIME.
 
                            ------------------------
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
    The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") and in accordance therewith files
reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission"). Such reports, proxy statements and other
information can be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities
maintained by the Commission at Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C., and at the Commission's regional offices at 7 World Trade
Center, 13th Floor, New York, New York 10048 and Northwestern Atrium Center, 500
West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511. Copies of such
material can also be obtained at prescribed rates from the Public Reference
Section of the Commission at its principal office at Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. In addition, the Company's Common Stock is
listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Pacific Stock Exchange and similar
information concerning the Company can be inspected and copied at the New York
Stock Exchange, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005 and at the Pacific
Stock Exchange, 301 Pine Street, San Francisco, California 94104.
 
                            ------------------------
 
               INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE
 
    The Company's (File No. 1-8570) (i) Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended January 31, 1995, (ii) Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
fiscal quarter ended April 30, 1995, (iii) Current Report on Form 8-K dated June
1, 1995, (iv) Amendment No. 1 on Form 8-K/A to the Company's Current Report on
Form 8-K dated June 1, 1995, (v) Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal
quarter ended July 31, 1995 and (vi) Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
fiscal quarter ended October 31, 1995, each filed by the Company with the
Commission, are incorporated in this Prospectus by reference.
 
    All reports and other documents filed by the Company pursuant to Sections
13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of this
Prospectus and prior to the termination of the offering of the Debt Securities
hereunder shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference herein and to be a
part hereof from the date of the filing of such reports and documents. Any
statement contained herein or in a document incorporated or deemed to be
incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded
for purposes of this Prospectus to the extent that a statement contained herein
or in any other subsequently filed document, as the case may be, which also is
or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein, modifies or supersedes such
statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed,
except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this Prospectus.
 
    The Company hereby undertakes to provide without charge to each person to
whom a Prospectus is delivered, upon written or oral request of such person, a
copy of the Indentures (as hereinafter defined) or any document incorporated
herein by reference (other than exhibits to such documents). Requests should be
directed to David R. Belding, Secretary, Circus Circus Enterprises, Inc., 2880
Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, Nevada 89109, telephone number (702)
734-0410.
 
                            ------------------------
 
    The Company will furnish each holder of the Debt Securities annual reports
containing audited financial statements, quarterly reports containing unaudited
financial information and such other reports as may be required by applicable
law.
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
                                  THE COMPANY
 
    Circus Circus Enterprises, Inc. (the "Company"), which was incorporated in
1974, owns and operates, through wholly owned subsidiaries, 10 hotel-casino
properties with approximately 16,000 rooms in the State of Nevada, including
four properties in Las Vegas (Circus Circus-Las Vegas, Luxor, Excalibur and the
Hacienda Hotel and Casino), two properties in Jean (Gold Strike Hotel and
Gambling Hall and Nevada Landing), the Circus Circus Hotel and Casino in Reno,
the Railroad Pass in Henderson, and the Colorado Belle Hotel and Casino and the
Edgewater Hotel and Casino which are located on the Colorado River in Laughlin.
The Company also owns and operates a dockside casino situated on a 24-acre site
in Tunica County, Mississippi and operates two smaller casinos on the Las Vegas
Strip, Slots-A-Fun (which the Company also owns) and the Silver City Casino
(which the Company operates under a long-term lease).
 
    The Company, through wholly owned subsidiaries, also owns interests in three
joint ventures which own operating casinos. The Grand Victoria, a riverboat
casino and land-based entertainment complex, is located in Elgin, Illinois and
is operated and managed by the Company. The Company and an affiliate of Hyatt
Development Corporation each have a 50% interest in the venture. The Silver
Legacy Hotel and Casino, is located in Reno, Nevada, and is Reno's first Las
Vegas-styled themed resort. This resort, themed as a turn-of-the-century silver
mining town, is owned in equal shares by the Company and an affiliate of
Eldorado Hotel and Casino. The Company and affiliates of ITT Destinations, Inc.
and Hilton Hotels Corporation own in equal shares a joint venture which is
operating both an interim land-based casino and a recently opened dockside
casino in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. The Company and its joint venture partners
are presently in negotiations for the construction of a permanent 300 room
hotel-casino facility in Windsor.
 
    The Company also holds a 50% interest, through a wholly owned subsidiary, in
a joint venture with an affiliate of Mirage Resorts, Incorporated which is
developing Monte Carlo, a major destination resort under construction on the Las
Vegas Strip for which it serves as the managing venturer. This project, which is
scheduled to open in the summer of 1996, will feature approximately 3,000 rooms
and a 90,000 square-foot casino, with a palatial style reminiscent of the Belle
Epoque, the French Victorian architecture of the late 19th Century. The Monte
Carlo has an estimated cost of $344 million (including land, capitalized
interest and preopening expenses), and the Company is obligated to fund any
portion of such cost in excess of certain equity contributions and the funding
provided by a $200 million construction loan. The Company's total equity
contribution is anticipated to be approximately $63 million, of which $35.1
million had been funded as of October 31, 1995.
 
    As part of its growth strategy, the Company currently expects to expand
Luxor, renovate parts of Excalibur and commence construction of a multi-faceted
gaming and entertainment complex initially involving the Hacienda Hotel parcel
and certain undeveloped land to the south. It also expects to expand and
renovate Circus Circus Las Vegas and renovate parts of the Circus Circus Hotel
and Casino in Reno. While the Company intends to effect the preceding
expansions, renovations and construction in a manner intended to minimize the
impact such activities may have on the operations and earnings of the subject
properties, no assurances can be given that during the pendancy of such
activities the operations and/or earnings of the subject properties will not be
adversely affected.
 
    Construction of the Luxor expansion is currently scheduled to commence in
January 1996. As currently contemplated, the expansion will involve an
approximately 2,000 room addition arranged in two high-rise, stepped-pyramid
towers between Luxor and Excalibur, raising the total rooms at Luxor to
approximately 4,500, and will include additional casino space, retail area,
restaurants and a multi-purpose showroom, as well as a signature ride. The
additional rooms are expected to be completed by the end of 1996. The estimated
cost of this expansion is expected to be approximately $240 million.
 
    The Excalibur renovations are currently scheduled to commence in early 1996
and are contemplated to include the refurbishment of all of the over 4,000
rooms, the construction of additional retail space, the relocation of certain
restaurants, the construction of a moving walkway between Luxor and
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
Excalibur and the re-engineering of the pedestrian overpasses over Las Vegas
Boulevard and Tropicana Avenue to provide more direct pedestrian access to
Excalibur. The estimated cost of the Excalibur renovations is anticipated to be
approximately $40-50 million.
 
    The first step in the Company's effort to create a multi-faceted gaming and
entertainment complex is currently anticipated to commence in 1996 with the
construction of a hotel-casino facility on the Hacienda Hotel parcel and
approximately 73 acres of undeveloped land south of that parcel at the northwest
corner of Russell Road and the Las Vegas Strip. Ultimately, the Company
contemplates expanding the complex to include portions of the Luxor and
Excalibur parcels.
 
