HARRAHS ENTERTAINMENT INC
10-Q, 1997-05-14
MISCELLANEOUS AMUSEMENT & RECREATION
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<PAGE>

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)
(X) QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
      SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD
      ENDED MARCH 31, 1997

                                       OR

( ) TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
      SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD
      FROM                    TO                  .


Commission File No. 1-10410

                          HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


        Delaware                                         I.R.S.  No. 62-1411755
(State of Incorporation)                                    (I.R.S. Employer
                                                           Identification No.)


                                1023 Cherry Road
                            Memphis, Tennessee 38117
                    (Address of principal executive offices)
                                 (901) 762-8600
              (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

         Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the  Securities  Exchange  Act of
1934  during  the  preceding  12 months  (or for such  shorter  period  that the
registrant was required to file such reports),  and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days.

                        Yes         X              No
                                -------                 -------

         At March 31, 1997,  there were  outstanding  101,705,901  shares of the
Company's Common Stock.






                                  Page 1 of 60
                              Exhibit Index Page 38


<PAGE>





                         PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
                         ------------------------------
                          Item 1. Financial Statements
                          ----------------------------

     The accompanying  unaudited  Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements of
Harrah's  Entertainment,   Inc.  ("Harrah's"  or  the  "Company"),   a  Delaware
corporation,  have been prepared in  accordance  with the  instructions  to Form
10-Q,  and  therefore do not include all  information  and notes  necessary  for
complete financial  statements in conformity with generally accepted  accounting
principles. The results for the periods indicated are unaudited, but reflect all
adjustments  (consisting only of normal recurring  adjustments) which management
considers  necessary for a fair  presentation of operating  results.  Results of
operations for interim periods are not necessarily  indicative of a full year of
operations.  These Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements should be read in
conjunction  with  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  and  notes  thereto
included in the Company's 1996 Annual Report to Stockholders.

































                                       -2-


<PAGE>



                          HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
                      CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
                                   (UNAUDITED)

(In thousands, except share amounts)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          March 31, December 31,
                                                              1997         1996
                                                        ----------  -----------
ASSETS
Current assets
<S>                                                     <C>          <C>       
  Cash and cash equivalents                             $  103,135   $  105,594
  Receivables, less allowance for doubtful
    accounts of $15,542 and $14,064                         37,732       41,203
  Deferred income tax benefits                              25,455       25,551
  Prepayments and other                                     18,270       18,401
  Inventories                                               10,490       10,838
                                                        ----------   ----------
      Total current assets                                 195,082      201,587
                                                        ----------   ----------
Land, buildings, riverboats and equipment                2,039,679    1,977,960
Less: accumulated depreciation                            (609,367)    (588,066)
                                                        ----------   ----------
                                                         1,430,312    1,389,894
Investments in and advances to nonconsolidated
  affiliates                                               214,903      215,539
Deferred costs and other                                   162,540      167,053
                                                        ----------   ----------
                                                        $2,002,837   $1,974,073
                                                        ==========   ==========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities
  Accounts payable                                      $   36,966   $   44,934
  Construction payables                                     11,587       17,975
  Accrued expenses                                         160,585      139,892
  Current portion of long-term debt                          1,870        1,841
                                                        ----------   ----------
      Total current liabilities                            211,008      204,642

Long-term debt                                             937,608      889,538
Deferred credits and other                                 100,869       97,740
Deferred income taxes                                       36,546       45,443
                                                        ----------   ----------
                                                         1,286,031    1,237,363
                                                        ----------   ----------
Minority interests                                          17,011       16,964
                                                        ----------   ----------
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 3, 5, 6 and 7)

Stockholders' equity
  Common stock,  $0.10 par value,  authorized  
    360,000,000  shares,  outstanding 101,705,901 
    and 102,969,699 shares (net of 2,065,640 and
    771,571 shares held in treasury)                        10,170       10,297
  Capital surplus                                          385,636      385,941
  Retained earnings                                        285,244      290,797
  Unrealized gains on marketable equity securities          35,823       51,394
  Deferred compensation related to restricted stock        (17,078)     (18,683)
                                                        ----------   ----------
                                                           699,795      719,746
                                                        ----------   ----------
                                                        $2,002,837   $1,974,073
                                                        ==========   ==========
</TABLE>

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.












                                       -3-


<PAGE>



                          HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
                   CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                                   (UNAUDITED)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                            First Quarter Ended
                                                          March 31,    March 31,
                                                              1997         1996
                                                          --------     --------
Revenues
<S>                                                       <C>          <C>     
  Casino                                                  $313,825     $321,146
  Food and beverage                                         45,691       43,914
  Rooms                                                     26,700       26,850
  Management fees                                            5,606        3,609
  Other                                                     16,512       20,725
  Less: casino promotional allowances                      (34,235)     (33,361)
                                                          --------     --------
      Total revenues                                       374,099      382,883
                                                          --------     --------
Operating expenses
  Direct
    Casino                                                 165,152      158,933
    Food and beverage                                       22,805       22,434
    Rooms                                                    8,554        8,486
  Depreciation of buildings, riverboats and equipment       24,582       20,071
  Development costs                                          1,956        3,328
  Preopening costs                                           7,466          214
  Other                                                     87,098       87,476
                                                          --------     --------
      Total operating expenses                             317,613      300,942
                                                          --------     --------
        Operating profit                                    56,486       81,941

  Corporate expense                                         (7,592)      (7,271)
  Equity in income (losses) of nonconsolidated
    affiliates                                              (2,148)         161
  Project reorganization costs                              (1,455)      (2,401)
                                                          --------     --------
Income from operations                                      45,291       72,430
Interest expense, net of interest capitalized              (17,815)     (16,579)
Other income, including interest income                      3,106          529
                                                          --------     --------
Income before income taxes and minority interests           30,582       56,380
Provision for income taxes                                 (11,647)     (21,383)
Minority interests                                          (1,824)      (3,587)
                                                          --------     --------
Net income                                                $ 17,111     $ 31,410
                                                          ========     ========
Earnings per share                                        $   0.17     $   0.30
                                                          ========     ========
Average common shares outstanding                          102,156      103,379
                                                          ========     ========
</TABLE>


See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.

















                                       -4-


<PAGE>



                          HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
                 CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                   (UNAUDITED)

(In thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            First Quarter Ended
                                                           March 31,   March 31,
                                                               1997        1996
                                                           --------    --------
Cash flows from operating activities
<S>                                                        <C>         <C>     
  Net income                                               $ 17,111    $ 31,410
  Adjustments to reconcile net income
    to cash flows from operating activities
      Depreciation and amortization                          28,010      23,434
      Other noncash items                                     5,766       6,101
      Minority interests' share of net income                 1,824       3,587
      Equity in losses (income) of nonconsolidated
        affiliates                                            2,148        (161)
      Net gains from asset sales                               (943)          -
      Net change in long-term accounts                        2,088       1,321
      Net change in working capital accounts                 15,281      12,339
                                                           --------    --------
          Cash flows provided by operating activities        71,285      78,031
                                                           --------    --------
Cash flows from investing activities
  Land, buildings, riverboats and equipment additions       (65,806)    (72,856)
  (Decrease) increase in construction payables               (6,388)     11,569
  Proceeds from asset sales                                   2,846         468
  Investments in and advances to nonconsolidated
    affiliates                                              (27,039)    (15,220)
  Other                                                        (886)     (4,151)
                                                           --------    --------
          Cash flows used in investing activities           (97,273)    (80,190)
                                                           --------    --------
Cash flows from financing activities
  Net borrowings (repayments) under Revolving
    Credit Facility                                          48,997      (4,100)
  Purchases of treasury stock                               (22,790)          -
  Debt retirements                                             (902)       (290)
  Minority interests' distributions, net of contributions    (1,776)     (3,544)
                                                           --------    --------
          Cash flows provided by (used in)
            financing activities                             23,529      (7,934)
                                                           --------    --------

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents                    (2,459)    (10,093)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period              105,594      96,345
                                                           --------    --------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period                   $103,135    $ 86,252
                                                           ========    ========
</TABLE>


See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.



















                                       -5-


<PAGE>



                          HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
              NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                 MARCH 31, 1997
                                   (UNAUDITED)

Note 1 - Basis of Presentation and Organization
- -----------------------------------------------

     Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. ("Harrah's" or the "Company" and including its
subsidiaries  where the context  requires),  a Delaware  corporation,  is one of
America's leading casino companies and currently  operates casino  entertainment
facilities  in eight  states  and New  Zealand.  Harrah's  casino  entertainment
facilities  include casino hotels in all five major Nevada and New Jersey gaming
markets:  Reno, Lake Tahoe, Las Vegas and Laughlin,  Nevada;  and Atlantic City,
New Jersey.  Harrah's  riverboat and dockside  casinos are in Joliet,  Illinois;
Shreveport, Louisiana; Tunica and Vicksburg, Mississippi; and North Kansas City,
and St.  Louis,  Missouri.  Harrah's  owns a minority  interest in and manages a
casino in Auckland,  New Zealand,  and also manages casinos on Indian lands near
Phoenix,  Arizona and Seattle,  Washington.  Harrah's  discontinued managing two
limited stakes casinos in Colorado at the end of the first quarter 1997.

     The Consolidated  Condensed  Financial  Statements  include the accounts of
Harrah's  and  its   majority-owned   subsidiaries   after  elimination  of  all
significant  intercompany  accounts and transactions.  Investments in 20% to 50%
owned  companies and joint  ventures are accounted for using the equity  method.
Harrah's reflects its share of net income of these nonconsolidated affiliates in
Equity in income (losses) of nonconsolidated affiliates (see Note 7).

     Certain  amounts  for the first  quarter  ended  March  31,  1996 have been
reclassified to conform with the  presentation for the first quarter ended March
31, 1997.

Note 2 - Stockholders' Equity
- -----------------------------

     In addition to its common  stock,  Harrah's  has the  following  classes of
stock authorized but unissued:

       Preferred stock, $100 par value, 150,000 shares authorized 
       Special stock, 2,000,000 shares authorized -
         Series A, $1.125 par value

     In  October  1996,  Harrah's  Board  of  Directors  approved  a plan  which
authorized  the purchase in open market and other  transactions  of up to 10% of
Harrah's  outstanding  shares of common stock.  As of March 31, 1997,  2,018,300
shares had been purchased at an average price of $17.74 per share, and are being
held in treasury.  The Company expects to acquire additional shares from time to
time at prevailing  market prices  through the December 31, 1997,  expiration of
the approved plan.
                                       -6-


<PAGE>



                          HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                                 MARCH 31, 1997
                                   (UNAUDITED)


Note 3 - Long-Term Debt
- -----------------------
Planned Redemption of 10 7/8% Notes
- -----------------------------------

     On  April  25,  1997,  Harrah's  announced  that  its  principal  operating
subsidiary,  Harrah's Operating Company, Inc. ("HOC"), had called for redemption
on May 27, 1997, its $200 million in 10 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2002.
The call price is  104.833% of the  principal  amount,  plus  accrued and unpaid
interest  through  the  redemption  date.  Harrah's  will retire the notes using
proceeds from its revolving bank credit facility.

Interest Rate Agreements
- ------------------------

     To manage the  relative mix of its debt  between  fixed and  variable  rate
instruments,  Harrah's  enters into interest rate swap  agreements to modify the
interest  characteristics  of its  outstanding  debt  without an exchange of the
underlying  principal  amount.  At March 31,  1997,  Harrah's was a party to the
following  interest  rate swap  agreements  pursuant to which it pays a variable
interest  rate in exchange  for  receiving a fixed  interest  rate.  The average
variable rate paid by Harrah's was 5.7% at March 31, 1997, and the average fixed
interest  rate  received  was  5.9%.  The  impact  of these  interest  rate swap
agreements  on the  effective  interest  rates  of the  associated  debt  was as
follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               Effective     Next Semi-
                    Swap       Rate at       Annual Rate
Associated          Rate       March 31,     Adjustment
Debt               (LIBOR+)    1997          Date           Swap Maturity
- --------------      ------     --------      ----------     -------------

10 7/8% Notes
<S>                 <C>        <C>           <C>            <C> 
  $200 million      4.73%      10.46%        April 15       October 1997
8 3/4% Notes
  $50 million       3.42%       8.99%        May 15         May 1998
  $50 million       3.22%       8.95%        July 15        July 1998
</TABLE>

In accordance with the terms of the interest rate swap agreements, the effective
interest  rate on the $200  million 10 7/8% Notes was adjusted on April 15, 1997
to 10.82%.

     Harrah's also maintains seven  additional  interest rate swap agreements to
effectively  convert a total of $350  million in  variable  rate debt to a fixed
rate.  Pursuant  to the  terms of these  swaps,  all of which  reset  quarterly,
Harrah's  receives  variable payments tied to LIBOR in exchange for its payments
at a fixed  interest  rate.  The fixed rates to be paid by Harrah's and variable
rates to be received by Harrah's are summarized in the following table:

                                       -7-


<PAGE>



                          HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                                 MARCH 31, 1997
                                   (UNAUDITED)


Note 3 - Long-Term Debt (Continued)
- ----------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        Swap Rate
                      Swap Rate         Received
                      Paid              (Variable) at         Swap
Notional Amount       (Fixed)           March 31, 1997        Maturity
- ---------------       ---------         --------------        ------------

<C>                   <C>               <C>                   <C> 
$50 million           7.910%            5.563%                January 1998
$50 million           6.985%            5.625%                March 2000
$50 million           6.951%            5.641%                March 2000
$50 million           6.945%            5.641%                March 2000
$50 million           6.651%            5.547%                May 2000
$50 million           5.788%            5.555%                June 2000
$50 million           5.785%            5.555%                June 2000
</TABLE>

     The differences to be paid or received under the terms of the interest rate
swap  agreements  are  accrued as interest  rates  change and  recognized  as an
adjustment  to interest  expense for the related  debt.  Changes in the variable
interest  rates to be paid or received by Harrah's  pursuant to the terms of its
interest rate  agreements  will have a  corresponding  effect on its future cash
flows.  These agreements  contain a credit risk that the  counterparties  may be
unable  to meet the terms of the  agreements.  Harrah's  minimizes  that risk by
evaluating  the  creditworthiness  of its  counterparties,  which are limited to
major banks and financial institutions,  and does not anticipate  nonperformance
by the counterparties.