    Construction of the Circus Circus Las Vegas expansion is currently scheduled
to commence in January 1996. As contemplated, the expansion will involve the
construction of an approximately 1,000 room high-rise tower adjacent to Grand
Slam Canyon, the refurbishment of approximately 1,200 rooms in the Skyrise Tower
and the improvement of the casino and midway. The estimated cost of the
foregoing expansion is expected to be approximately $50-60 million.
 
    The Company also intends to commence construction of a major renovation at
Circus Circus Hotel and Casino in Reno in 1996. The renovation is currently
expected to involve the refurbishment of the casino and all of the rooms, as
well as the construction of a parking structure. The estimated cost of the
foregoing renovation is expected to be approximately $35 million.
 
    The Company follows a marketing and operating philosophy which emphasizes
high volume business by providing reasonably priced hotel rooms, food and
alternative entertainment in combination with the Company's gaming activity. The
Company also maintains stringent cost controls which are exemplified by a
general policy of offering virtually no credit for gaming customers. Management
believes that this philosophy distinguishes the Company from its principal
competitors.
 
    The Company's executive offices are located at 2880 Las Vegas Boulevard
South, Las Vegas, Nevada 89109, and its telephone number is (702) 734-0410.
Unless the context otherwise indicates, all references herein to the Company are
to Circus Circus Enterprises, Inc. and its subsidiaries.
 
                       RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
 
    The following are the consolidated ratios of earnings to fixed charges for
the Company for the nine months ended October 31, 1995 and each of the fiscal
years 1995, 1994, 1993, 1992 and 1991.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      YEAR ENDED JANUARY 31,
  NINE MONTHS ENDED    -----------------------------------------------------
  OCTOBER 31, 1995       1995       1994       1993       1992       1991
- ---------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                    <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
          3.87(1)           5.38       5.40       6.48       4.40       3.03
</TABLE>
 
    For purposes of computing this ratio, earnings consist of income before
income taxes plus fixed charges (excluding capitalized interest) and minority
interests (relating to subsidiaries whose fixed charges are included in the
computation), excluding equity in undistributed earnings of less than 50% owned
investments. Fixed charges include interest, whether expensed or capitalized,
amortization of debt expense, discount or premium related to indebtedness and
such portion of rental expense deemed by the Company to be representative of
interest.
- ------------------------
(1) During the second quarter of fiscal 1996, the Company wrote-off $45.1
    million of costs associated with various assets which were disposed of or
    whose values had otherwise become impaired. The ratio of earnings to fixed
    charges for the nine months ended October 31, 1995, excluding this
    write-off, would be 4.79.
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
    The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the sale of the Debt
Securities for general corporate purposes, which may include acquisitions,
capital expenditures and working capital requirements; to repay, redeem or
repurchase outstanding indebtedness; or for such other purposes as may be
specified in the Prospectus Supplement. A description of any indebtedness to be
refinanced with the proceeds of the Debt Securities will be set forth in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement.
 
                         DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
 
    The following description of the terms of the Debt Securities sets forth
certain general terms and provisions of the Debt Securities to which any
Prospectus Supplement may relate. The particular terms of the Debt Securities
offered by any Prospectus Supplement and the extent to which such general
provisions may apply to the Debt Securities will be described in a Prospectus
Supplement relating to such Debt Securities.
 
    The Debt Securities may constitute either senior secured debt ("Senior
Secured Debt Securities"), senior unsecured debt ("Senior Unsecured Debt
Securities"), senior subordinated debt ("Senior Subordinated Debt Securities")
or subordinated debt ("Subordinated Debt Securities"), or any combination
thereof, of the Company. Each such series of Debt Securities will be issued
under a separate indenture (the "Senior Secured Debt Indenture," the "Senior
Unsecured Debt Indenture," the "Senior Subordinated Debt Indenture," and the
"Subordinated Debt Indenture," respectively), in each case, between the Company,
as obligor, and First Interstate Bank of Nevada, N.A., as Trustee (the
"Trustee"). The Senior Secured Debt Indenture, the Senior Unsecured Debt
Indenture, the Senior Subordinated Debt Indenture and the Subordinated Debt
Indenture are sometimes hereinafter referred to individually as an "Indenture"
and collectively as the "Indentures."
 
    The terms of the Debt Securities include those stated in the applicable
Indenture and those made part of such Indenture by reference to the Trust
Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the "Trust Indenture Act"), and holders of
the Debt Securities are referred to the Indentures and the Trust Indenture Act
for a statement thereof. A copy of the form of each Indenture is filed as an
exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part. The
following summaries of certain provisions of the Debt Securities and the
Indentures, while including a discussion of all material aspects or features
thereof, do not purport to be complete and are subject to, and are qualified in
their entirety by reference to, all the provisions of the Debt Securities and
the Indentures, including the definitions therein of certain terms which are not
otherwise defined in this Prospectus. Wherever particular provisions or defined
terms of the Indentures are referred to, such provisions or defined terms are
incorporated herein by reference.
 
GENERAL
 
    The Indentures will not limit the aggregate principal amount of Debt
Securities which may be issued thereunder. Debt Securities may be issued
thereunder from time to time as a single series or in two or more separate
series up to the aggregate principal amount from time to time authorized by the
Company for each series. As of the date of this Prospectus, the Company has
authorized the issuance under the Indentures of up to $400 million aggregate
principal amount of the Debt Securities, or, if Debt Securities are issued at an
original issue discount, such greater amount as shall result in aggregate
proceeds of $400 million to the Company.
 
    The applicable Prospectus Supplement or Prospectus Supplements will
describe, among other things, the following terms of the Debt Securities, if
applicable to such Debt Securities: (i) the title of the Debt Securities; (ii)
any limit on the aggregate principal amount of the Debt Securities and whether
they will constitute Senior Secured Debt Securities, Senior Unsecured Debt
Securities, Senior Subordinated Debt Securities or Subordinated Debt Securities;
(iii) the price or prices (expressed as a percentage of the aggregate principal
amount thereof) at which the Debt Securities will be issued; (iv) the date or
dates on which the principal of the Debt Securities is payable or the method of
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
determination thereof; (v) the rate or rates (which may be fixed or variable) at
which the Debt Securities will bear interest (which rate may be zero in the case
of certain Debt Securities issued at an issue price representing a discount from
the principal amount payable at maturity), and the date or dates from which such
interest, if any, will accrue, and the circumstances, if any, in which the
Company may defer interest payments; (vi) the interest payment dates, if any, on
which any interest on the Debt Securities will be payable, and the record date
for any interest payable on any Debt Securities; (vii) the right or obligation,
if any, of the Company to redeem or purchase Debt Securities pursuant to any
sinking fund or analogous provisions or at the option of a holder thereof, or
otherwise, the conditions, if any, giving rise to such right or obligation, and
the period or periods within which, and the price or prices at which and the
terms and conditions upon which Debt Securities shall be redeemed or purchased,
in whole or in part, and any provisions for the marketing of such Debt
Securities; (viii) if the amount of payments of principal of, premium, if any,
and interest, if any, on the Debt Securities is to be determined by reference to
an index, formula or other method, the manner in which such amounts are to be
determined and the calculation agent, if any, with respect thereto; (ix) if
other than the principal amount thereof, the portion of the principal amount of
the Debt Securities which will be payable upon declaration or acceleration of
the stated maturity thereof pursuant to an Event of Default; (x) whether the
Debt Securities will be issued in certificated or book-entry form and, if so,
the identity of the depository for the Debt Securities; (xi) any listing of the
Debt Securities on a securities exchange; (xii) any additional restrictive
covenants included for the benefit of Holders of such Debt Securities; (xiii)
any additional events of default provided with respect to such Debt Securities;
and (xiv) any other material terms of the Debt Securities. Any such Prospectus
Supplement will also describe any special provisions for the payment of
additional amounts with respect to the Debt Securities.
 
GAMING REGULATION
 
    The ownership and operation of casino gaming facilities are subject to
extensive state and local regulation. The states of Illinois, Mississippi and
Nevada and the applicable local authorities, and the Province of Ontario, Canada
require various licenses, findings of suitability, registrations, permits and
approvals (individually a "Gaming License" and collectively "Gaming Licenses")
to be held by the Company and its subsidiaries and joint ventures that are
engaged in gaming operations. The Illinois Gaming Board, the Mississippi Gaming
Commission, the Nevada Gaming Commission and the Ontario Gaming Control
Commission (collectively the "Gaming Authorities"), may, among other things,
limit, condition, suspend or revoke a Gaming License or approval to own the
stock or joint venture interests of any of the Company's Illinois, Mississippi,
Nevada and Ontario operations, respectively, for any cause deemed reasonable by
such licensing authority. Substantial fines or forfeiture of assets for
violations of gaming laws or regulations may be levied against the Company, such
subsidiaries and joint ventures and the persons involved. The suspension or
revocation of any of the Company's Gaming Licenses or the levy on the Company of
substantial fines or forfeiture of assets could have a material adverse effect
on the business of the Company.
 
    To date, the Company has obtained all Gaming Licenses necessary for the
operation of its gaming activities. However, Gaming Licenses and related
approvals are deemed to be privileges under Illinois, Mississippi, Nevada and
Ontario law, and no assurances can be given that any new Gaming Licenses that
may be required in the future will be granted or that existing Gaming Licenses
will not be revoked or suspended.
 
    The Nevada Gaming Commission may, in its discretion, require the holder of
any Debt Security issued by the Company to file applications, be investigated
and be found suitable to own such Debt Security. If the Nevada Gaming Commission
determines that a person is unsuitable to own such Debt Security, then pursuant
to the Nevada Gaming Control Act, the Company can be sanctioned, including the
loss of its approvals, if without the prior approval of the Nevada Gaming
Commission, it: (i) pays to the unsuitable person any dividend, interest, or any
distribution whatsoever; (ii) recognizes any voting right by such unsuitable
person in connection with such securities; (iii) pays the unsuitable person
remuneration in any form; or (iv) makes any payment to the unsuitable person by
way of
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
principal, redemption, conversion, exchange, liquidation, or similar
transaction. The Illinois Gaming Board, the Mississippi Gaming Commission and
the Ontario Gaming Control Commission also have jurisdiction over the beneficial
holders of Debt Securities issued by the Company and may require their
investigation and approval.
 
    In certain jurisdictions, the Company may not make a public offering of its
securities without the prior approval of the applicable Gaming Authorities if
the securities or proceeds therefrom are intended to be used to construct,
acquire or finance gaming facilities in such jurisdictions, or to retire or
extend obligations incurred for such purposes or for similar transactions. On
August 24, 1995 the Nevada Gaming Commission granted the Company prior approval
to make public offerings for a period of one year, subject to certain conditions
("Shelf Approval"). The Shelf Approval also applies to any affiliated company
wholly owned by the Company (a "Gaming Affiliate") which is a publicly traded
corporation or would thereby become a publicly traded corporation pursuant to a
public offering. The Shelf Approval also includes approval for the Company's
licensed Nevada subsidiaries to guarantee any security issued by, or to
hypothecate their assets to secure the payment or performance of any obligations
issued by, the Company or a Gaming Affiliate in a public offering under the
Shelf Registration. However, the Shelf Approval may be rescinded for good cause
without prior notice upon the issuance of an interlocutory stop order by the
Chairman of the Nevada State Gaming Control Board and must be renewed annually.
The Shelf Approval does not constitute a finding, recommendation or approval by
the Nevada Gaming Commission or the Nevada State Gaming Control Board as to the
accuracy or adequacy of the prospectus or the investment merits of the
securities offered. Any representation to the contrary is unlawful. The public
offering of the Debt Securities will be made pursuant to the Shelf Approval.
 
    The foregoing is only a summary of the regulatory requirements applicable to
the Company. For a more detailed description of the regulatory requirements
applicable to the Company, see "Regulation and Licensing" in the Company's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 1995,
incorporated by reference herein.
 
MANDATORY DISPOSITION PURSUANT TO GAMING LAWS
 
    The Indentures will provide that each Holder, by accepting any of the Debt
Securities, shall be deemed to have agreed that if the Gaming Authority of any
jurisdiction in which the Company or any of its subsidiaries conducts or
proposes to conduct gaming requires that a person who is a Holder must be
licensed, qualified or found suitable under applicable Gaming Laws, such Holder
shall apply for a license, qualification or a finding of suitability within the
required time period. If such person fails to apply or become licensed or
qualified or is found unsuitable, the Company shall have the right, at its
option, (i) to require such person to dispose of its Securities or beneficial
interest therein within 30 days of receipt of notice of the Company's election
or such earlier date as may be requested or prescribed by such Gaming Authority
or (ii) to redeem such Securities at a redemption price equal to the lesser of
(A) such person's cost and (B) 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus
accrued and unpaid interest to the earlier of the redemption date and the date
of the finding of unsuitability, which may be less than 30 days following the
notice of redemption if so requested or prescribed by the Gaming Authority. The
Company shall notify the Trustee in writing of any such redemption as soon as
practicable. The Company shall not be responsible for any costs or expenses any
such Holder may incur in connection with its application for a license,
qualification or a finding of suitability.
 
SUBORDINATION OF SECURITIES
 
    The indebtedness evidenced by the Senior Subordinated Debt Securities and
Subordinated Debt Securities (collectively, the "Subordinated Securities") will
be subordinated to the prior payment when due of the principal of, premium, if
any, and interest on all current and future Senior Indebtedness (as defined
below). Upon maturity of any Senior Indebtedness by lapse of time, acceleration
or otherwise, payment in full must be made on such Senior Indebtedness before
any payment is made on or in respect of the Subordinated Securities. During the
continuance of any event of default with respect to Senior Indebtedness
entitling the holders thereof to accelerate the maturity thereof, or if
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
such event of default would be caused by any payment upon or in respect of the
Subordinated Securities, no payment may be made by the Company upon or in
respect of the Subordinated Securities; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that if such event of
default is other than a default in payment of any amount due in connection with
such Senior Indebtedness, the Company shall be permitted to continue to make
payments of interest on the Subordinated Securities. Upon any distribution of
assets of the Company pursuant to any dissolution, winding up, liquidation or
reorganization of the Company, payment of the principal of and interest on the
Subordinated Securities will be subordinated, to the extent and in the manner
set forth in the applicable Indentures, to the prior payment in full of all
Senior Indebtedness. Such subordination will not prevent the occurrence of any
Event of Default.
 