Note 4 - Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Paid for Interest and
- --------------------------------------------------------------
Taxes
- -----

     The following table reconciles  Harrah's interest expense,  net of interest
capitalized,  per the Consolidated  Condensed Statements of Income, to cash paid
for interest:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                          First Quarter Ended
                                                         March 31,   March 31,
                                                             1997        1996
  (In thousands)                                         --------    --------
  Interest expense, net of amount
<S>                                                       <C>         <C>    
    capitalized                                           $17,815     $16,579
  Adjustments to reconcile to cash paid
    for interest:
      Net change in accruals                               (5,252)     (3,695)
      Amortization of deferred finance charges               (797)       (787)
      Net amortization of discounts and premiums               (3)         (5)
                                                          -------     -------
  Cash paid for interest, net of amount
    capitalized                                           $11,763     $12,092
                                                          =======     =======
  Cash refunds of income taxes, net of
    payments                                              $(1,343)    $(1,056)
                                                          =======     =======
</TABLE>


                                       -8-


<PAGE>



                          HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                                 MARCH 31, 1997
                                   (UNAUDITED)


Note 5 - Commitments and Contingent Liabilities
- -----------------------------------------------

Contractual Commitments
- -----------------------

     Harrah's is pursuing  additional casino development  opportunities that may
require, individually and in the aggregate,  significant commitments of capital,
up-front  payments to third parties,  guarantees by Harrah's of third party debt
and  development  completion  guarantees.  As of March 31,  1997,  Harrah's  had
guaranteed  third party loans and leases of $101  million,  which are secured by
certain   assets,    and   had   commitments   of   $149   million,    primarily
construction-related.  In addition, Harrah's has committed to guarantee, subject
to completion of definitive loan documents, a $37 million third party loan for a
new development.

     The agreements under which Harrah's manages casinos on Indian lands contain
provisions  required by law which provide that a minimum monthly payment be made
to the tribe. That obligation has priority over scheduled payments of borrowings
for development  costs. In the event that insufficient cash flow is generated by
the  operations  to fund this  payment,  Harrah's  must pay the shortfall to the
tribe.  Such advances,  if any, would be repaid to Harrah's in future periods in
which  operations  generate cash flow in excess of the required minimum payment.
These  commitments will terminate upon the occurrence of certain defined events,
including  termination  of the  management  contract.  As of March 31, 1997, the
aggregate  monthly  commitment  pursuant to these  contracts,  which  extend for
periods  of up to 84 months  from  opening  date,  was $1.2  million,  including
commitments  for two projects  with  contracts  approved by the National  Indian
Gaming Commission that are under development but not yet open.

     In  addition  to the  amounts  described  above,  as part of a  transaction
whereby Harrah's effectively secured an option to a site for a potential casino,
Harrah's has extended its guarantee of a $22.9 million third party variable rate
bank loan pursuant to an agreement which expires February 28, 1998.

     See Note 7 for discussion of the proposed  completion  guarantees issued by
Harrah's related to development of the New Orleans' casino.






                                       -9-


<PAGE>



                          HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                                 MARCH 31, 1997
                                   (UNAUDITED)


Note 5 - Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Continued)
- ----------------------------------------------------------

Severance Agreements
- --------------------

     Harrah's has severance  agreements with 37 of its senior executives,  which
provide for payments to the executives in the event of their termination after a
change in control, as defined. These agreements provide, among other things, for
a compensation  payment  ranging from 1.5 times to 2.99 times the average of the
three  highest  years of annual  compensation  of the last five  calendar  years
preceding  the  change in  control,  as well as for  accelerated  vesting of any
compensation or awards payable to the executive under any of Harrah's  incentive
plans.  The  estimated  amount,  computed  as of March 31,  1997,  that would be
payable  under the  agreements to these  executives  based on earnings and stock
options aggregated approximately $27.1 million.


Guarantee of Insurance Contract
- -------------------------------

     Harrah's has guaranteed the value of a guaranteed  investment contract with
an  insurance  company  held by  Harrah's  defined  contribution  savings  plan.
Harrah's  has also agreed to provide  non-interest-bearing  loans to the plan to
fund,  on an  interim  basis,  withdrawals  from this  contract  by  retired  or
terminated  employees.  Harrah's  maximum exposure on this guarantee as of March
31, 1997, was $6.3 million.


Tax Sharing Agreements
- ----------------------

     In connection with the 1995 spin-off of certain hotel  operations (the "PHC
Spin-off")  to Promus Hotel  Corporation  ("PHC"),  Harrah's  entered into a Tax
Sharing  Agreement  with PHC wherein each  company is obligated  for those taxes
associated with their respective businesses. Additionally, Harrah's is obligated
for  all  taxes  for  periods  prior  to the PHC  Spin-off  date  which  are not
specifically  related to PHC  operations  and/or PHC hotel  locations.  Harrah's
obligations  under this  agreement  are not expected to have a material  adverse
effect on its consolidated financial position or results of operations.





                                      -10-


<PAGE>



                          HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                                 MARCH 31, 1997


Note 5 - Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Continued)
- ----------------------------------------------------------

Self-Insurance
- --------------

     Harrah's is self-insured for various levels of general liability,  workers'
compensation  and  employee  medical  coverage.  Insurance  claims and  reserves
include accruals of estimated  settlements for known claims, as well as accruals
of actuarial estimates of incurred but not reported claims.

Note 6 - Litigation
- -------------------

     Harrah's is involved in various inquiries,  administrative  proceedings and
litigation relating to contracts, sales of property and other matters arising in
the normal course of business. While any proceeding or litigation has an element
of uncertainty, management believes that the final outcome of these matters will
not have a material adverse effect upon Harrah's consolidated financial position
or its results of operations.

     In addition to the matters  described  above,  Harrah's  and certain of its
subsidiaries  have been named as defendants in a number of lawsuits arising from
the  suspension of development  of a land-based  casino,  and the closing of the
temporary gaming facility, in New Orleans,  Louisiana, by Harrah's Jazz Company,
a partnership  in which the Company owns an  approximate  47% interest and which
has filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S.  Bankruptcy Code (see Note
7). The ultimate  outcomes of these  lawsuits  cannot be predicted at this time,
and no  provisions  for the claims are  included in the  accompanying  financial
statements. The Company intends to defend these actions vigorously. In the event
a bankruptcy reorganization plan is consummated,  the Company anticipates that a
significant part of such litigation will be dismissed.


Note 7 - Nonconsolidated Affiliates
- -----------------------------------
Harrah's Jazz Company
- ---------------------

      A Harrah's  subsidiary  owns an approximate  47% interest in Harrah's Jazz
Company  ("Harrah's  Jazz"),  a partnership  formed for purposes of  developing,
owning and operating the exclusive land-based casino entertainment facility (the
"Rivergate  Casino")  in New  Orleans,  Louisiana,  on the  site  of the  former
Rivergate


                                      -11-


<PAGE>



                          HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                                 MARCH 31, 1997
                                   (UNAUDITED)


Note 7 - Nonconsolidated Affiliates (Continued)
- ----------------------------------------------

Convention  Center.  On November 22, 1995,  Harrah's  Jazz and its  wholly-owned
subsidiary,  Harrah's  Jazz  Finance  Corp.,  filed  petitions  for relief under
Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code.  Harrah's Jazz filed a plan of reorganization
with the  Bankruptcy  Court on April 3,  1996 and has filed  several  subsequent
amendments to the plan (the "Plan").  On April 28, 1997,  the  Bankruptcy  Court
held a confirmation hearing and approved the Plan.

     Under the Plan, the assets and business of Harrah's Jazz would vest in 
Jazz Casino Corporation, a newly formed corporation ("JCC"), on the effective 
date of the Plan. JCC would be responsible for completing construction of the 
Rivergate Casino.  Under the Plan, Harrah's Jazz's existing public debt would 
be canceled and the holders of that debt would receive 37.1% of the equity in 
JCC's parent ("JCC  Holding").  An additional 15% of the equity  in JCC 
Holding would be allocated to holders of such debt who execute  certain 
releases.  A subsidiary of the Company would receive, in exchange for equity 
investments and other consideration to be provided under the Plan, 
approximately 40% of the equity in JCC Holding. Approximately 7.9% of the 
equity in JCC Holding would be received by certain Harrah's Jazz 
partner-related parties.  In addition, holders of the public debt would 
receive (i) $187.5 million in aggregate principal amount of 8% Senior 
Subordinated Notes of JCC due 2006 with contingent payments, and (ii) a pro 
rata share of Senior Subordinated Contingent Notes of JCC due 2006.

     During the course of the  bankruptcy of Harrah's  Jazz, a subsidiary of 
the Company  has  made  debtor-in-possession   loans  to  Harrah's  Jazz,  
totalling approximately $21.0 million as of March 31, 1997, to fund certain 
obligations to the City of New  Orleans  and other cash  requirements  of  
Harrah's  Jazz.  The Company has  proposed to make up to $30 million in such 
loans,  however, there is no assurance that  Harrah's  Jazz will not  require 
debtor-in-possession  loans from the Company in excess of the $30 million 
currently proposed.

     If the Plan is consummated, Harrah's would make a $75 million equity 
investment in the project and deliver new completion guaranties.  Any  
debtor-in-possession financing,  including  the  approximately  $21.0  
million in  financing  already advanced and  discussed  above,  would be 
repaid or  converted  into equity (and count toward the $75 million 
investment referred to above) upon


                                      -12-


<PAGE>



                          HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                                 MARCH 31, 1997
                                   (UNAUDITED)


Note 7 - Nonconsolidated Affiliates (Continued)
- -----------------------------------------------

consummation  of the Plan.  The Plan also  provides  that JCC will obtain a
$155 million secured term loan and a $25 million revolving credit facility to
finance completion of the  Rivergate   Casino  and  provide  JCC  with  working
capital availability, and that Harrah's will guarantee or provide credit support
for $95 million of the term loan and all of the revolving credit  facility.  If
the Plan is consummated, it is anticipated that Harrah's will also make an
additional $20 million  subordinated  loan to JCC to assist in  financing
construction  of the Rivergate  Casino.  

     The Plan is subject to various approvals, including approval by the 
Louisiana state legislature.   There can be no assurance that such approvals 
will be obtained, that definitive agreements necessary to consummate the Plan 
will be reached or that the conditions to consummation of the Plan will be 
met.  If the Plan is consummated, it is expected that the consummation would 
occur in third quarter 1997, and, based upon the consummation occurring at 
such time, it is expected the casino would open in second quarter 1998.

Other
- -----

     Summarized   balance   sheet   and   income   statement    information  of
nonconsolidated gaming affiliates, which Harrah's accounted for using the equity
method,  as of March 31, 1997 and December 31, 1996,  and for the first quarters
ended March 31, 1997 and 1996 is included in the following tables.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                  
                                                  
                                                  March 31,      Dec. 31,
(In thousands)                                        1997          1996 
Combined Summarized Balance Sheet Information     --------      -------- 

<S>                                               <C>           <C>     
  Current assets                                  $ 37,798      $ 33,516
  Land, buildings, and equipment, net              415,514       391,133
  Other assets                                     172,994       171,748
                                                  --------      --------
    Total assets                                   626,306       596,397
                                                  --------      --------
  Current liabilities                              135,606       129,114
  Long-term debt                                   482,962       486,740
                                                  --------      --------
    Total liabilities                              618,568       615,854
                                                  --------      --------
      Net assets                                  $  7,738      $(19,457)
                                                  ========      ========
</TABLE>






                                      -13-


<PAGE>



                          HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                                 MARCH 31, 1997
                                   (UNAUDITED)


Note 7 - Nonconsolidated Affiliates (Continued)
- -----------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     First Quarter Ended
                                                  March 31,     March 31,
                                                      1997          1996
(In thousands)                                   ---------       -------
Combined Summarized Statements of Operations

<S>                                                <C>           <C>    
  Revenues                                         $ 7,704       $ 6,795
                                                   =======       =======
  Operating loss                                   $(8,014)      $(3,279)
                                                   =======       =======
  Net loss                                         $(6,382)      $(3,124)
                                                   =======       =======
</TABLE>

     Harrah's  share  of  nonconsolidated  affiliates'  combined  net  operating
results are reflected in the accompanying  Consolidated  Condensed Statements of
Income as Equity in income  (losses)  of  nonconsolidated  affiliates.  Harrah's
investments in and advances to  nonconsolidated  affiliates are reflected in the
accompanying Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  March 31,      Dec. 31,
                                                      1997          1996
(In thousands)                                    --------      --------
Harrah's investments in and advances to
 nonconsolidated affiliates
<S>                                               <C>           <C>     
  Accounted for under the equity method           $123,246      $ 98,356
  Equity securities available-for-sale
    and recorded at market value                    91,657       117,183
                                                  --------      --------
                                                  $214,903      $215,539
                                                  ========      ========
</TABLE>

   In  accordance  with the  provisions  of Statement  of  Financial  Accounting
Standards  No.  115,  "Accounting  for  Certain  Investments  in Debt and Equity
Securities",  Harrah's adjusts the carrying value of certain  marketable  equity
securities to include  unrealized gains. A corresponding  adjustment is recorded
in the Company's stockholders' equity and deferred income tax accounts.

     Condensed  financial   information   relating  to  the  Company's  minority
ownership  interest in a restaurant  affiliate has not been presented  since its
operating results and financial position are not material to Harrah's.


Note 8 - Summarized Financial Information
- -----------------------------------------

     HOC is a wholly  owned  subsidiary  and the  principal  asset of  Harrah's.
Summarized  financial  information  of HOC as of March 31, 1997 and December 31,
1996 and for the first  quarters  ended March 31, 1997 and 1996  prepared on the
same basis as Harrah's was as follows:


                                      -14-


<PAGE>



                          HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
        NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                                 MARCH 31, 1997
                                   (UNAUDITED)


Note 8 - Summarized Financial Information (Continued)
- -----------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                    March 31,     Dec. 31,
                                                        1997         1996
     (In thousands)                               ----------   ----------
<S>                                               <C>          <C>       
     Current assets                               $  191,134   $  199,838
     Land, buildings, riverboats and
       equipment, net                              1,430,312    1,389,894
     Other assets                                    377,361      382,516
                                                  ----------   ----------
                                                   1,998,807    1,972,248
                                                  ----------   ----------
     Current liabilities                             196,603      191,689
     Long-term debt                                  937,608      889,538
     Other liabilities                               137,937      143,705
     Minority interests                               17,011       16,964
                                                  ----------   ----------
                                                   1,289,159    1,241,896
                                                  ----------   ----------
          Net assets                              $  709,648   $  730,352
                                                  ==========   ==========

                                                      First Quarter Ended
                                                    March 31,    March 31,
                                                        1997         1996
     (In thousands)                                 --------     --------
     Revenues                                       $374,062     $382,838
                                                    ========     ========
     Income from operations                         $ 44,766     $ 71,830
                                                    ========     ========
     Income before income taxes and
       minority interests                           $ 30,057     $ 55,990
                                                    ========     ========
     Net income                                     $ 16,770     $ 31,020
                                                    ========     ========
</TABLE>


     The agreements  governing the terms of the Company's  debt contain  certain
covenants which,  among other things,  place limitations on HOC's ability to pay
dividends  and make other  restricted  payments,  as defined,  to Harrah's.  The
amount of HOC's restricted net assets,  as defined,  computed in accordance with
the most  restrictive of these covenants  regarding  restricted  payments (other
than for repurchases of Harrah's common stock), was approximately $699.2 million
at March 31,  1997.  With  respect to any  payments by HOC to  Harrah's  for the
purpose of providing  funds to Harrah's for the  repurchase of its common stock,
the amount of HOC's restricted net assets under such covenant was  approximately
$545.5 million at March 31, 1997.