    "Senior Indebtedness" is defined in the Senior Subordinated Debt Indenture
as the principal of and interest on and other amounts due on or in connection
with (a) Indebtedness of the Company (other than the Subordinated Securities),
whether outstanding on the date of the Indenture or thereafter created,
incurred, assumed or guaranteed in any manner by the Company or in effect
guaranteed by the Company through an agreement to purchase or otherwise, and (b)
renewals, extensions, refunding or refinancing of Indebtedness of the kind
described in the preceding clause (a), unless, in the case of any particular
Indebtedness, renewal, extension, refunding, or refinancing, the instrument
creating or evidencing the same or the assumption or guarantee thereof expressly
provides that such Indebtedness, renewal, extension, refunding, or refinancing
does not constitute Senior Indebtedness. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary in the foregoing, Senior Indebtedness shall include (i) all
Indebtedness, liabilities and obligations of the Company owed to banks and other
financial institutions and (ii) the Senior Secured Debt Securities and the
Senior Unsecured Debt Securities, but shall not include (w) any Indebtedness
hereafter incurred that is subordinate or junior in right of payment to any
Senior Indebtedness, (x) Indebtedness of the Company to a subsidiary or
affiliate of the Company for money borrowed or advances from such subsidiary or
affiliate, (y) the 10 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes of the Company Due 1997,
the 6 3/4% Senior Subordinated Notes of the Company Due 2003, and the 7 5/8%
Senior Subordinated Debentures of the Company Due 2013, with respect to which
the Senior Subordinated Debt Securities will rank PARI PASSU in right of
payment, or (z) any Indebtedness specified in an indenture supplemental to the
Senior Subordinated Debt Indenture or an Officers' Certificate as being excepted
from the definition of Senior Indebtedness; PROVIDED, that any guaranty by the
Company of Indebtedness of a subsidiary of the Company to third parties shall
constitute Senior Indebtedness unless, in the case of any particular guaranty,
the instrument creating or evidencing the same provides that such guaranty does
not constitute Senior Indebtedness; PROVIDED FURTHER, that in the event a
subsidiary of the Company advances to the Company the proceeds attributable to
Indebtedness incurred by such subsidiary to a third party which Indebtedness has
been guaranteed by the Company, then such obligation of the Company to repay
such advance to the subsidiary shall constitute Senior Indebtedness, unless the
Company provides in writing that such advance does not constitute Senior
Indebtedness.
 
    "Senior Indebtedness" is defined in the Subordinated Debt Indenture as the
principal of and interest on and other amounts due on or in connection with (a)
Indebtedness of the Company (other than the Subordinated Debt Securities),
whether outstanding on the date of the Indenture or thereafter created,
incurred, assumed or guaranteed in any manner by the Company or in effect
guaranteed by the Company through an agreement to purchase or otherwise, and (b)
renewals, extensions, refunding or refinancing of Indebtedness of the kind
described in the preceding clause (a), unless, in the case of any particular
Indebtedness, renewal, extension, refunding, or refinancing, the instrument
creating or evidencing the same or the assumption or guarantee thereof expressly
provides that such Indebtedness, renewal, extension, refunding, or refinancing
does not constitute Senior Indebtedness. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary in the foregoing, Senior Indebtedness shall include (i) all
Indebtedness, liabilities and obligations of the Company owed to banks and other
financial institutions and (ii) the Senior Secured Debt Securities, the Senior
Unsecured Debt Securities, the Senior Subordinated Debt Securities, the 10 5/8%
Senior Subordinated Notes of the Company Due 1997, the 6 3/4% Senior
Subordinated Notes of the Company Due 2003, and the 7 5/8% Senior Subordinated
Debentures of the Company Due 2013, but shall not include (x) any Indebtedness
hereafter incurred
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
that is subordinate or junior in right of payment to any Senior Indebtedness
(other than Senior Subordinated Debt and any other Indebtedness ranking PARI
PASSU with such Indebtedness), (y) Indebtedness of the Company to a subsidiary
or affiliate of the Company for money borrowed or advances from such subsidiary
or affiliate or (z) any Indebtedness specified in an indenture supplemental to
the Subordinated Debt Indenture or an Officers' Certificate as being excepted
from the definition of Senior Indebtedness; PROVIDED, that any guaranty by the
Company of Indebtedness of a subsidiary of the Company to third parties shall
constitute Senior Indebtedness unless, in the case of any particular guaranty,
the instrument creating or evidencing the same provides that such guaranty does
not constitute Senior Indebtedness; PROVIDED FURTHER, that in the event a
subsidiary of the Company advances to the Company the proceeds attributable to
Indebtedness incurred by such subsidiary to a third party which Indebtedness has
been guaranteed by the Company, then such obligation of the Company to repay
such advance to the subsidiary shall constitute Senior Indebtedness, unless the
Company provides in writing that such advance does not constitute Senior
Indebtedness.
 
    The claims of third parties to the assets of the Company's subsidiaries
incurring such obligations will be superior to those of the Company as a
stockholder and, therefore, the Debt Securities may be deemed to be effectively
subordinated to the claims of such third parties. Substantially all of the
Company's business operations are conducted through such subsidiaries, and the
Debt Securities are effectively subordinated to the repayment of the liabilities
arising from those operations. The Indentures will not limit the amount of
additional Indebtedness, including Senior Indebtedness, which the Company or any
subsidiary may create, incur, assume or guarantee. As a result of the
subordination provisions contained in the Indentures, in the event of
insolvency, holders of the Subordinated Securities may recover less, ratably,
than other creditors of the Company or its subsidiaries.
 
REGISTERED GLOBAL SECURITIES
 
    The registered Debt Securities of a series may be issued in the form of one
or more Registered Global Securities that will be deposited with and registered
in the name of a depositary (a "Depositary") or its nominee identified in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement. In such case, one or more Registered Global
Securities will be issued in a denomination or aggregate denominations equal to
the portion of the aggregate principal amount of outstanding registered Debt
Securities of the series to be represented by such Registered Global Security or
Securities. Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for Debt
Securities in definitive registered form, a Registered Global Security may not
be transferred except as a whole by the Depositary for such Registered Global
Security to a nominee of such Depositary, or by such a nominee to such
Depositary or to another nominee of such Depositary, or by such Depositary or
any such nominee to a successor Depositary or a nominee of such successor
Depositary.
 
    The specific terms of the depositary arrangement with respect to any portion
of a series of Debt Securities to be represented by a Registered Global Security
will be described in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. The Company
anticipates that the following provisions will apply to all depositary
arrangements.
 
    Ownership of beneficial interests in a Registered Global Security will be
limited to persons that have accounts with the Depositary for such Registered
Global Security ("participants") or persons holding interests through
participants. Upon the issuance of a Registered Global Security, the Depositary
for such Registered Global Security will credit, on its book-entry registration
and transfer system, the participants' accounts with the respective principal
amounts of the Debt Securities represented by such Registered Global Security
beneficially owned by such participants. The accounts to be credited shall be
designated by any dealers, underwriters or agents participating in the
distribution of such Debt Securities. Ownership of beneficial interests in such
Registered Global Security will be shown on, and the transfer of such ownership
interests will be effected only through, records maintained by the Depositary
for such Registered Global Security (with respect to interests of participants)
and on the records of participants (with respect to interests of persons holding
through
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
participants). The laws of some states may require that certain purchasers of
securities take physical delivery of such securities in definitive form. Such
limits and such laws may impair the ability to own, transfer or pledge
beneficial interests in Registered Global Securities.
 
    So long as the Depositary for a Registered Global Security, or its nominee,
is the registered owner of such Registered Global Security, such Depositary or
such nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or holder of
the Debt Securities represented by such Registered Global Security for all
purposes under the Indentures. Except as set forth below, owners of beneficial
interests in a Registered Global Security will not be entitled to have the Debt
Securities represented by such Registered Global Security registered in their
names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of such Debt
Securities in definitive form and will not be considered the owners or holders
thereof under the Indentures. Accordingly, each person owning a beneficial
interest in a Registered Global Security must rely on the procedures of the
Depositary for such Registered Global Security and, if such person is not a
participant, on the procedures of the participant through which such person owns
its interests, to exercise any rights of a holder under the Indentures. The
Company understands that under existing industry practices, if the Company
requests any action of holders or if an owner of a beneficial interest in a
Registered Global Security desires to give or take any action which a holder is
entitled to give or take under the applicable Indenture, the Depositary for such
Registered Global Security would authorize the participants holding the relevant
beneficial interests to give or take such action, and such participants would
authorize beneficial owners owning through such participants to give or take
such action or would otherwise act upon the instructions of beneficial owners
holding through them.
 
    Principal, premium, if any, and interest payments on Debt Securities
represented by a Registered Global Security registered in the name of a
Depositary or its nominee will be made to such Depositary or its nominee, as the
case may be, as the registered owner of such Registered Global Security. None of
the Company, the Trustee or any other agent of the Company or agent of the
Trustee will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records
relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in
such Registered Global Security or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any
records relating to such beneficial ownership interests.
 
    The Company expects that the Depositary for any Debt Securities represented
by a Registered Global Security, upon receipt of any payment of principal,
premium or interest in respect of such Registered Global Security, will
immediately credit participants' accounts with payments in amounts proportionate
to their respective beneficial interests in such Registered Global Security as
shown on the records of such Depositary. The Company also expects that payments
by participants to owners of beneficial interests in such Registered Global
Security held through such participants will be governed by standing customer
instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with the securities
held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in "street
name," and will be the responsibility of such participants.
 
    If the Depositary for any Debt Securities represented by a Registered Global
Security is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as Depositary or ceases
to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act, and a successor
Depositary registered as a clearing agency under the Exchange Act is not
appointed by the Company within 90 days, the Company will issue such Debt
Securities in definitive form in exchange for such Registered Global Security.
In addition, the Company may at any time and in its sole discretion determine
not to have any of the Debt Securities of a series represented by one or more
Registered Global Securities and, in such event, will issue Debt Securities of
such series in definitive form in exchange for all of the Registered Global
Security or Securities representing such Debt Securities. Any Debt Securities
issued in definitive form in exchange for a Registered Global Security will be
registered in such name or names as the Depositary shall instruct the Trustee.
It is expected that such instructions will be based upon directions received by
the Depositary from participants with respect to ownership of beneficial
interests in such Registered Global Security.
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
CERTAIN COVENANTS
 
    LIMITATION ON LIENS.  Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable
Prospectus Supplement, the Senior Unsecured Debt Indenture and the Senior
Subordinated Debt Indenture will provide that neither the Company nor any of its
subsidiaries may issue, assume or guarantee any Indebtedness secured by a Lien
upon any Consolidated Property without effectively providing that the Debt
Securities shall be secured equally and ratably with (or prior to) such
Indebtedness so long as such Indebtedness shall be so secured, except that this
restriction will not apply to: (a) Liens existing on the date of original
issuance of the Debt Securities; (b) Liens affecting property of a corporation
or other entity existing at the time it becomes a subsidiary of the Company or
at the time it is merged into or consolidated with the Company or a subsidiary
of the Company; (c) Liens on property existing at the time of acquisition
thereof or incurred to secure payment of all or a part of the purchase price
thereof or to secure Indebtedness incurred prior to, at the time of, or within
24 months after the acquisition for the purpose of financing all or part of the
purchase price thereof; (d) Liens on any property to secure all or part of the
cost of improvements or construction thereon or Indebtedness incurred to provide
funds for such purpose in a principal amount not exceeding the cost of such
improvements or construction; (e) Liens which secure Indebtedness owing by a
subsidiary of the Company to the Company or to a subsidiary of the Company; (f)
Liens securing Indebtedness of the Company the proceeds of which are used
substantially simultaneously with the incurrence of such Indebtedness to retire
Funded Debt; (g) purchase money security Liens on personal property; (h) Liens
securing Indebtedness of the Company the proceeds of which are used within 24
months of the incurrence of such Indebtedness for the cost of the construction
and development or improvement of a Resort Property; (i) Liens on the stock,
partnership or other equity interest of the Company or any subsidiary in any
Joint Venture (as hereinafter defined) or any subsidiary which owns an equity
interest in such Joint Venture to secure Indebtedness, PROVIDED the amount of
such Indebtedness is contributed and/ or advanced solely to such Joint Venture;
(j) Liens securing any Senior Indebtedness (as defined in the Senior
Subordinated Debt Indenture), including without limitation, the Senior Secured
Debt Securities; (k) certain Liens to government entities, including pollution
control or industrial revenue bond financing; (l) Liens required by any contract
or statute in order to permit the Company or a subsidiary of the Company to
perform any contract or subcontract made by it with or at the request of a
governmental entity; (m) mechanic's, materialman's, carrier's or other like
Liens, arising in the ordinary course of business; (n) certain Liens for taxes
or assessments and similar charges; (o) zoning restrictions, easements,
licenses, covenants, reservations, restrictions on the use of real property and
certain other minor irregularities of title; and (p) any extension, renewal,
replacement or refinancing of any Lien referred to in the foregoing, clauses (a)
through (j). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company and any one or more of
its subsidiaries may, without securing the Debt Securities, issue, assume or
guarantee Indebtedness which would otherwise be subject to the foregoing
restrictions in an aggregate principal amount which, together with all other
such Indebtedness of the Company and its subsidiaries which would otherwise be
subject to the foregoing restrictions (not including Indebtedness permitted to
be secured under clauses (a) through (j) inclusive above) and the aggregate
Value of Sale and Lease-Back Transactions (other than those in connection with
which the Company has voluntarily retired Funded Debt) does not at any one time
exceed 15% of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets of the Company and its
consolidated subsidiaries.
 