                                      -15-


<PAGE>



         Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis
         ---------------------------------------------
       of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
       ------------------------------------------------

    The  following  discussion  and  analysis  of  the  financial  position  and
operating results of Harrah's Entertainment,  Inc. ("Harrah's" or the "Company")
for first quarter 1997 and 1996 updates, and should be read in conjunction with,
Management's  Discussion  and  Analysis  of  Financial  Position  and Results of
Operations  ("MD&A")  presented in Harrah's  1996 Annual  Report.  References to
Harrah's or the Company include its consolidated  subsidiaries where the context
requires.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
- ---------------------
Overall
- -------

    In first quarter 1997,  Harrah's financial results continued to be affected,
as have  the  results  of many  of its  competitors,  by  increased  supply  and
competition within the casino  entertainment  industry.  Also impacting Harrah's
first  quarter  1997 results were  weather-  and  construction-related  business
interruptions  at several of its  properties.  Though  Harrah's  revenue  levels
declined only slightly from the prior year, the impact of increased  competition
and business interruptions  significantly impacted Harrah's operating profit and
margins, as noted in the following table.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                   First Quarter     Percentage
(in millions, except              ---------------     Increase/
earnings per share)                 1997     1996    (Decrease)
                                  ------   ------    ----------
<S>                               <C>      <C>         <C>   
Revenues                          $374.1   $382.9      (2.3)%
Operating profit                    56.5     81.9     (31.0)%
Income from operations              45.3     72.4     (37.4)%
Net income                          17.1     31.4     (45.5)%
Earnings per share                  0.17     0.30     (43.3)%
Operating margin                    12.1%    18.9%     (6.8)pts
</TABLE>


    The  financial  impact  of these  events  can also be seen in the  following
table,   which  summarizes   contributions  to  operating  profit  (income  from
operations   before   corporate   expense,   equity   in  income   (losses)   of
nonconsolidated  affiliates and project reorganization costs) by major operating
division for the twelve  month  periods  ended March 31, 1997,  1996 and 1995 in
millions  of  dollars  and as a  percent  of the  total  for  each  of  Harrah's
divisions:






                                      -16-


<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                        Contribution for Twelve Months Ended March 31,
                        ---------------------------------------------
                        In Millions of Dollars       Percent of Total
                        ----------------------       ----------------
                            1997   1996   1995       1997  1996  1995
                            ----   ----   ----       ----  ----  ----
<S>                         <C>    <C>    <C>         <C>   <C>   <C>
 Riverboat                  $129   $172   $136        40%   45%   40%
 Atlantic City                75     85     80        23    22    24
 Southern Nevada              59     74     74        18    19    22
 Northern Nevada              55     69     70        17    18    21
 Indian/Limited Stakes         9      8      4         3     2     1
 Development costs           (11)   (17)   (22)       (3)   (4)   (6)
 Other                         8     (7)    (6)        2    (2)   (2)
                            ----   ----   ----       ---   ---   ---
   Subtotal                  324    384    336       100%  100%  100%
 Project writedowns                                  ===   ===   ===
   and reserves              (52)   (93)     -
 Preopening costs            (13)     -    (15)
                            ----   ----   ----
   Operating profit         $259   $291   $321
                            ====   ====   ====
</TABLE>


DIVISION OPERATING RESULTS AND DEVELOPMENT PLANS
- ------------------------------------------------

Riverboat Division
- ------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    First Quarter         Percentage
                                   ---------------         Increase/
     (in millions)                   1997     1996        (Decrease)
                                   ------   ------        ----------
<S>                                <C>      <C>              <C>  
     Casino revenues               $148.0   $145.2           1.9 %
     Total revenues                 157.3    152.1           3.4 %
     Operating profit                29.2     41.0         (28.8)%
     Operating margin                18.6%    27.0%         (8.4)pts
</TABLE>

    Despite  increased  revenues for the Division in first quarter 1997 over the
1996 first quarter,  operating  margins and profits  declined in the face of new
and increased competition in several riverboat markets over the past year.

    First quarter  revenues,  operating profit and margins at Harrah's Joliet in
Illinois  declined  as  compared  to the prior year due to the near  doubling of
regional supply introduced in neighboring Indiana since June 1996. First quarter
gaming  volume at  Harrah's  Joliet  declined  26% in 1997  from the prior  year
period,  significantly impacting property revenues. Operating profit and margins
were further impacted by higher marketing and promotional expenses that resulted
from  the  increased  competition.   The  Company  has  made  certain  operating
adjustments at the Joliet  property,  including a  modification  of the cruising
schedule,  in an effort to  stabilize  operating  results.  These  modifications
helped lead to a 35% improvement in operating profit from fourth quarter 1996 to
first quarter 1997.  Though  management  believes  that these  adjustments  have
stabilized the



                                      -17-


<PAGE>



property's  operating results,  revenues and operating profit at Harrah's Joliet
are not expected to return to their previous levels.  Harrah's is continuing its
evaluation  of a  proposed  expansion  project at the  Joliet  property,  but no
decisions regarding the expansion have been made.

    Harrah's two properties in Tunica, Mississippi reported a combined operating
loss for first quarter 1997 due to the continuing highly competitive environment
in that market.  Subsequent to the end of first quarter 1997, Harrah's announced
its  intention to close the original  Tunica casino and focus its efforts in the
Tunica  market on the newer  Tunica Mardi Gras  property,  which opened in April
1996.  The  Company  is  continuing  to explore  its  options  for the  ultimate
disposition of the original Tunica building. A reserve for the impairment of the
original  Tunica  property was recorded in fourth quarter 1996. The Company will
evaluate   whether  any   additional   reserves  are  required  upon  the  final
determination  of the  disposition of the property.  During second quarter 1997,
the Company acquired its minority  partner's interest in both Tunica properties.
The cost of this acquisition was not material to Harrah's.

    Harrah's  North Kansas City achieved  higher  revenues in first quarter 1997
over the 1996  period,  due  primarily  to the  Company's  addition  of a second
riverboat  casino  in May 1996.  Operating  profit  declined  21% from the prior
year's first quarter,  however, due to increased marketing and promotional costs
brought on by additional competition, including a major new property that opened
in January 1997.  Also  contributing  to the decline was the decision during the
1996 first quarter to discontinue the property's admission charge.

    Harrah's  Shreveport  posted record  revenues and operating  profit in first
quarter  1997 as the  Company's  performance  in this  market  remained  strong.
Harrah's is continuing  its  evaluation of various  expansion  scenarios for its
Shreveport facility.  Harrah's plans to complete this evaluation and could begin
construction  of the expansion as early as mid-year 1997,  with phased  openings
and a targeted  completion  date during the last half of 1998,  if the expansion
proceeds.  Any  expansion  project  is  subject  to  the  receipt  of  necessary
regulatory  approvals  and  reaching  a  definitive  agreement  with the City of
Shreveport.

    On  March  11,  1997,   Harrah's  opened  its  St.  Louis  Riverport  casino
entertainment complex in Maryland Heights,  Missouri, a suburb of St. Louis. The
facility includes four riverboat casinos, two of which are owned and operated by
Harrah's,  and shoreside  facilities  jointly-owned with Players  International,
Inc.,  including a 291-room  Harrah's-managed  hotel and an entertainment  mall.
Harrah's two riverboats contain a combined total of approximately  52,000 square
feet  of  casino  space,  1,230  slot  machines  and 80  table  games.  Harrah's
investment in the




                                      -18-


<PAGE>



Maryland Heights development project is expected to total $180 million, of which
approximately  $156  million  had been  invested  at March 31,  1997,  including
approximately  $97 million in  contributions  to the partnership  developing the
shoreside  facilities.  Because this facility opened late in the quarter,  first
quarter operating results from the development were not material.

Atlantic City
- -------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   First Quarter        Percentage
                                  ---------------        Increase/
     (in millions)                 1997      1996       (Decrease)
                                  -----     -----       ----------
<S>                               <C>       <C>            <C>  
     Casino revenues              $76.0     $72.7          4.5 %
     Total revenues                82.6      78.5          5.2 %
     Operating profit              14.9      14.7          1.4 %
     Operating margin              18.0%     18.7%        (0.7)pts
</TABLE>

    In Atlantic City,  Harrah's 1997 first quarter  revenues  improved from 1996
levels,  but the continuing  competitive  environment in that market resulted in
relatively  small profit growth and decreasing  margins.  Harrah's  continues to
incur higher than historical  complimentary and promotional expenses in order to
maintain  its  relative  competitive  position.  A new 416- room hotel  tower is
expected to begin opening in late second quarter 1997. This represents the final
phase of an $83.7 million expansion project,  of which approximately $63 million
had been spent as of March 31, 1997.

    No  decisions  regarding  whether or not to proceed  with a possible  second
phase to its  Atlantic  City  expansion  have  been  made.  Such  decisions  are
dependent, in part, upon substantive progress on development of new casino hotel
projects in the Marina area of Atlantic City by other companies.

Southern Nevada Division
- ------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   First Quarter        Percentage
                                  ---------------        Increase/
     (in millions)                 1997      1996       (Decrease)
                                  -----     -----       ----------
<S>                               <C>       <C>          <C>    
     Casino revenues              $43.7     $50.3        (13.1)%
     Total revenues                64.6      75.6        (14.6)%
     Operating profit              10.9      19.5        (44.1)%
     Operating margin              16.9%     25.8%        (8.9)pts
</TABLE>

    1997 first  quarter  results in Southern  Nevada  continue to be impacted by
construction  disruptions at Harrah's Las Vegas,  where a $200 million expansion
and renovation  project continues.  The construction  activity has often impeded
access to the Las Vegas  property,  resulting in a 15% decrease in first quarter
gaming volume compared with the



                                      -19-


<PAGE>



prior year period.  Operating profits and margins have been further impacted due
to the  difficulty  in reducing  certain  fixed costs  proportionately  with the
revenue  declines,  along  with  higher  operating  costs  associated  with  the
construction   disruptions.   The   additional   casino  space  and  the  facade
improvements  are being opened in phases and are expected to be completed during
third  quarter  1997.  Harrah's is scheduled to begin opening the hotel rooms in
May 1997,  with  completion  of the tower  expected by the end of third  quarter
1997.  As of March 31, 1997,  approximately  $123 million had been spent on this
project.

    Harrah's  Laughlin  continues to be affected by competition from neighboring
Arizona and  California  Indian casinos and from high profile new Las Vegas area
casino developments. In first quarter 1997, gaming volume declined 6.8% from the
prior year period,  resulting in lower revenues,  operating profit and operating
margin.

    At the present  time,  no definitive  plans have been  completed  related to
Harrah's  previously  announced interest in the construction or acquisition of a
second Las Vegas property,  and there is no assurance the Company will construct
or acquire such a property.

Northern Nevada Division
- ------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   First Quarter        Percentage
                                  ---------------        Increase/
     (in millions)                 1997      1996       (Decrease)
                                  -----     -----       ----------
<S>                               <C>       <C>          <C>    
     Casino revenues              $46.1     $52.9        (12.9)%
     Total revenues                61.2      70.5        (13.2)%
     Operating profit               5.2      10.4        (50.0)%
     Operating margin               8.5%     14.8%        (6.3)pts
</TABLE>

    In  Northern  Nevada,  1997  first  quarter  operations  were  significantly
impacted by weather  conditions,  where  flooding in the region twice closed the
primary access road to Lake Tahoe for a combined  total of forty-five  days, and
closed Harrah's Reno for one day. Though Harrah's properties were able to regain
portions of the lost revenue as access to the properties improved,  the costs of
operating  the casinos  during  these slow periods and the  additional  expenses
incurred in connection  with these events  negatively  impacted  overall  profit
margins.  At Harrah's Reno and Harrah's Lake Tahoe,  first quarter gaming volume
fell 3.5% and 15.1%  respectively,  and  operating  profit fell 36.7% and 53.3%,
respectively, from their prior year levels, due in large part to these events.







                                      -20-


<PAGE>



Indian and Limited Stakes
- -------------------------

    Revenues  and  operating  profit from  Harrah's  Indian and  limited  stakes
casinos  increased in first quarter 1997 over the 1996 period,  due primarily to
higher management fees from Harrah's Phoenix Ak-Chin casino.

    As  previously  announced,  on March 31,  1997,  Harrah's  discontinued  its
management of both Colorado casinos.  This action did not have a material impact
on Harrah's first quarter 1997 financial statements.

    Harrah's  continues  to  pursue  additional  development  opportunities  for
casinos  on Indian  land and has  received  National  Indian  Gaming  Commission
("NIGC") approval of development and management agreements with the Eastern Band
of Cherokees for a casino development at Cherokee, North Carolina.  Construction
on this  project is underway  and the $82 million  facility,  which will contain
approximately  60,000  square feet of casino  space,  is expected to open during
fourth quarter 1997.  Though  Harrah's is not funding this  development,  it has
guaranteed the related bank financing, of which $15.6 million was outstanding at
March 31, 1997.

    In early 1997, Harrah's received NIGC approval of development and management
agreements  with the Prairie Band of Potawatomi  Indians for a development  near
Topeka,  Kansas.  Construction will begin during second quarter 1997, subject to
completion  of  financing,  on a $37 million  casino  facility that will include
approximately  27,000  square  feet of casino  space.  This  facility,  which is
expected to be  completed  by the end of 1997,  assuming  timely  receipt of all
approvals and permits,  will be managed by a Harrah's subsidiary and financed by
loans which Harrah's will guarantee.