    LIMITATION ON SALE AND LEASE-BACK TRANSACTIONS.  Unless otherwise indicated
in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the Senior Unsecured Debt Indenture and
the Senior Subordinated Debt Indenture will provide that neither the Company nor
any of its subsidiaries will enter into any Sale and Lease-Back Transaction
unless either (a) the Company or such subsidiary would be entitled, pursuant to
the above provisions, to incur Indebtedness in a principal amount equal to or
exceeding the Value of such Sale and Lease-Back Transaction, secured by a Lien
on the property to be leased, without equally and ratably securing the
Securities or (b) the Company within 120 days after the effective date of such
Sale and Lease-Back Transaction applies to the voluntary retirement of its
Funded Debt an amount equal to the Value of the Sale and Lease-Back Transaction
(subject to credits for certain voluntary retirements of Funded Debt).
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
    ADDITIONAL COVENANTS.  Any additional covenants of the Company with respect
to any series of Debt Securities will be set forth in the Prospectus Supplement
relating thereto.
 
CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
 
    "CONSOLIDATED NET TANGIBLE ASSETS" means the total amount of assets (less
applicable reserves and other properly deductible items) after deducting
therefrom (i) all current liabilities (excluding any thereof which are by their
terms extendible or renewable at the option of the obligor thereon to a time
more than 12 months after the time as of which the amount thereof is being
computed) and (ii) all goodwill, trade names, trademarks, patents, purchased
technology, unamortized debt discount and other like intangible assets, all as
set forth on the most recent quarterly balance sheet of the Company and its
consolidated subsidiaries and computed in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles.
 
    "CONSOLIDATED PROPERTY" means any property of the Company or any subsidiary
of the Company.
 
    "EXISTING COMPLETION GUARANTEES AND MAKE-WELL AGREEMENTS" means (i) that
certain Make-Well Agreement by the Company in favor of First Interstate Bank of
Nevada, N.A. dated as of May 30, 1995 relating to the Circus and Eldorado Joint
Venture, a Nevada general partnership, (ii) that certain Circus Completion
Guaranty by the Company in favor of First Interstate Bank of Nevada, N.A. dated
as of May 30, 1995 relating to the Circus and Eldorado Joint Venture, a Nevada
general partnership, and (iii) that certain Guaranty by the Company in favor of
Bank of America National Trust and Savings Association dated as of July 12, 1995
relating to Victoria Partners, a Nevada general partnership.
 
    "FUNDED DEBT" means all Indebtedness of the Company which (i) matures by its
terms, or is renewable at the option of any obligor thereon to a date, more than
one year after the date of original issuance of such Indebtedness and (ii) ranks
at least PARI PASSU with the Debt Securities.
 
    "INDEBTEDNESS" of any person means (a) any indebtedness of such person,
contingent or otherwise, in respect of borrowed money (whether or not the
recourse of the lender is to the whole of the assets of such person or only to a
portion thereof), or evidenced by bonds, notes, debentures or similar
instruments or letters of credit, or representing the balance deferred and
unpaid of the purchase price of any property, including any such indebtedness
incurred in connection with the acquisition by such person or any of its
subsidiaries of any other business or entity, if and to the extent such
indebtedness would appear as a liability upon a balance sheet of such person
prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, including
for such purpose obligations under capitalized leases, and (b) any guaranty,
endorsement (other than for collection or deposit in the ordinary course of
business), discount with recourse, agreement (contingent or otherwise) to
purchase, repurchase or otherwise acquire or to supply or advance funds with
respect to, or to become liable with respect to (directly or indirectly) any
indebtedness, obligation, liability or dividend of any person, but shall not
include indebtedness or amounts owed (except to banks or other financial
institutions) for compensation to employees, or for goods or materials
purchased, or services utilized, in the ordinary course of business of such
person. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the foregoing,
"Indebtedness" shall not include (i) any contracts providing for the completion
of construction or other payment or performance with respect to the
construction, maintenance or improvement of property or equipment of the Company
or its Affiliates or (ii) any contracts providing for the obligation to advance
funds, property or services on behalf of an Affiliate of the Company in order to
maintain the financial condition of such Affiliate, in each case, including
Existing Completion Guarantees and Make-Well Agreements. For purposes hereof, a
"capitalized lease" shall be deemed to mean a lease of real or personal property
which, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, is required
be capitalized.
 
    "JOINT VENTURE" means (i) with respect to properties located in the United
States, any partnership, corporation or other entity, in which up to and
including 50% of the partnership interests, outstanding voting stock or other
equity interests is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company and/or one or
more subsidiaries, and (ii) with respect to properties located outside the
United States,
 
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any partnership, corporation or other entity, in which up to and including 60%
of the partnership interests, outstanding voting stock or other equity interests
is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company and/or one or more
subsidiaries.
 
    "LIEN" means any mortgage, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, deposit
arrangement, encumbrance, security interest, lien (statutory or other), or
preference, priority or other security or similar agreement or preferential
arrangement of any kind or nature whatsoever (including, without limitation, any
conditional sale or other title retention agreement having substantially the
same economic effect as any of the foregoing).
 
    "RESORT PROPERTY" means any property owned or to be owned by the Company or
any of its subsidiaries that is, or will be upon completion, a casino (including
a riverboat casino), casino-hotel, destination resort or a theme park.
 
    "SALE AND LEASE-BACK TRANSACTION" means any arrangement with any person
(other than the Company or a subsidiary of the Company), or to which any such
person is a party, providing for the leasing to the Company or a subsidiary of
the Company for a period of more than three years of any Consolidated Property
which has been or is to be sold or transferred by the Company or such subsidiary
to such person or to any other person (other than the Company or a subsidiary of
the Company), to which funds have been or are to be advanced by such person on
the security of the leased property.
 
    "subsidiary" of any person means (i) any corporation of which at least a
majority in interest of the outstanding stock having by the terms thereof voting
power under ordinary circumstances to elect a majority of the directors of such
corporation, irrespective of whether or not at the time stock of any other class
or classes of such corporation shall have or might have voting power by reason
of the happening of any contingency, is at the time, directly or indirectly,
owned or controlled by such person, or by one or more other corporations a
majority in interest of such stock of which is similarly owned or controlled, or
by such person and one or more other corporations a majority in interest of such
stock of which is similarly owned or controlled and (ii) any other person (other
than a corporation, or a partnership, corporation or other entity described in
clause (ii) of the definition of Joint Venture) in which such person or any
subsidiary, directly or indirectly, has greater than a 50% ownership interest.
 
    "VALUE" means, with respect to a Sale and Lease-Back Transaction, as of any
particular time, the amount equal to the greater of (i) the net proceeds of the
sale or transfer of property leased pursuant to such Sale and Lease-Back
Transaction or (ii) the fair value, in the opinion of the Company's Board of
Directors as evidenced by a board resolution, of such property at the time of
entering into such Sale and Lease-Back Transaction.
 
SUCCESSOR CORPORATION AND ASSIGNMENT
 
    The Indentures provide that the Company may not consolidate with, merge into
or transfer all or substantially all of its assets to, another person unless (i)
the successor, if other than the Company, is a corporation organized under the
laws of the United States or any state thereof or the District of Columbia, (ii)
it assumes all obligations of the Company under the Debt Securities and the
Indentures, and (iii) immediately after such transaction no Default or Event of
Default exists. Thereafter, all such obligations of the Company will terminate.
 
EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND NOTICE THEREOF
 
    Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the term
"Event of Default," when used in an Indenture with respect to any series of Debt
Securities, will mean any one of the following: (i) failure of the Company to
pay (whether or not prohibited by the subordination provisions (if any))
interest for 30 days on, or the principal when due of, such series of Debt
Securities; (ii) failure to perform any other covenant contained in such
Indenture for 30 days after notice; (iii) the occurrence of an event of default
under any instrument evidencing Indebtedness of the Company or its subsidiaries
entitling the holder or holders thereof to accelerate the payment of an
aggregate principal amount of $10,000,000 or more of such Indebtedness, which
event of default is not cured or
 
                                       13
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waived in accordance with the provisions of such instrument, or such
Indebtedness is not discharged within 30 days after the receipt by the Company
of notice from the Trustee or the holders of 25% in principal amount of such
series of Debt Securities then outstanding of such event of default; and (iv)
certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization.
 
    The Indentures will provide that the Trustee will, within 90 days after the
occurrence of a default that is known to the Trustee with respect to any series
of Debt Securities, give the holders of such series of Debt Securities, notice
of such default (the term "default" to include the events specified above
without grace or notice), PROVIDED, that, except in the case of default in the
payment of principal of or interest on such series of Debt Securities, the
Trustee shall be protected in withholding such notice if it in good faith
determines that the withholding of such notice is in the interest of the holders
of such series of Debt Securities.
 
    In case an Event of Default occurs and is continuing with respect to any
series of Debt Securities, the Trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in
principal amount of such series of Debt Securities, by notice in writing to the
Company (and to the Trustee if given by the holders of such series of Debt
Securities), may declare the principal of and all accrued interest on all such
series of Debt Securities (but in no event more than the maximum amount of
principal and interest thereon allowed by law) to be due and payable
immediately. Such declaration may be rescinded by holders of a majority in
principal amount of such series of Debt Securities then outstanding if, among
other conditions, all existing Events of Default relating to such series of Debt
Securities have been cured or waived and if the rescission would not conflict
with any judgment or decree.
 
    Defaults with respect to any series of Debt Securities (except, unless
theretofore cured, a default in payment of principal of or interest on such
series of Debt Securities or default with respect to a provision which cannot be
modified under the terms of the applicable Indenture without the consent of each
holder of the Debt Securities affected) may be waived by the holders of a
majority in principal amount of such series of Debt Securities then outstanding
upon the conditions provided in such Indenture.
 
    The Indentures will include a covenant that the Company will file annually
with the Trustee a statement regarding compliance by the Company with the terms
thereof and specifying any defaults of which the signers may have knowledge.
 
MODIFICATION OF THE INDENTURES
 
    Under the Indentures, the rights and obligations of the Company and the
rights of the holders of the Debt Securities may be modified by the Company and
the Trustee only with the consent of the holders of not less than a majority in
principal amount of the class of Debt Securities then outstanding affected by
such modification; but no reduction in the principal, or extension of the
maturity, of any Debt Securities in a manner adverse to the holders of the Debt
Securities, or reduction of the interest rate or extension of the time of
payment of interest on the Debt Securities in a manner adverse to the holders of
the Debt Securities, or any modification of the subordination provisions (if
any) in a manner adverse to the holders of the Debt Securities, or reduction of
the percentage required for modification, will be effective against any holder
of the Debt Securities without such holder's consent. Under certain
circumstances, however, the Company may amend or supplement the Indentures
without notice to or the consent of any holders of the Debt Securities.
 
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE OF INDENTURES
 
    Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, each
Indenture with respect to any series of Debt Securities will be discharged upon
payment in full of such series of Debt Securities outstanding thereunder, or
upon the deposit with the Trustee, in trust, of money and/or U.S. Government
Obligations which through the payment of interest and principal in respect
thereof in accordance with their terms will, without consideration of any
reinvestment of such interest, provide money in an amount sufficient to pay and
discharge the principal of and each installment of interest on such series of
Debt Securities on the maturity or redemption date, as the case may be, of
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
such payments in accordance with the terms of the applicable Indenture and such
series of Debt Securities issued thereunder. The Company will be entitled to
make such a deposit if, among other things, the Company has delivered to the
Trustee an Opinion of Counsel, reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, to the
effect that (i) the holders of such series of Debt Securities will not recognize
income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of such deposit
and defeasance of the applicable Indenture and will be subject to federal income
tax on the same amount and in the same manner and at the same times as would
have been the case if such deposit and defeasance had not occurred and (ii) the
trust funds will not be subject to the effect of any applicable bankruptcy,
insolvency, reorganization or similar laws affecting creditors' rights
generally.
 
COVENANT DEFEASANCE
 
    Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, each
Indenture will provide that the Company may be released from its obligations
with respect to any series of Debt Securities relating to the Company's
obligations with respect to the payment of taxes and other claims, maintenance
of properties, limitations on liens, limitations on sale and lease-back
transactions, and limitations on when the Company may merge, and that such
release will not be deemed to be an Event of Default under such Indenture with
respect to any series of Debt Securities ("covenant defeasance"), upon the
deposit with the Trustee (or other qualifying trustee), in trust, of money
and/or U.S. Government Obligations which through the payment of interest and
principal in accordance with their terms will provide money in an amount
sufficient to pay and discharge the principal of and each installment of
interest on such series of Debt Securities on the maturity of such payments in
accordance with the terms of the applicable Indenture and such series of Debt
Securities issued thereunder. The Company will be entitled to make such a
deposit if, among other things, the Company has delivered to the Trustee an
Opinion of Counsel, reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, to the effect that
(i) the holders of such series of Debt Securities will not recognize income,
gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of such covenant
defeasance of certain obligations and will be subject to federal income tax on
the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been
the case if such covenant defeasance had not occurred and (ii) the trust funds
will not be subject to the effect of any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization or similar laws affecting creditors' rights generally.
 
CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE
 
    First Interstate Bank of Nevada, N.A. will be the Trustee under each of the
Indentures. All payments of principal of, and interest on, and all registration,
transfer, exchange, authentication, and delivery (including authentication and
delivery on original issuance of the Debt Securities) of, the Debt Securities
will be effected by the Trustee in Las Vegas, Nevada, or at an office designated
by the Trustee in New York, New York.
 