    Harrah's has also previously  announced agreements with other Indian tribes,
which  are  in  various  stages  of  negotiation  and  are  subject  to  certain
conditions,  including  approval from appropriate  government  agencies.  If the
necessary  approvals  for these  projects are  received,  Harrah's  would likely
guarantee  the  related  bank  financing  for  the  projects,   which  could  be
significant.

    The agreements  under which Harrah's manages casinos on Indian lands contain
provisions  required by law which provide that a minimum monthly payment be made
to the tribe. That obligation has priority over scheduled payments of borrowings
for development  costs. In the event that insufficient cash flow is generated by
the  operations  to fund this  payment,  Harrah's  must pay the shortfall to the
tribe.  Such advances,  if any, would be repaid to Harrah's in future periods in
which  operations  generate cash flow in excess of the required minimum payment.
These



                                      -21-


<PAGE>



commitments  will  terminate  upon the  occurrence  of certain  defined  events,
including  termination  of the  management  contract.  As of March 31, 1997, the
aggregate  monthly  commitment  pursuant  to these  contracts  which  extend for
periods  of up to 84 months  from  opening  date,  was $1.2  million,  including
commitments  for two projects  with  contracts  approved by the National  Indian
Gaming Commission that are under development but not yet open.

    See DEBT and LIQUIDITY section for further discussion of Harrah's guarantees
of debt related to Indian projects.

Other
- -----

    During  first  quarter  1996,  Harrah's  Sky City in  Auckland,  New Zealand
opened,  the first Harrah's  casino  entertainment  facility  outside the United
States.  The facility  includes  51,500 square feet of casino space,  a 344-room
hotel,  a 770-seat  theater and other  amenities.  Construction  continues  on a
1,066-foot sky tower, the final phase of the Sky City project, which is expected
to open in August,  1997.  This  facility  is owned by Sky City  Limited,  a New
Zealand  publicly-traded company in which Harrah's owns a 12.5% equity interest,
and is managed by Harrah's for a fee. Management fees received from Harrah's Sky
City are reported in Revenues-Management  Fees. Dividends received from Sky City
Limited are included in Other income.

    Development  costs for first quarter 1997  decreased  from prior year levels
due to lower levels of development activity.

OTHER FACTORS AFFECTING NET INCOME
- ----------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                 First Quarter      Percentage
(Income)/Expense                ---------------      Increase/
(in millions)                    1997      1996     (Decrease)
                                -----     -----     ----------
<S>                             <C>       <C>              
Preopening costs                $ 7.5     $ 0.2         N/M
Equity in (income) losses of
  nonconsolidated affiliates      2.1      (0.2)        N/M
Corporate expense                 7.6       7.3         4.1 %
Project reorganization costs      1.5       2.4       (37.5)%
Interest expense, net            17.8      16.6         7.2 %
Other income                     (3.1)     (0.5)        N/M
Effective tax rate               38.1%     37.9%        0.2 pts
Minority interests              $ 1.8     $ 3.6       (50.0)%
</TABLE>

    Preopening  costs for 1997 include  costs  incurred in  connection  with the
first  quarter 1997 opening of Harrah's St.  Louis  Riverport  casino  property,
along  with  ongoing  costs  related  to the  expansion  at  Harrah's  Las Vegas
property. 1996 preopening costs related to an expansion at Harrah's North Kansas
City



                                      -22-


<PAGE>



property.  Equity in (income)  losses of  nonconsolidated  affiliates  for first
quarter  1997  consists  primarily  of losses from  Harrah's  share of the joint
venture portion of the St. Louis  development,  including its $1.6 million share
of the joint venture's  preopening costs,  partially offset by Harrah's share of
income from a restaurant  affiliate.  Harrah's  previously reported its share of
joint venture pre-interest operating results in Revenues-other, and its share of
joint venture interest expense as Interest  expense,  net, from  nonconsolidated
affiliates.  Prior year  amounts  have been  restated  to conform to the current
year's presentation.

    Corporate   expense   increased   slightly   in  1997  over  1996.   Project
reorganization costs represent Harrah's costs,  including legal fees, associated
with the  on-going  development  of a  reorganization  plan for the New  Orleans
casino (see Harrah's Jazz Company  section).  Interest expense increased in 1997
over 1996,  primarily as a result of higher debt levels.  Other income increased
in 1997 due to the  inclusion  in 1997 of  dividend  income  from  Harrah's  New
Zealand investment and a gain on the sale of nonoperating property.

    The effective tax rates for all years are higher than the federal  statutory
rate  primarily  due to state income  taxes.  Minority  interests  reflect joint
venture  partners'  shares of  income at joint  venture  riverboat  casinos  and
decreased  in 1997  from  the  prior  year  level as a  result  of lower  Joliet
earnings.

    In fourth  quarter 1997,  Harrah's will adopt the provisions of Statement of
Financial  Accounting Standards No. 128, "Earnings per Share", which establishes
new standards for computing  and  presenting  earnings per share.  The following
table  presents  actual  earnings  per share and pro  forma  earnings  per share
computed as if the provisions SFAS No. 128 been in effect for the first quarter:

 <TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             First Quarter
                                             -------------
                                              1997    1996
                                             -----   -----
     Earnings per share
<S>                                          <C>     <C>  
       As reported                           $0.17   $0.30
       Pro forma (basic)                      0.17    0.31
       Pro forma (diluted)                    0.17    0.30
</TABLE>


HARRAH'S JAZZ COMPANY
- ---------------------

    For an update of the  status of the  efforts  to  reorganize  Harrah's  Jazz
Company,  which filed a petition for relief under  Chapter 11 of the  Bankruptcy
Code on November 22, 1995, see Note 7 to the accompanying Consolidated Condensed
Financial Statements.


                                      -23-


<PAGE>



CAPITAL SPENDING AND DEVELOPMENT SUMMARY
- ----------------------------------------

    In addition to the specific  development  and expansion  projects  discussed
above,  Harrah's performs  on-going  refurbishment and maintenance at its casino
entertainment  facilities in order to maintain the Company's quality  standards.
Harrah's  also  continues to pursue  development  opportunities  for  additional
casino entertainment facilities that meet its strategic and return on investment
criteria.  Prior to the receipt of necessary regulatory approvals,  the costs of
pursuing  development projects are expensed as incurred.  Construction-related
costs  incurred  after the receipt of necessary  approvals are  capitalized  and
depreciated over the estimated  useful life of the resulting  asset.  Preopening
costs incurred during the  construction  period are deferred and expensed at the
respective property's opening.

    The  Company's  planned  development  projects,  if  they go  forward,  will
require, individually and in the aggregate, significant capital commitments and,
if completed,  may result in significant  additional revenues. The commitment of
capital,  the timing of completion and the  commencement of operations of casino
entertainment  development  projects are  contingent  upon,  among other things,
negotiation of final  agreements  and receipt of approvals from the  appropriate
political and regulatory bodies. Cash needed to finance projects currently under
development  as well as  additional  projects  being pursued by Harrah's will be
made  available  from  operating  cash flows,  the bank  Facility  (see Debt and
Liquidity section), Harrah's existing shelf registration (see Debt and Liquidity
section),  joint venture  partners,  specific project  financing,  guarantees by
Harrah's of third party debt and, if necessary,  additional Harrah's debt and/or
equity  offerings.  Harrah's  capital  spending for first  quarter 1997 totalled
approximately  $93 million.  Estimated total capital  expenditures  for 1997 are
expected to be $325 million to $375 million, including the projects discussed in
the Division Operating Results and Development Plans section,  the refurbishment
of existing  facilities and other projects,  but excluding the possible purchase
or  construction of a second Las Vegas property and the possible second phase of
Harrah's Atlantic City expansion.

    In May 1997, preliminary agreements, entered into in October 1996, 
relating to a potential casino development in the Philippines, were 
terminated.

DEBT AND LIQUIDITY
- ------------------
Bank Facility
- -------------

    As of March 31, 1997,  $530.0 million in borrowings were  outstanding  under
the Company's $1.1 billion revolving credit facility (the "Bank Facility"), with
an  additional  $19.5  million  committed  to  back  letters  of  credit.  After
consideration of these borrowings, $550.5 million of additional borrowing



                                      -24-


<PAGE>



capacity was available to the Company as of March 31, 1997.  Subsequent to March
31,  1997,  Harrah's  requested  and  received  from its bank group a consent to
release  collateral  under the existing  terms of the Bank  Facility  agreement,
along with approval to utilize over $200 million of available capacity to retire
its 10 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes (see below).

Senior Subordinated Notes
- -------------------------

    On  April  25,  1997,   Harrah's  announced  that  its  principal  operating
subsidiary,  Harrah's Operating Company, Inc. ("HOC"), had called for redemption
its $200 million in 10 7/8% Senior  Subordinated  Notes due 2002. The redemption
will occur on May 27, 1997, at a call price of 104.833%, plus accrued and unpaid
interest  through  the  redemption  date.  Harrah's  will retire the notes using
proceeds from its Bank Facility,  and expects to record an extraordinary charge,
net  of  tax,  of  approximately  $8  million  during  second  quarter  1997  in
conjunction with the redemption.

Interest Rate Agreements
- ------------------------

    As of March 31, 1997,  Harrah's was a party to the  following  interest rate
swap agreements on certain fixed rate debt:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                          Effective    Next Semi-
                 Swap     Rate at      Annual Rate
Associated       Rate     March 31,    Adjustment
Debt            (LIBOR+)  1997         Date           Swap Maturity
- --------------   ------   ---------    -----------    -------------
10 7/8% Notes
<S>              <C>      <C>          <C>            <C> 
  $200 million   4.73%    10.46%       April 15       October 1997
8 3/4% Notes
  $50 million    3.42%     8.99%       May 15         May 1998
  $50 million    3.22%     8.95%       January 15     July 1998
</TABLE>

In accordance with the terms of the interest rate swap agreements, the effective
interest  rate on the $200  million of 10 7/8% Notes was  adjusted  on April 15,
1997, to 10.82%.

    Harrah's also maintains seven additional interest rate swap agreements which
effectively  convert  variable rate debt to a fixed rate.  The  following  table
summarizes the terms of these swap agreements, all of which reset on a quarterly
basis, as of March 31, 1997:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  Swap Rate
                                  Received
                  Swap Rate      (Variable) at      Swap
Notional Amount   Paid (Fixed)    Mar. 31, 1997     Maturity
- ---------------   -----------     -------------     ------------
<C>               <C>             <C>                <C> 
$50 million       7.910%          5.563%            January 1998
$50 million       6.985%          5.625%            March 2000
$50 million       6.951%          5.641%            March 2000
$50 million       6.945%          5.641%            March 2000
$50 million       6.651%          5.547%            May 2000
$50 million       5.788%          5.555%            June 2000
$50 million       5.785%          5.555%            June 2000
</TABLE>
                                      -25-


<PAGE>



    These agreements contain a credit risk that the counterparties may be unable
to meet the terms of the agreements.  Harrah's minimizes that risk by evaluating
the creditworthiness of its counterparties, which are limited to major banks and
financial   institutions,   and  does  not  anticipate   nonperformance  by  the
counterparties.

Guarantees of Third Party Debt
- ------------------------------

    As part of a transaction  whereby  Harrah's has retained an option to a site
for a potential  casino,  Harrah's has extended its guarantee of a third party's
$22.9 million  variable rate bank loan through  February 28, 1998. In connection
with this  extension,  Harrah's  has also  agreed to fund the  monthly  interest
payments  to the lender on behalf of the third  party,  and is to be repaid from
the proceeds  from the sale of certain  assets of the third party.  The guaranty
contains an element of risk that, should the borrower be unable to perform,  the
Company  could  become  responsible  for  repayment of at least a portion of the
obligation.  Harrah's has reduced this exposure by obtaining a security interest
in certain assets of the third party.

    As described  in the Division  Operating  Results and  Development  Plans --
Indian and Limited  Stakes  section,  Harrah's may  guarantee all or part of the
debt  incurred by Indian  tribes with which  Harrah's  has entered a  management
contract to fund  development  of casinos on the Indian lands.  For all existing
guarantees  of Indian  debt,  Harrah's has obtained a first lien on the personal
property  (tangible and  intangible) of the casino  enterprise.  There can be no
assurance,   however,   the  value  of  such  property  would  satisfy  Harrah's
obligations in the event these guarantees were enforced. Additionally,  Harrah's
has received limited waivers from the Indian tribes of their sovereign  immunity
to allow  Harrah's to pursue its rights under the contracts  between the parties
and to enforce  collection efforts as to any assets in which a security interest
is taken.

Shelf Registration
- ------------------

    To provide for additional financing flexibility, Harrah's, together with its
wholly-owned  subsidiary  HOC,  have  available  until October 1997 an effective
shelf registration  statement with the Securities and Exchange  Commission.  The
statement  allows the issuance of up to $200 million of Harrah's common stock or
HOC preferred stock or debt  securities.  The issue price of the Harrah's common
stock or the terms and conditions of the HOC preferred stock or debt securities,
which would be  unconditionally  guaranteed by Harrah's,  would be determined by
market conditions at the time of issuance.





                                      -26-


<PAGE>



EQUITY TRANSACTIONS
- -------------------

    In  October  1996,  Harrah's  Board  of  Directors  approved  a  plan  which
authorizes  the  purchase  in the open  market of up to ten  percent of Harrah's
outstanding  shares of common stock. As of March 31, 1997,  2,018,300 shares had
been  purchased at a cost of  approximately  $35.8 million and are being held in
treasury.  The Company expects to acquire additional shares from time to time at
prevailing  market  prices  through  the  December  31, 1997  expiration  of the
approved plan.

EFFECTS OF CURRENT ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL CONDITIONS
- ----------------------------------------------------
Competitive Pressures
- ---------------------

    As  compared  to the early  1990's,  the number of new  markets  opening for
development  in the past year has been much more  limited and  existing  markets
have  become  much more  competitive.  The focus of many  casino  operators  has
shifted to  investing  in  existing  markets,  in an effort  both to attract new
customers and to gain a greater market share of existing customers. As companies
have completed these expansion projects,  supply has grown at a faster pace than
demand in some markets and competition has increased significantly. Furthermore,
several  operators,  including  Harrah's,  have  announced  plans for additional
developments or expansions in some markets.  The impact that these projects will
have on Harrah's operations, if they are completed, cannot be determined at this
time.