    Each Indenture will contain certain limitations on the right of the Trustee,
should it become a creditor of the Company, to obtain payment of claims in
certain cases or to realize on certain property received in respect of any such
claim as security or otherwise. The Trustee will be permitted to engage in other
transactions; however, if it acquires any conflicting interest it must eliminate
such conflict or resign.
 
    The Trustee also serves as a trustee with respect to the 10 5/8% Senior
Subordinated Notes of the Company Due 1997, the 6 3/4% Senior Subordinated Notes
of the Company Due 2003, and the 7 5/8% Senior Subordinated Debentures of the
Company Due 2013. In case of any conflicting interest relating to the Trustee's
duties with respect to the foregoing securities or the Debt Securities, the
Trustee shall either eliminate such conflicting interest or, except as otherwise
provided in the Trust Indenture Act, resign.
 
    The holders of a majority in principal amount of any series of Debt
Securities then outstanding will have the right to direct the time, method and
place of conducting any proceeding for exercising any remedy available to the
Trustee with respect to such series of Debt Securities, PROVIDED that such
direction would not conflict with any rule of law or with the applicable
Indenture, would not be unduly
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
prejudicial to the rights of another holder of the Debt Securities, and would
not involve the Trustee in personal liability. The Indentures will provide that
in case an Event of Default shall occur and be known to the Trustee (and not be
cured), the Trustee will be required to use the degree of care of a prudent man
in the conduct of his own affairs in the exercise of its power. Subject to such
provisions, the Trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its
rights or powers under the Indentures at the request of any of the holders of
the Debt Securities, unless they shall have offered to the Trustee security and
indemnity satisfactory to it.
 
NO PERSONAL LIABILITY OF DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, STOCKHOLDERS OR INCORPORATORS
 
    The Indentures will provide that no past, present or future director,
officer, employee, stockholder or incorporator of the Company or any successor
corporation shall have any liability for any obligations of the Company under
the Debt Securities or the Indentures or for any claim based on, in respect of,
or by reason of such obligations or their creation, by reason of such person's
or entities status as such director, officer, stockholder or incorporator.
 
                              PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
 
    The Company may offer the Debt Securities directly to purchasers or to or
through underwriters, dealers or agents. Any such underwriter(s), dealer(s) or
agent(s) involved in the offer and sale of the Debt Securities in respect of
which this Prospectus is delivered will be named in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement. The applicable Prospectus Supplement with respect to such Debt
Securities will also set forth the terms of the offering of such Debt
Securities, including the purchase price of such Debt Securities and the
proceeds to the Company from such sale, any underwriting discounts and other
items constituting underwriters' compensation, any initial public offering price
and any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers and any
securities exchanges on which such Debt Securities may be listed.
 
    The distribution of the Debt Securities may be effected from time to time in
one or more transactions at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed, or at
market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to such
prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices. The applicable Prospectus
Supplement will describe the method of distribution of the Debt Securities.
 
    If underwriters are used in an offering of Debt Securities, the name of each
managing underwriter, if any, and any other underwriters and terms of the
transaction, including any underwriting discounts and other items constituting
compensation of the underwriters and dealers, if any, will be set forth in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement relating to such offering and the Debt
Securities will be acquired by the underwriters for their own accounts and may
be resold from time to time in one or more transactions, including negotiated
transactions, at a fixed public offering price or at varying prices determined
at the time of sale. Any initial public offering price and any discounts or
concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers may be changed from time to
time. It is anticipated that any underwriting agreement pertaining to any Debt
Securities will (1) entitle the underwriters to indemnification by the Company
against certain civil liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribution
with respect to payments which the underwriters may be required to make in
respect thereof, (2) provide that the obligations of the underwriters will be
subject to certain conditions precedent and (3) provide that the underwriters
will be obligated to purchase all Debt Securities offered in a particular
offering if any such Debt Securities are purchased.
 
    If a dealer is used in an offering of Debt Securities, the Company will sell
such Debt Securities to the dealer, as principal. The dealer may then resell
such Debt Securities to the public at varying prices to be determined by such
dealer at the time of resale. The name of the dealer and the terms of the
transaction will be set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement relating
thereto.
 
                                       16
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    If an agent is used in an offering of Debt Securities, the agent will be
named, and the terms of the agency will be set forth, in the applicable
Prospectus Supplement relating thereto. Unless otherwise indicated in such
applicable Prospectus Supplement, an agent will act on a best efforts basis for
the period of its appointment.
 
    Dealers and agents named in an applicable Prospectus Supplement may be
deemed to be underwriters (within the meaning of the Securities Act) of the Debt
Securities described therein and, under agreements which may be entered into
with the Company, may be entitled to indemnification by the Company against
certain civil liabilities under the Securities Act. Underwriters, dealers and
agents may be customers of, engage in transactions with, or perform services
for, the Company in the ordinary course of business.
 
    Offers to purchase Debt Securities may be solicited, and sales thereof may
be made, by the Company directly to institutional investors or others, who may
be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of the Securities Act with
respect to any resales thereof. The terms of any such offer will be set forth in
the applicable Prospectus Supplement relating thereto.
 
    If so indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the Company will
authorize underwriters or other agents of the Company to solicit offers by
certain institutional investors to purchase Debt Securities from the Company
pursuant to contracts providing for payment and delivery at a future date.
Institutional investors with which such contracts may be made include commercial
and savings banks, insurance companies, pension funds, investment companies,
educational and charitable institutions and others, but in all cases such
purchasers must be approved by the Company. The obligations of any purchaser
under any such contract will not be subject to any conditions except that (1)
the purchase of the Debt Securities shall not at the time of delivery be
prohibited under the laws of any jurisdiction to which such purchaser is subject
and (2) if the Debt Securities are also being sold to underwriters, the Company
shall have sold to such underwriters the Debt Securities not subject to delayed
delivery. Underwriters and other agents will not have any responsibility in
respect of the validity or performance of such contracts.
 
    The anticipated date of delivery of Debt Securities will be set forth in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement relating to each offering.
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
    Certain legal matters will be passed upon for the Company by Latham &
Watkins, and, as to matters of Nevada law, by Schreck, Jones, Bernhard, Woloson
& Godfrey Chartered.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
    The consolidated financial statements incorporated by reference in the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 1995,
and the combined financial statements of Gold Strike Resorts for the years ended
December 31, 1994 and 1993 incorporated by reference in Amendment No. 1 on Form
8-K/A to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 1, 1995
incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and elsewhere in the Registration
Statement to the extent and for the periods indicated in their reports have been
audited by Arthur Andersen, LLP, independent public accountants and are
incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon the authority of said firm as
experts in giving said reports.
 
    The financial statements of Elgin Riverboat Resort-Riverboat Casino for the
years ended December 31, 1994 and 1993 incorporated by reference in Amendment
No. 1 on Form 8-K/A to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 1,
1995 incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and elsewhere in the
Registration Statement to the extent and for the periods indicated in their
reports, have been audited by Coopers & Lybrand LLP, independent public
accountants, and are incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon the
authority of that firm as experts in giving said report.
 
                                       17
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                        CIRCUS CIRCUS ENTERPRISES, INC.


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