    Harrah's  properties  in the  traditional  gaming  markets of Nevada and New
Jersey have generally  reacted less  significantly  to the changing  competitive
conditions,  as the amount of supply change within these markets has represented
a smaller percentage change than that experienced in some riverboat markets.  In
Las Vegas,  several major developments have opened within the past few years and
numerous new  developments  and property  expansions,  including an expansion at
Harrah's Las Vegas, are underway.  Historically,  the Las Vegas market has grown
sufficiently  to  absorb  these  additions  to its  supply,  but there can be no
assurance  that  such  growth  will  continue.  In  the  Atlantic  City  market,
additional  casino  space and hotel rooms have  opened  within the past year and
several  major   developments  are  proposed.   This  activity  has  intensified
competition  during the last year,  increasing  promotional  costs and  reducing
margins.

    In  riverboat  markets,  the  recent  additions  to  supply  have had a more
noticeable  impact,  due to the fact that  competition  was limited in the early
stages of many of these markets.  In Joliet,  the opening in late second quarter
1996 of Indiana riverboats,  effectively doubling the Chicago area capacity, has
resulted in a




                                      -27-


<PAGE>



significant  decline in Harrah's  gaming volume from the 1996 first quarter.  
In Tunica,  a  major  new  property  opened  in June  1996,  and  several  
existing properties,  including Harrah's,  added hotel rooms and other 
amenities and more are planned. In response to competitive pressures in this 
market and in order to focus its efforts on Harrah's  Tunica Mardi Gras 
Casino,  Harrah's has announced that it will close its  original  Tunica  
property in May 1997 and  continues to evaluate its plans for that  
property's  disposition.  In October 1996, a fourth casino  entered  the  
Shreveport  market,  and in  January  1997,  a  major  new development  
opened  in  the  Kansas  City  market.  Thus  far,  the  Shreveport 
development has not significantly impacted Harrah's operating results. In 
Kansas City,  Harrah's  operating  profit levels have declined as a result of 
the  increasing competition in that market.

    Over the past several years,  there has also been a significant  increase in
the  number of casinos  on Indian  lands,  made  possible  by the Indian  Gaming
Regulatory Act of 1988.  Harrah's manages two such facilities and two additional
properties are currently  under  development.  The future growth  potential from
Indian casinos is also uncertain, however.

    Although the  short-term  effect of these  competitive  developments  on the
Company has been  negative,  Harrah's  is not able to  determine  the  long-term
impact, whether favorable or unfavorable, that these trends and events will have
on its  current  or future  markets.  Management  believes  that the  geographic
diversity  of  Harrah's  operations,  its  multi-market  customer  base  and the
Company's  continuing efforts to establish Harrah's as a premier brand name have
well-positioned  Harrah's to face the  challenges  present  within the industry.
Harrah's  has recently  unveiled  WINet,  a  sophisticated  nationwide  customer
database,  and its  national  Gold Card,  a  nationwide  frequent-  player  card
scheduled  for  implementation  later this year,  both of which it believes will
provide  competitive  advantages,  particularly with players who visit more than
one market.

Political Uncertainties
- -----------------------

    The casino  entertainment  industry is subject to political  and  regulatory
uncertainty.  In 1996, the U.S.  government formed a federal commission to study
the casino gaming  industry.  At this time,  the role of the  commission and the
ultimate  impact that it will have on the  industry is  uncertain.  From time to
time,  individual  jurisdictions  have also considered  legislation  which could
adversely impact Harrah's  operations,  and the likelihood or outcome of similar
legislation in the future is difficult to predict.

    The casino  entertainment  industry  represents a significant  source of tax
revenues to the various  jurisdictions  in which casinos  operate.  From time to
time, various state and federal  legislators and officials have proposed changes
in tax laws, or


                                      -28-


<PAGE>



in the  administration of such laws, which would affect the industry.  It is not
possible to determine with certainty the scope or likelihood of possible  future
changes in tax laws or in the  administration  of such laws.  If  adopted,  such
changes could have a material adverse effect on Harrah's financial results.

INTERCOMPANY DIVIDEND RESTRICTION
- ---------------------------------

    Agreements  governing  the terms of its debt  require  Harrah's  to abide by
covenants  which,  among other things,  limit HOC's ability to pay dividends and
make other restricted  payments,  as defined,  to Harrah's.  The amount of HOC's
restricted  net  assets,  as  defined,  computed  in  accordance  with  the most
restrictive of these covenants regarding restricted payments (other than for the
repurchase of Harrah's common stock) was  approximately  $699.2 million at March
31,  1997.  With  respect to any  payments by HOC to Harrah's for the purpose of
providing  funds to Harrah's for the repurchase of its common stock,  the amount
of HOC's  restricted  net assets under such  covenant was  approximately
$545.5 million  at March 31,  1997.  Harrah's  principal  asset is the stock of
HOC,  a wholly-owned  subsidiary  which holds,  directly and through
subsidiaries,  the principal assets of Harrah's businesses.  Given this
ownership structure,  these restrictions  should not impair Harrah's ability to
conduct its business through its  subsidiaries,  to pursue its  development
 plans or to  complete  the stock repurchase program.

PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT
- ----------------------------------------

    The  Private  Securities  Litigation  Reform  Act of 1995  provides  a "safe
harbor" for forward looking  statements.  Certain  information  included in this
Form  10-Q and  other  materials  filed or to be filed by the  Company  with the
Securities and Exchange  Commission ("SEC") (as well as information  included in
oral  statements or other written  statements made or to be made by the Company)
contains statements that are forward looking.  These include statements relating
to the following  activities,  among others:  (A)  operations  and expansions of
existing properties, including future performance, anticipated scope and opening
dates of  expansions,  and exit plans with  respect to certain  properties;  (B)
planned  openings and development of Indian casinos that would be managed by the
Company;  (C) the plan of reorganization and its various facets for New Orleans;
(D)   implementation  of  the  stock  repurchase  program  and  planned  capital
expenditures  for 1997;  (E) the possible  acquisition/construction  of a second
property  in Las  Vegas,  Nevada;  and (F) the impact of the WINet and Gold Card
programs.  These activities  involve  important  factors that could cause actual
results  to differ  materially  from  those  expressed  in any  forward  looking
statements  made by or on  behalf of the  Company.  These  include,  but are not
limited to, the following  factors as well as other factors  described from time
to time in



                                      -29-


<PAGE>



the Company's reports filed with the SEC: construction factors, including zoning
issues, environmental restrictions,  soil conditions, weather and other hazards,
site access matters and building permit issues; access to available and feasible
financing;   regulatory  and  licensing  approvals,  third  party  consents  and
approvals, and relations with partners, owners and other third parties; business
and   economic   conditions;   litigation,   judicial   actions  and   political
uncertainties,  including  gaming  legislation and taxation;  and the effects of
competition  including  locations of  competitors  and  operating  and marketing
competition.  Any forward  looking  statements  are made pursuant to the Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and, as such, speak only as of the date
made.











































                                      -30-


<PAGE>




                           PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
                           ---------------------------

                            Item 1. Legal Proceedings
                           --------------------------


         On  September  26,  1995,   Harrah's  New  Orleans  Investment  Company
("HNOIC"),  an indirect  subsidiary  of the Company,  filed in the United States
District Court for the Eastern  District of Louisiana a suit styled Harrah's New
Orleans  Investment  Company v. New Orleans Louisiana  Development  Corporation,
Civil No. 95-3166.  At issue in the suit is the percentage of ownership that New
Orleans/Louisiana  Development  Corporation  ("NOLDC")  holds in  Harrah's  Jazz
Company ("HJC"), a Louisiana partnership whose general partners are HNOIC, NOLDC
and Grand Palais Casino, Inc. This declaratory  judgment action seeks to confirm
that, as of September 26, 1995, NOLDC's percentage interest in the Harrah's Jazz
Company  partnership  was only 13.73% and,  therefore,  NOLDC is not a "Material
Partner" in HJC. This case was put on "administrative  hold" after the filing by
NOLDC of a Chapter 11 bankruptcy petition on November 21, 1995. Should it be put
back on the active list, HNOIC or the appropriate  post-bankruptcy  entity would
vigorously prosecute it. At the time the case was put on "administrative  hold,"
no discovery on the merits had been taken and no answer had been filed by NOLDC.

         On September 28, 1995, NOLDC filed suit against the Company and various
of its corporate affiliates in New Orleans Louisiana Development  Corporation v.
Harrah's  Entertainment,  formerly  d/b/a The  Promus  Companies,  Harrah's  New
Orleans Investment Company,  Harrah's New Orleans Management  Company,  Harrah's
Jazz Company, and Promus Hotels,  formerly d/b/a Embassy Suites, Inc., Civil No.
95-14653,  filed in the Civil District Court for the Parish of Orleans. The case
was  subsequently  removed by defendants to the United States District Court for
the  Eastern  District  of  Louisiana.  In this  suit,  NOLDC  seeks to  realign
ownership  interests  in  HJC  among  HNOIC  and  NOLDC.  NOLDC  also  seeks  an
unspecified  dollar amount of damages sufficient to compensate it for the losses
it alleges it has  suffered  as a result of  actions  of  defendants.  NOLDC has
indicated  that it  intends  to seek to remand  the suit to the  Civil  District
Court.  The case was also put on  "administrative  hold" by the  District  Court
Judge as a result of NOLDC's bankruptcy filing. The Company and other defendants
intend to vigorously  defend the action should it be put back on the active case
list. At the time it was put on "administrative  hold," no answer had been filed
by any defendant and no discovery had been taken.

         Beginning  on November  28, 1995,  eight  separate  class action suits
were filed  against the Company  and various of its  corporate  affiliates,
officers  and  directors  in the United  States  District  Court for the Eastern
District of  Louisiana.  They are Ben F.  D'Angelo,  Trustee for Ben F. D'Angelo
Revocable Trust v. Harrah's

                                      -31-


<PAGE>



Entertainment  Corp.,  Michael D. Rose,  Philip G. Satre and Ron Lenczycki; Max
Fenster  v. Harrah's  Entertainment,  Inc.,  Harrah's  New  Orleans  Investment
Company,  Grand Palais Casino,  Inc., Philip G. Satre, Colin V. Reed, Michael N.
Regan,  Christopher  B.  Hemmeter,   Donaldson,  Lufkin  &  Jenrette  Securities
Corporation,  Salomon Brothers, Inc., and BT Securities Corp.; Goldie Rosenbloom
v.  Harrah's  Entertainment  Corp.,  Michael  D.  Rose,  Philip G. Satre and Ron
Lenczycki;  Barry Ross v.  Harrah's New Orleans  Investment  Company,  Philip G.
Satre, Colin V. Reed,  Lawrence L. Fowler,  Michael N. Regan, Cezar M. Froelich,
Ulric Haynes, Jr., Wendell Gauthier,  T. George Solomon, Jr., Duplain W. Rhodes,
III,  Harrah's  Entertainment,  Inc.,  Donaldson,  Lufkin & Jenrette  Securities
Corporation,  Salomon Brothers Inc., and BT Securities Corp.; Louis Silverman v.
Harrah's  Entertainment,  Inc., Harrah's New Orleans Investment  Company,  Grand
Palais  Casino,  Inc.,  Philip  G.  Satre,  Colin V.  Reed,  Michael  N.  Regan,
Christopher  B.  Hemmeter,   and   Donaldson,   Lufkin  &  Jenrette   Securities
Corporation;  Florence  Kessler v.  Philip G. Satre,  Colin V. Reed,  Charles A.
Ledsinger,  Jr., Michael N. Regan, Lawrence L. Fowler,  Christopher B. Hemmeter,
Cezar M. Froelich,  Ulric Haynes,  Jr., Wendell H. Gauthier,  T. George Solomon,
Jr.,  Duplain  W.  Rhodes,   III,   Donaldson,   Lufkin  &  Jenrette  Securities
Corporation,  Salomon  Brothers  Inc.,  and BT  Securities  Corporation;  Warren
Zeiller and Judith M.R.  Zeiller v.  Harrah's  Entertainment  Corp.,  Michael D.
Rose,  Philip G.  Satre,  and Ron  Lenczycki;  and Charles  Zwerving  and Helene
Zwerving  v.  Harrah's  Entertainment  Corp.,  Philip G.  Satre,  Colin V. Reed,
Christopher  B.  Hemmeter,   and   Donaldson,   Lufkin  &  Jenrette   Securities
Corporation.  Per Court Order of January 26, 1996, the above  plaintiffs filed a
consolidated   complaint  in  the  action   numbered   95-3925  In  Re  Harrah's
Entertainment,  Inc. Securities  Litigation.  The consolidated complaint alleges
that various  misstatements  and omissions were made in connection with the sale
of Harrah's Jazz Company 14.25% First Mortgage Notes and  thereafter,  and seeks
unspecified  damages, as well as costs of legal proceedings.  On April 25, 1997,
the United States  District  Court  preliminarily  approved a settlement of this
matter, scheduling the final fairness hearing for June 26, 1997.

         On December  6, 1995 Centex  Landis,  the  general  contractor  for the
permanent  casino being developed by HJC, filed suit against the Company,  among
others,  in the Civil  District Court for The Parish of Orleans in Centex Landis
Construction Co., Inc. v. Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. formally d/b/a The Promus
Companies, Inc.; and Ronald A. Lenczycki, Civil No. 95-18101. Defendants removed
the case to the  United  States  District  Court  for the  Eastern  District  of
Louisiana and it was  subsequently  transferred to the Bankruptcy Court handling
the HJC bankruptcy.  This suit seeks to collect more than $40 million  allegedly
owed to Centex Landis by HJC from the Company under guarantee, fraud, fraudulent
advertising  and unfair  trade  practice  theories.  The  Company  and the other
defendant  intend to  vigorously  defend  the  action  and have  filed an answer
denying  all of  plaintiff's  allegations.  No  discovery  has been taken in the
action.

                                      -32-


<PAGE>



         Russell M. Swody, et al. v. Harrah's New Orleans Management Company and
Harrah's  Entertainment,  Inc., Civil No. 95-4118, was filed against the Company
on  December  13,  1995 in the  United  States  District  Court for the  Eastern
District of Louisiana, and subsequently amended. Swody is a class action lawsuit
under the Worker  Adjustment  and Retraining  Notification  Act ("WARN Act") and
seeks  damages  for  alleged  failure to timely  notify  workers  terminated  by
Harrah's  New  Orleans  Management  Company  at the time of the HJC  bankruptcy.
Plaintiffs seek unspecified damages, as well as costs of legal proceedings,  for
themselves and all members of the class. An answer has been filed denying all of
plaintiffs' allegations.

         Swody was consolidated  with Susan N. Poirier,  Darlene A. Moss, et al.
v. Harrah's  Entertainment,  Inc., Harrah's New Orleans Management Company,  and
Harrah's  Operating  Company,  Civil No. 96-0215,  which was filed in the United
States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana on January 17, 1996,
and subsequently amended. Poirier seeks not only damages under the WARN Act, but
also under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act ("ERISA") for the alleged
wrongful  failure to provide  severance to those  terminated.  Similar proofs of
claims  were  filed by Ms.  Poirier  in the  Bankruptcy  Court  for the  Eastern
District  of  Louisiana  in the HJC,  HNOIC  and  Harrah's  Jazz  Finance  Corp.
bankruptcy cases.

         A settlement  has been  reached with the Swody and Poirier  plaintiffs,
which calls for a payment to be made by HJC in exchange for the dismissal of all
actions,  which  settlement  is contingent  on the  consummation  of the Plan of
Reorganization  for HJC. That  settlement has already been determined to be fair
to all class members by the Bankruptcy Court.

     On December 29, 1995 in the Civil District Court for The Parish of Orleans,
the City of New Orleans filed suit against the Company and others in City of New
Orleans and Rivergate Development  Corporation v. Harrah's  Entertainment,  Inc.
(f/k/a The Promus Companies,  Inc.), Grand Palais Casino,  Inc., Embassy Suites,
Inc.,  First  National  Bank of  Commerce  and  Ronald A.  Lenczycki,  Civil No.
95-19285.  This suit seeks to require the  Company,  among  others,  to complete
construction  of the permanent  casino being  developed by HJC under theories of
breach of completion  guarantee contract,  breach of implied duty of good faith,
detrimental reliance, misrepresentation,  and false advertising. Plaintiff seeks
unspecified  damages,  as well as costs of legal  proceedings.  Defendants  have
removed the suit to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of
Louisiana and it was then  transferred to the Bankruptcy  Court handling the HJC
bankruptcy.  The Company and the other  defendants  have filed an answer denying
all of plaintiffs' allegations and intend to vigorously defend the action.





                                      -33-


<PAGE>



         Louisiana  Economic  Development  and Gaming  Corporation  v.  Harrah's
Entertainment,  Inc. and Harrah's Operating Company, Inc., Civil No. 424328, was
filed on  January  23,  1996 in the  Nineteenth  Judicial  Court of the State of
Louisiana, Parish of East Baton Rouge. On February 21, 1996, the Company and the
other  defendants  removed the case to the Federal District Court for the Middle
District of Louisiana and asked that it be transferred  to the Bankruptcy  Court
handling  the HJC  bankruptcy.  The  case  has been  transferred.  A motion  for
reconsideration has been filed by LEDGC. In this suit LEDGC seeks to require the
Company and Harrah's Operating Company to complete construction of the permanent
casino being  developed by HJC under theories of breach of completion  guarantee
contract,   breach  of  implied  duty  of  good  faith,   detrimental  reliance,
misrepresentation and, in the alternative,  seeks damages. The Company has filed
an  answer  and  counterclaim  against  LEDGC.  LEDGC  has  moved  to have  that
counterclaim  dismissed and/or for summary judgment. No ruling has yet been made
by the  court.  The  defendants  intend to  vigorously  defend  the  action  and
prosecute their counterclaim.





































                                      -34-


<PAGE>



           Item 4. Submission of Matters To a Vote of Security Holders
           -----------------------------------------------------------

         The Company held its annual stockholders meeting on April 25, 1997. The
following matters were voted upon at the meeting:

1.  Election of Class I Directors
    -----------------------------
                                                   Votes Cast
                                         ------------------------
                                                       Against or
      Name of Director Elected             For           Withheld
         -------------------------         ---           --------
        Joe M. Henson                    88,610,542     1,328,853
        R. Brad Martin                   88,611,906     1,327,489
        Eddie N. Williams                88,581,390     1,358,005


         Name of Each Other Director Whose Term of
         Office as Director Continued After the Meeting
         ----------------------------------------------
        James L. Barksdale
        Susan Clark-Johnson
        James B. Farley
        Ralph Horn
        Walter J. Salmon
        Philip G. Satre
        Boake A. Sells


2.  Ratification of Arthur                Against or
    Andersen LLP as the          For       Withheld   Abstentions
    Company's independent        ---       --------   -----------
    public accountants for    89,049,612    686,328     202,455
    the 1997 calendar year.
    -----------------------


3.  Stockholder proposal                  Against or
    relating to elimination     For       Withheld    Abstentions
    of Stockholder Rights       ---        --------   -----------
    Plan.*                   33,596,806   31,736,931    696,557
    -----------------------


*There  were  23,908,101  broker  nonvotes  with regard to this  proposal.  This
proposal  failed  because  it did not  achieve  the  affirmative  vote of 75% of
outstanding shares as required by the Company's Certificate of Incorporation.







                                      -35-


<PAGE>





                    Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
           ----------------------------------------------------------


(a)      Exhibits

         *EX-4.1           Second Amendment, dated as of April 25, 1997, to
                           Rights Agreement, dated as of October 25, 1996,
                           between Harrah's Entertainment, Inc.
                           and The Bank of New York.

         *EX-10.1          Amendment dated February 20, 1997 to 1996 Non-
                           Management Director's Stock Incentive Plan.

         *EX-10.2          Amendment, dated May 5, 1997, to Employment
                           Agreement of Philip G. Satre dated as of
                           February 25, 1994.

         *EX-11            Computation of per share earnings.

         *EX-27            Financial Data Schedule.



    *    Filed herewith.



No reports on Form 8-K were filed during the quarter ended March 31, 1997.


























                                      -36-


<PAGE>





                                    Signature
                                    ---------


         Pursuant to the  requirements  of the Securities  Exchange Act of 1934,
the  registrant  has duly  caused  this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.


                                        HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT, INC.



May 13, 1997                            BY:      MICHAEL N. REGAN
                                                 -----------------------
                                                 Michael N. Regan
                                                 Vice President and Controller
                                                 (Chief Accounting Officer)




































                                      -37-


<PAGE>





                                  Exhibit Index
                                  -------------


                                                                      Sequential
Exhibit No.               Description                                  Page No.
- -----------               ------------                                ----------

 EX-4.1          Second Amendment, dated as of April 25,                  39
                 1997, to Rights Agreement, dated as of
                 October 25, 1996, between
                 Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. and
                 The Bank of New York.


 EX-10.1         Amendment dated February 20, 1997                        55
                 to 1996 Non-Management Director's
                 Stock Incentive Plan.


 EX-10.2         Amendment, dated  May  5,  1997 to                       57
                 Employment Agreement of Philip G.
                 Satre dated as of February 25, 1994.


 EX-11           Computation of per share earnings.                       59


 EX-27           Financial Data Schedule.



























                                      -38-



<PAGE>
                                                                     Exhibit 4.1


                      SECOND AMENDMENT TO RIGHTS AGREEMENT


                  SECOND  AMENDMENT,  dated as of April 25,  1997 (this  "Second
Amendment")  to the  Rights  Agreement  (the  "Rights  Agreement"),  dated as of
October 5, 1996, between Harrah's  Entertainment,  Inc., a Delaware  corporation
(the  "Company"),  and The Bank of New York, a New York  corporation,  as Rights
Agent (the "Rights Agent"), as amended by the First Amendment thereto,  dated as
of February 21, 1997 (the "First  Amendment").  Unless the context  indicates to
the  contrary,  capitalized  terms used and not  defined  herein  shall have the
meanings ascribed to them in the Rights Agreement.

                  The Company and the Rights Agent have previously  entered into
the Rights Agreement and the First Amendment thereto.  The Board of Directors of
the Company has  authorized and declared a dividend of one Right for each Common
Share of the Company  outstanding  at the close of business on the Record  Date,
and has  authorized the issuance of one Right (subject to adjustment as provided
in the Rights  Agreement)  with  respect to each Common  Share that shall become
outstanding  between the Record Date and the earliest of the Distribution  Date,
the  Redemption  Date  and the  Final  Expiration  Date,  each  Right  initially
representing  the right to  purchase  one  two-hundredth  of a share of Series A
Special Stock of the Company,  upon the terms and subject to the  conditions set
forth in the Rights Agreement.

                  Pursuant  to Section 26 of the Rights  Agreement,  the Company
and the  Rights  Agent may from  time to time  supplement  or amend  the  Rights
Agreement in accordance with the provisions of such Section. The parties deem it
advisable  to  supplement  and amend the Rights  Agreement  as  provided in this
Second Amendment.

                  Accordingly,  in  consideration  of the  promises  and  mutual
agreements herein set forth, the parties hereby agree as follows:

                  1.  Exhibit B. Form of Right Certificate

                  The form of Right Certificate attached to the Rights Agreement
as Exhibit B is hereby  amended  and  restated  in its  entirety as set forth in
Exhibit B attached hereto.

                  2.  Exhibit C.  Summary of Rights to Purchase Special
Shares

                  The Summary of Rights to Purchase  Special Shares  attached to
the Rights Agreement as Exhibit C is hereby amended and restated in its entirety
as set forth in Exhibit C attached hereto.


                                        1


<PAGE>



                  3. Except as expressly set forth herein,  nothing herein shall
be deemed or  construed  to alter or amend the Rights  Agreement in any respect,
and,  except as amended and  supplemented  hereby,  the Rights  Agreement  shall
remain in full  force and  effect in  accordance  with the  provisions  thereof.
Unless the context indicates  otherwise,  each reference in the Rights Agreement
to "this Rights Agreement" and the words "hereof", "hereto" and words of similar
import shall mean the Rights Agreement, as amended and supplemented hereby.

                  4. This Second Amendment shall be deemed to be a contract made
under the laws of the State of Delaware and for all  purposes  shall be governed
by and  construed  in  accordance  with the  laws of such  State  applicable  to
contracts to be made and performed entirely within such State.

                  5. This  Second  Amendment  may be  executed  in any number of
counterparts and each of such  counterparts  shall for all purposes be deemed to
be an original,  and all such counterparts shall together constitute but one and
the same instrument.



                           [signature page to follow]
































                                        2


<PAGE>



                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Second
Amendment to Rights Agreement to be duly executed and their respective corporate
seals to be hereunto affixed, this 6th day of May, 1997.


                          HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT, INC.



                          By /s/ E. O. Robinson, Jr.
                             --------------------------------
                             Name:  E. O. Robinson, Jr.
                             Title: Senior Vice President and
                                      General Counsel


[SEAL]


                          THE BANK OF NEW YORK



                          By /s/ John I. Sivertsen
                             -------------------------------
                             Name:  John I. Sivertsen
                             Title: Vice President

[SEAL]


























                                       S-1


<PAGE>



                                                                      EXHIBIT B
                                                                      ---------

                           [Form of Right Certificate]


Certificate No. R-                                                       Rights
                                                                   -----



         NOT  EXERCISABLE  AFTER  OCTOBER  5,  2006  OR  EARLIER  IF  NOTICE  OF
         REDEMPTION OR EXCHANGE IS GIVEN OR IF THE COMPANY IS MERGED OR ACQUIRED
         PURSUANT TO AN AGREEMENT OF THE TYPE DESCRIBED IN SECTION 1.3(ii)(A)(4)
         OF THE RIGHTS AGREEMENT.  THE RIGHTS ARE SUBJECT TO REDEMPTION,  AT THE
         OPTION OF THE COMPANY, AT $0.01 PER RIGHT ON THE TERMS SET FORTH IN THE
         RIGHTS  AGREEMENT.  UNDER CERTAIN  CIRCUMSTANCES  (SPECIFIED IN SECTION
         11.1.2  OF THE  RIGHTS  AGREEMENT),  RIGHTS  BENEFICIALLY  OWNED  BY AN
         ACQUIRING  PERSON,  OR ITS AFFILIATES OR ASSOCIATES,  OR ANY SUBSEQUENT
         HOLDER OF SUCH RIGHTS MAY BECOME NULL AND VOID. [THE RIGHTS REPRESENTED
         BY THIS  CERTIFICATE  ARE HELD OR HAVE BEEN HELD BY A PERSON  WHO IS OR
         WAS AN  ACQUIRING  PERSON OR AN  ASSOCIATE OR AFFILIATE OF AN ACQUIRING
         PERSON OR A NOMINEE  THEREOF.  THIS  RIGHT  CERTIFICATE  AND THE RIGHTS
         REPRESENTED  HEREBY HAVE BECOME NULL AND VOID AS  SPECIFIED  IN SECTION
         11.1.2 OF THE RIGHTS AGREEMENT.]1/

                                Right Certificate

                          HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

                  This certifies that                   , or registered assigns,
is  the  registered  owner of  the number of Rights  set  forth  above,  each of
which  entitles  the  owner  thereof,  subject  to  the  terms,  provisions  and
conditions of the Rights Agreement, dated as of October 5, 1996, as the same may
be  amended  from  time to  time  (the  "Rights  Agreement"),  between  Harrah's
Entertainment, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and The Bank of New
York, a New York  corporation  authorized  to do a banking  business,  as Rights
Agent (the "Rights  Agent"),  to purchase from the Company at any time after the
Distribution  Date and prior to 5:00 P.M.  (New York City  time) on  October  5,
2006, at the offices of the Rights Agent, or its

- ---------------------
1.       The portion of the legend in brackets shall be inserted only
         if applicable and shall replace the preceding sentence.






                                       B-1


<PAGE>



successors as Rights Agent, designated for such purpose, one two- hundredth of a
fully paid,  nonassessable share of Series A Special Stock, par value $1.125 per
share (the "Special Shares") of the Company,  at a purchase price of $130.00 per
one two- hundredth of a share,  subject to adjustment  (the  "Purchase  Price"),
upon  presentation  and  surrender  of this Right  Certificate  with the Form of
Election to Purchase  and  certification  duly  executed  along with a signature
guarantee  and such other and  further  documentation  as the  Rights  Agent may
reasonably  request.  The number of Rights  evidenced by this Right  Certificate
(and the number of one  two-hundredths of a Special Share which may be purchased
upon exercise  thereof) set forth above, and the Purchase Price set forth above,
are the number  and  Purchase  Price as of October 5, 1996 based on the  Special
Shares as constituted at such date.

                  Upon the occurrence certain events described in Section 11.1.2
of the Rights  Agreement,  if the Rights evidenced by this Right Certificate are
beneficially  owned by (i) an  Acquiring  Person or an Affiliate or Associate of
any such  Acquiring  Person,  (ii) a transferee  of any such  Acquiring  Person,
Associate or Affiliate,  or (iii) under certain  circumstances  specified in the
Rights Agreement,  a transferee of a person who, after such transfer,  became an
Acquiring  Person,  or an Affiliate or  Associate of an Acquiring  Person,  such
Rights shall become void,  and no holder hereof shall have any right to exercise
such Rights under any  provision of the Rights  Agreement or otherwise  from and
after the  occurrence  of such event  described in Section  11.1.2 of the Rights
Agreement.

                  Capitalized  terms  used in  this  Right  Certificate  without
definition shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Rights Agreement.  As
provided in the Rights Agreement,  the Purchase Price and the number and kind of
Special Shares or other  securities  which may be purchased upon the exercise of
the Rights  evidenced by this Right  Certificate are subject to modification and
adjustment upon the happening of certain events.

                  This  Right  Certificate  is  subject  to all  of  the  terms,
provisions and conditions of the Rights Agreement,  which terms,  provisions and
conditions  are hereby  incorporated  herein by reference and made a part hereof
and to which Rights Agreement reference is hereby made for a full description of
the rights, limitations of rights, obligations,  duties and immunities hereunder
of the Rights  Agent,  the Company  and the  holders of the Right  Certificates.
Copies of the  Rights  Agreement  are on file at the  principal  offices  of the
Company and the Rights Agent.









                                       B-2


<PAGE>



                  This  Right   Certificate,   with  or  without   other   Right
Certificates,  upon surrender at the offices of the Rights Agent  designated for
such  purpose  along  with a  signature  guarantee  and such  other and  further
documentation as the Rights Agent may reasonably  request,  may be exchanged for
another  Right  Certificate  or  Right  Certificates  of  like  tenor  and  date
evidencing  Rights  entitling the holder to purchase a like aggregate  number of
one  two-hundredths  of a Special  Share as the  Rights  evidenced  by the Right
Certificate or Right Certificates surrendered shall have entitled such holder to
purchase. If this Right Certificate shall be exercised in part, the holder shall
be entitled to receive upon surrender hereof another Right  Certificate or Right
Certificates for the number of whole Rights not exercised.

                  Subject to the provisions of the Rights  Agreement,  the Board
of Directors may, at its option,  (i) redeem the Rights  evidenced by this Right
Certificate  at a  redemption  price of $0.01 per Right at any time prior to the
earlier of (A) the Shares  Acquisition Date or (B) the Final Expiration Date, or
(ii) exchange  Common Shares for the Rights  evidenced by this  Certificate,  in
whole or in part,  after the occurrence of a Trigger  Event.  In the event that,
pursuant to the last sentence of Section 1.1 of the Rights Agreement,  the Board
of  Directors   determines  that  a  Person  has  become  an  Acquiring   Person
inadvertently,  and such Person  divests  Common Shares in accordance  with such
sentence,  then the Company's  right of  redemption  shall be deemed to have not
expired as a result of such inadvertent acquisition.

                  No fractional  Special Shares will be issued upon the exercise
of any Right or Rights evidenced hereby (other than fractions which are integral
multiples of one two-hundredth of a Special Share, which may, at the election of
the Company,  be evidenced by depositary  receipts),  but in lieu thereof a cash
payment will be made, as provided in the Rights Agreement.

                  No  holder  of this  Right  Certificate,  as  such,  shall  be
entitled to vote or receive dividends or be deemed for any purpose the holder of
the Special  Shares or of any other  securities  of the Company which may at any
time be issuable on the exercise  hereof,  nor shall  anything  contained in the
Rights  Agreement or herein be construed  to confer upon the holder  hereof,  as
such, any of the rights of a stockholder of the Company or any right to vote for
the election of directors or upon any matter  submitted to  stockholders  at any
meeting thereof,  or to give or withhold consent to any corporate  action, or to
receive notice of meetings or other actions  affecting  stockholders  (except as
provided  in the Rights  Agreement),  or to receive  dividends  or  subscription
rights,  or  otherwise,  until  the  Right or  Rights  evidenced  by this  Right
Certificate shall have been exercised as provided in the Rights Agreement.




                                       B-3


<PAGE>



                  If any term, provision,  covenant or restriction of the Rights
Agreement is held by a court of competent  jurisdiction or other authority to be
invalid,  void  or  unenforceable,  the  remainder  of  the  terms,  provisions,
covenants and  restrictions  of the Rights  Agreement shall remain in full force
and effect and shall in no way be affected,  impaired or invalidated;  provided,
however, that notwithstanding  anything in the Rights Agreement to the contrary,
if any such term,  provision,  covenant or  restriction is held by such court or
authority to be invalid, void or unenforceable and the Board of Directors of the
Company determines in its good faith judgment that severing the invalid language
from the Rights  Agreement would  adversely  affect the purpose or effect of the
Rights  Agreement,  the Company's  right of redemption  shall be reinstated  and
shall not expire until the close of business on the tenth day following the date
of such determination by the Board of Directors.

                  This Right  Certificate  shall not be valid or binding for any
purpose until it shall have been countersigned by the Rights Agent.

                  WITNESS the facsimile signature of the proper officers
of the Company and its corporate seal.  Dated as of            .

Attest:                                      HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT, INC.


By                                           By
    ---------------------                        ------------------------
    Title:                                            Title:


Countersigned:

THE BANK OF NEW YORK


By
   ----------------------
    Authorized Signature
















                                       B-4


<PAGE>



                   [Form of Reverse Side of Right Certificate]

                               FORM OF ASSIGNMENT
                               ------------------

             (To be executed by the registered holder if such holder
                   desires to transfer the Right Certificate.)

FOR VALUE RECEIVED
                   -------------
hereby sells, assigns and transfers unto
                                         ------------------------
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
- -----------------------------------------------------------------

                         (Please print name and address
                                 of transferee)

this Right  Certificate  and the Rights  evidenced  thereby,  together  with all
right, title and interest therein,  and does hereby  irrevocably  constitute and
appoint [Name] Attorney,  to transfer the within Right  Certificate on the books
of the within-named Company, with full power of substitution.

Dated:
       ------------------





                                                 ----------------------------
                                                 Signature
Signature Guaranteed:


- -------------------------

     Signatures  must be  guaranteed  by a member firm of a registered  national
securities exchange, a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc., or a commercial bank or trust company having an office or correspondent in
the United States.













                                       B-5


<PAGE>





The undersigned hereby certifies by checking the appropriate boxes that:

                  (1) the Rights evidenced by this Right Certificate [ ] are [ ]
are  not  beneficially  owned  by an  Acquiring  Person  or an  Affiliate  or an
Associate (as such terms are defined in the Rights Agreement) thereof; and

                  (2)  after  due  inquiry  and to  the  best  knowledge  of the
undersigned, the undersigned [ ] did [ ] did not acquire the Rights evidenced by
this Right  Certificate  from any Person who is, was or  subsequently  became an
Acquiring Person or an Affiliate or Associate thereof.

Dated:
        -----------------


                                                  ----------------------------
                                                          Signature
Signature Guaranteed:


- -------------------------

   Signatures  must be  guaranteed  by a member  firm of a  registered  national
securities exchange, a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc., or a commercial bank or trust company having an office or correspondent in
the United States.


- ----------------------------------------------------------------


                                     NOTICE
                                     ------

             The signature in the foregoing  Form of Assignment  must conform to
the name as written upon the face of this Right Certificate in every particular,
without alteration or enlargement or any change whatsoever.

             In the  event  the  certification  set  forth  above in the Form of
Assignment is not completed,  the Company will deem the beneficial  owner of the
Rights  evidenced  by this Right  Certificate  to be an  Acquiring  Person or an
Affiliate or Associate  hereof and, in the case of an  Assignment,  will affix a
legend to that  effect on any Right  Certificates  issued in  exchange  for this
Right Certificate.




                                       B-6


<PAGE>



                          FORM OF ELECTION TO PURCHASE
                          ----------------------------

                      (To be executed if holder desires to
                       exercise Rights represented by the
                               Right Certificate.)

To: HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

             The   undersigned    hereby    irrevocably   elects   to   exercise
__________________  Rights represented by this Right Certificate to purchase the
Special  Shares  issuable  upon the  exercise  of such  Rights  (or  such  other
securities  of the Company or of any other Person which may be issuable upon the
exercise of the Rights) and requests that certificates for such shares be issued
in the name of:

Please insert social security
or other identifying number

- ------------------------------------------------------------
                (Please print name and address)

- ------------------------------------------------------------

If such  number of Rights  shall not be all the Rights  evidenced  by this Right
Certificate,  a new Right  Certificate for the balance  remaining of such Rights
shall be registered in the name of and delivered to:

Please insert social security
or other identifying number

- ------------------------------------------------------------
                (Please print name and address)

- ------------------------------------------------------------

Dated:
       ------------------

                                                  ----------------------------
                                                  Signature

Signature Guaranteed:

- -------------------------

             Signatures  must be  guaranteed  by a member  firm of a  registered
national securities exchange, a member of the National Association of Securities
Dealers,  Inc.,  or a  commercial  bank or trust  company  having  an  office or
correspondent in the United States.



                                       B-7


<PAGE>



The undersigned hereby certifies by checking the appropriate boxes that:

                  (1) the Rights evidenced by this Right Certificate [ ] are [ ]
are  not  beneficially  owned  by an  Acquiring  Person  or an  Affiliate  or an
Associate thereof; and

                  (2)  after  due  inquiry  and to  the  best  knowledge  of the
undersigned, the undersigned [ ] did [ ] did not acquire the Rights evidenced by
this Right  Certificate  from any person who is, was or  subsequently  became an
Acquiring Person or an Affiliate or Associate thereof.

Dated:
       ------------------

                                                   ----------------------------
                                                   Signature

Signature Guaranteed:


- -------------------------

             Signatures  must be  guaranteed  by a member  firm of a  registered
national securities exchange, a member of the National Association of Securities
Dealers,  Inc.,  or a  commercial  bank or trust  company  having  an  office or
correspondent in the United States.


- ----------------------------------------------------------------


                                     NOTICE
                                     ------

             The  signature in the  foregoing  Form of Election to Purchase must
conform to the name as written upon the face of this Right  Certificate in every
particular, without alteration or enlargement or any change whatsoever.

             In the  event  the  certification  set  forth  above in the Form of
Election to  Purchase is not  completed,  the Company  will deem the  beneficial
owner of the Rights  evidenced  by this  Right  Certificate  to be an  Acquiring
Person or an Affiliate or Associate hereof.









                                       B-8


<PAGE>



                                                                     EXHIBIT C

           As described in the Rights Agreement, Rights which are held
           by or have been held by Acquiring Persons or Associates or
          Affiliates thereof (as defined in the Rights Agreement) shall
                             become null and void.

                          SUMMARY OF RIGHTS TO PURCHASE
                                 SPECIAL SHARES

             On July 19, 1996 the Board of Directors of Harrah's  Entertainment,
Inc. (the  "Company")  declared a dividend of one Right for each share of common
stock, $0.10 par value (the "Common Shares"),  of the Company outstanding at the
close of business on October 5, 1996 (the "Record Date").  As long as the Rights
are attached to the Common Shares,  the Company will issue one Right (subject to
adjustment)  with  each new  Common  Share so that all  such  shares  will  have
attached Rights. When exercisable, each Right will entitle the registered holder
to purchase  from the Company one  two-hundredth  of a share of Series A Special
Stock  (the  "Special  Shares")  at a price of $130 per one  two-hundredth  of a
Special Share, subject to adjustment (the "Purchase Price"). The description and
terms of the Rights are set forth in a Rights Agreement,  dated as of October 5,
1996,  as the same may be amended  from time to time (the  "Rights  Agreement"),
between  the  Company  and The Bank of New York,  as Rights  Agent (the  "Rights
Agent").

             Until the earlier to occur of (i) ten (10) days  following a public
announcement  that a person or group of  affiliated  or  associated  persons (an
"Acquiring Person") has acquired,  or obtained the right to acquire,  beneficial
ownership  of 15% or more of the  Common  Shares  or (ii) ten (10) days (or such
later date as may be  determined  by action of at least a majority of Continuing
Directors  (as  defined  below)  prior to such  time as any  Person  becomes  an
Acquiring  Person) following the commencement or announcement of an intention to
make a tender offer or exchange offer the  consummation of which would result in
the  beneficial  ownership  by a person  or  group of 15% or more of the  Common
Shares  (the  earlier of (i) and (ii)  being  called  the  "Distribution  Date,"
whether or not either such date  occurs  prior to the Record  Date),  the Rights
will  be  evidenced,  with  respect  to  any of the  Common  Share  certificates
outstanding  as of the Record Date,  by such Common Share  certificate  together
with a copy of this Summary of Rights.

             The Rights Agreement  provides that,  until the Distribution  Date,
the Rights will be transferred  with and only with the Common Shares.  Until the
Distribution Date (or earlier redemption, exchange, termination or expiration of
the Rights),






                                       C-1


<PAGE>



new Common Share  certificates  issued after the close of business on the Record
Date upon  transfer or new issuance of the Common Shares will contain a notation
incorporating the Rights Agreement by reference. Until the Distribution Date (or
earlier  redemption,  exchange,  termination  or expiration of the Rights),  the
surrender for transfer of any certificates for Common Shares,  with or without a
copy of this Summary of Rights,  will also constitute the transfer of the Rights
associated with the Common Shares  represented by such  certificate.  As soon as
practicable  following the Distribution Date, separate  certificates  evidencing
the  Rights  ("Right  Certificates")  will be mailed to holders of record of the
Common  Shares  as of the  close  of  business  on the  Distribution  Date  and,
thereafter, such separate Right Certificates alone will evidence the Rights.

             The Rights are not  exercisable  until the  Distribution  Date. The
Rights will expire on October 5, 2006,  subject to the Company's right to extend
such date (the "Final Expiration Date"), unless earlier redeemed or exchanged by
the Company or terminated.

             Each Special Share  purchasable upon exercise of the Rights will be
entitled to a minimum preferential quarterly dividend payment of $1.00 per share
but will be entitled to an aggregate dividend of 200 times the dividend, if any,
declared  per Common  Share.  In the event of  liquidation,  the  holders of the
Special Shares will be entitled to a minimum preferential liquidation payment of
$200 per share but will be  entitled  to an  aggregate  payment of 200 times the
payment made per Common  Share.  Each Special Share will have 200 votes and will
vote  together  with the Common  Shares.  Finally,  in the event of any  merger,
consolidation  or other  transaction in which Common Shares are exchanged,  each
Special  Share will be  entitled to receive  200 times the amount  received  per
Common Share. These rights are protected by customary  antidilution  provisions.
Because of the nature of the Special  Share's  dividend,  liquidation and voting
rights,  the value of one  two-hundredth  of a Special  Share  purchasable  upon
exercise of each Right should approximate the value of one Common Share.

             The Purchase  Price  payable,  and the number of Special  Shares or
other securities or property  issuable,  upon exercise of the Rights are subject
to adjustment from time to time to prevent  dilution (i) in the event of a stock
dividend on, or a subdivision,  combination or  reclassification  of the Special
Shares,  (ii) upon the grant to holders of the Special  Shares of certain rights
or  warrants  to  subscribe  for  or  purchase  Special  Shares  or  convertible
securities at less than the current  market price of the Special Shares or (iii)
upon  the  distribution  to  holders  of the  Special  Shares  of  evidences  of
indebtedness, cash,






                                       C-2


<PAGE>



securities or assets (excluding regular periodic cash dividends at a rate not in
excess  of  125%  of the  rate  of  the  last  regular  periodic  cash  dividend
theretofore   paid  or,  in  case  regular  periodic  cash  dividends  have  not
theretofore  been paid, at a rate not in excess of 50% of the average net income
per share of the Company for the four quarters  ended  immediately  prior to the
payment  of such  dividend,  or  dividends  payable  in  Special  Shares  (which
dividends will be subject to the  adjustment  described in clause (i) above)) or
of subscription rights or warrants (other than those referred to above).

             In the event that a Person  becomes  an  Acquiring  Person  (except
pursuant to certain cash offers for all  outstanding  Common Shares  approved by
the Board) or if the Company were the surviving  corporation in a merger with an
Acquiring  Person or any  affiliate or associate of an Acquiring  Person and the
Common Shares were not changed or exchanged,  each holder of a Right, other than
Rights that are or were acquired or  beneficially  owned by the 15%  stockholder
(which  Rights  will  thereafter  be void),  will  thereafter  have the right to
receive   upon   exercise   that  number  of  Common   Shares  (or,  in  certain
circumstances,  cash,  property or other  securities  of the  Company)  having a
market value of two times the then  current  Purchase  Price of the Right.  With
certain exceptions, in the event that (i) the Company is acquired in a merger or
other business combination transaction in which the Company is not the surviving
corporation  or its Common Shares are changed or exchanged  (other than a merger
which follows certain cash offers for all outstanding  Common Shares approved by
the Board) or (ii) more than 50% of the  Company's  assets or  earning  power is
sold,  proper  provision  shall be made so that each  holder of a Right  (except
Rights which  previously  have been voided as set forth above) shall  thereafter
have the  right  to  receive,  upon the  exercise  thereof  at the then  current
Purchase  Price of the  Right,  that  number of  shares  of common  stock of the
acquiring  company  which at the time of such  transaction  would  have a market
value of two times the then current Purchase Price of the Right.

             At any time after a Person becomes an Acquiring Person and prior to
the  acquisition  by such  Acquiring  Person  of 50% or more of the  outstanding
Common  Shares,  the Board of  Directors  may cause the  Company to acquire  the
Rights (other than Rights owned by an Acquiring  Person which have become void),
in whole or in part,  in  exchange  for that number of Common  Shares  having an
aggregate  value  equal to the  Spread  (the  excess of the value of the  Common
Shares  issuable  upon  exercise of a Right after a Person  becomes an Acquiring
Person over the Purchase Price) per Right (subject to adjustment).








                                       C-3


<PAGE>



             No  adjustment  in  the  Purchase  Price  will  be  required  until
cumulative  adjustments  require an  adjustment  of at least 1% in such Purchase
Price.  No fractional  shares will be issued and in lieu  thereof,  a payment in
cash will be made based on the market  price of the  Special  Shares on the last
trading date prior to the date of exercise.

             The Rights may be redeemed in whole, but not in part, at a price of
$0.01 per Right (the  "Redemption  Price") by the Board of Directors at any time
prior to the earlier of (i) the first date of public  announcement that a Person
has become an Acquiring  Person or (ii) the Final  Expiration Date. In the event
that, pursuant to the last sentence of Section 1.1 of the Rights Agreement,  the
Board of  Directors  determines  that a Person  has become an  Acquiring  Person
inadvertently,  and such Person  divests  Common Shares in accordance  with such
sentence,  then the Company's  right of  redemption  shall be deemed to have not
expired as a result of such inadvertent acquisition. Immediately upon the action
of the Board of  Directors  of the Company  electing  to redeem the Rights,  the
Company shall make an announcement thereof, and upon such election, the right to
exercise the Rights will  terminate  and the only right of the holders of Rights
will be to receive the Redemption Price.

             The term  "Continuing  Directors"  means any member of the Board of
Directors  of the  Company  who was a member of the Board prior to the time that
any  Person  becomes an  Acquiring  Person,  and any person who is  subsequently
elected to the Board if such person is  recommended or approved by a majority of
the  Continuing  Directors.  Continuing  Directors  do not include an  Acquiring
Person,   or  an  affiliate  or  associate  of  an  Acquiring   Person,  or  any
representative of the foregoing.

             Until a Right is exercised,  the holder thereof, as such, will have
no  rights  as a  stockholder  of  the  Company  beyond  those  as  an  existing
stockholder,  including,  without  limitation,  the right to vote or to  receive
dividends.

              Any of the  provisions  of the Rights  Agreement may be amended by
the Board of Directors of the Company prior to the Distribution  Date. After the
Distribution  Date,  the Company and the Rights Agent  shall,  if the Company so
directs,  amend or supplement the Rights  Agreement  without the approval of any
holders of Right  Certificates  to cure any ambiguity,  to correct or supplement
any provision  contained therein which may be defective or inconsistent with any
other  provisions  therein,  to shorten or lengthen  any time  period  under the
Rights  Agreement  (so long as,  under  certain  circumstances,  a  majority  of
Continuing  Directors approve such shortening or lengthening) or, so long as the
interests of the holders of Right Certificates






                                       C-4


<PAGE>



(other than an  Acquiring  Person or an  affiliate  or associate of an Acquiring
Person) are not  adversely  affected  thereby,  to make any other  provisions in
regard to matters or  questions  arising  thereunder  which the  Company and the
Rights  Agent may deem  necessary  or  desirable,  including  but not limited to
extending the Final  Expiration  Date. The Company may at any time prior to such
time as any Person  becomes an Acquiring  Person  amend the Rights  Agreement to
lower the  thresholds  described  above to not less than the  greater of (i) any
percentage  greater than the largest percentage of the outstanding Common Shares
then  known by the  Company to be  beneficially  owned by any person or group of
affiliated or associated persons and (ii) 10%.

             A copy of the Rights  Agreement has been filed with the  Securities
and Exchange Commission as an Exhibit to a Registration Statement on Form 8-A. A
copy of the Rights Agreement is available free of charge from the Company.  This
summary  description  of the  Rights  does not  purport  to be  complete  and is
qualified  in its  entirety  by  reference  to the  Rights  Agreement,  which is
incorporated herein by reference.




































                                       C-5



<PAGE>
                                                                    Exhibit 10.1

                       Amendment (this "Amendment") to the
                          Harrah's Entertainment, Inc.
               1996 Non-Management Directors Stock Incentive Plan
                                  (the "Plan")

         This Amendment is effective February 20, 1997, pursuant to
approval by the Committee under the Plan and by the Human
Resources Committee of the Board of Directors of Harrah's
Entertainment, Inc. ("Company").

         1.       Section 2 of the Plan is hereby amended to add the
following sentence to the end of such section:

         Notwithstanding  the foregoing,  the Human  Resources  Committee of the
         Board of Directors  of the Company  (the "HRC") shall  exercise any and
         all rights,  duties and powers of the  Committee  under the Plan to the
         extent  required by the applicable  exemptive  conditions of Rule 16b-3
         under the Securities  Exchange Act of 1934, as amended ("Rule  16b-3"),
         as determined by the HRC in its sole discretion.

         2.       The third sentence of the first paragraph of Section 7
of the Plan is hereby amended to read in its entirety:

         The deferral  election form signed by the participant prior to the plan
         year will be  irrevocable  except in case of  hardship  (as  defined in
         Section 8) as  determined  in good faith by the HRC pursuant to Section
         8, provided, however, that a participant may, prior to January 1 of the
         year preceding the year that the  participant's  termination of service
         occurs,  submit an amended  election  form to the HRC for HRC  approval
         indicating a requested change in the  participant's  elected method for
         the grant of the deferred shares upon  termination of service (i.e., as
         to either a lump sum of  shares  within 30 days  after  termination  of
         service or approximately equal annual installments over a period of two
         to ten  years),  and upon the HRC's  approval of the  requested  change
         within 90 days after  submission of the requested  change,  such change
         shall be  effective.  If the HRC  does  not  approve  the  change,  the
         participant's original election will remain in effect.

         3.       Section 8 is hereby amended to add the following
sentence to the end of such section:

         For purposes of this Section 8, the Committee shall be the HRC.

         4.       Section 10(a) of the Plan is hereby amended to add the
following proviso to the end of such section:




<PAGE>



         ;  provided,  however,  that to the extent  required by the  applicable
         exemptive  conditions  of Rule  16b-3,  any  such  adjustment  shall be
         subject to approval by the HRC.

         5.       Section 10(b) of the Plan is hereby amended to add the
following proviso to the end of such section:

         ;  provided,  however,  that to the extent  required by the  applicable
         exemptive  conditions  of Rule  16b-3,  any such  termination  shall be
         subject to approval by the HRC.

         6.       Section 10(c) of the Plan is hereby amended to provide
in its entirety as follows:

         (c) No  adjustment  or  action  under  this  Section  10 or  any  other
         provision  of  this  Plan  shall  be  authorized  to  the  extent  such
         adjustment  or  action  would  violate  Section  16 of  the  Securities
         Exchange  Act  of  1934,  as  amended,  or  the  applicable   exemptive
         conditions of Rule 16b-3.  The number of shares  finally  granted under
         this Plan shall always be rounded to the next whole number.

         7.       Section 10(d) of the Plan is hereby amended to add the
following proviso to the end of such section:

         ;  provided,  however,  that to the extent  required by the  applicable
         exemptive  conditions of Rule 16b-3, any such decision shall be subject
         to approval by the HRC.

         8.       Section 11 of the Plan is hereby amended to read in its
entirety as follows:

         Amendment.  The  Committee may  terminate,  modify or amend the Plan in
         such respect as it shall deem  advisable,  without  obtaining  approval
         from the Company's  stockholders or the HRC except as such approval may
         be required  pursuant to the  applicable  exemptive  conditions of Rule
         16b-3 or Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
         No termination,  modification or amendment of the Plan may, without the
         consent of a participant, adversely affect a participant's rights under
         an award granted prior thereto.

                                     * * * *

         Executed and approved this 20th day of February, 1997.


                    /s/ Philip G. Satre
                    ----------------------------------------
                    Philip G. Satre, Chairman, President and
                    Chief Executive Officer and Sole Member of
                       the Committee under the Plan


                                       -2-



<PAGE>
                                                                    Exhibit 10.2



                                   May 5, 1997



Mr. Philip G. Satre
Harrah's Entertainment, Inc.
1023 Cherry Road
Memphis, TN 38117

         RE:      Amendment to Employment Agreement

Dear Mr. Satre:

         Pursuant to action  taken by the Board of  Directors  on  February  21,
1997, this letter agreement ("this Amendment") amends your Employment  Agreement
dated   February   25,  1994  (the   "Agreement")   between  you  and   Harrah's
Entertainment,   Inc.   (formerly  The  Promus  Companies   Incorporated)   (the
"Company").

         In consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained, it is agreed
as follows:

                  1.  All references in the Agreement to "Chief Executive
         Officer" are changed to read "Chairman of the Board and
         Chief Executive Officer."

                  2.  The reference to your salary of "$450,000" in the
         first sentence of paragraph 4 of the Agreement is changed to
         read "$800,000."

                  It is understood  these changes are effective as of January 1,
1997.

                  3.  Notwithstanding  any  provision  in the  Agreement  to the
         contrary,  in the event your active  employment as an executive officer
         with the Company,  or its direct or indirect  subsidiaries,  terminates
         for any reason,  any TARSAP shares granted to you which are unvested on
         the date of such termination of active  employment will be forfeited as
         of 12:00 p.m. on such date,  provided,  it is understood that the Human
         Resources  Committee  of  the  Board  of  Directors  could  approve  an
         exception, in its discretion,  based on its review of the circumstances
         at that time.

                  4.  Except as specifically amended herein, all terms
         and conditions of the Agreement remain unchanged and
         continue in full force and effect.








<PAGE>



         If this  Amendment  sets  forth our  agreement  on the  subject  matter
hereof,  please  sign  and  return  to the  Company  the  enclosed  copy of this
Amendment which will then constitute our binding agreement on this subject.

                                       Very truly yours,

                                       HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT, INC.



                                       By:  /s/ E. O. Robinson, Jr.
                                            -------------------------

                                       Title: Senior Vice President


AGREED:


/s/ Philip G. Satre
- -------------------------
Philip G. Satre

































                                       -2-


<PAGE>
                                                            Exhibit 11

                          HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
                       COMPUTATIONS OF PER SHARE EARNINGS

                                                   First Quarter Ended
                                               March 31,      March 31,
                                                   1997           1996
                                           ------------   ------------
Net income                                 $ 17,111,000   $ 31,410,000
                                           ============   ============
Primary Earnings Per Share
Weighted average number of common
  shares outstanding                        101,610,624    102,597,657
  Common stock equivalents
    Additional shares based on
      average market price for
      period applicable to:
        Restricted stock                              -         53,002
        Stock options                           544,937        727,888
                                           ------------   ------------

Average number of primary common
  and common equivalent shares
  outstanding                               102,155,561    103,378,547
                                           ============   ============

Primary earnings per common and
  common equivalent share
    Net income                             $       0.17   $       0.30
                                           ============   ============
Fully Diluted Earnings Per Share
Average number of primary common and
  common equivalent shares outstanding      102,155,561    103,378,547
    Additional shares based on
      period-end price applicable to:
        Restricted stock                              -          4,951
        Stock options                                 -        161,102
                                           ------------   ------------
Average number of fully diluted
  common and common equivalent
  shares outstanding                        102,155,561    103,544,600
                                           ============   ============

Fully diluted earnings per common and
  common equivalent share
    Net income                             $       0.17   $       0.30
                                           ============   ============




<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-31-1997
<CASH>                                         103,135
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   53,274
<ALLOWANCES>                                    15,542
<INVENTORY>                                     10,490
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               195,082
<PP&E>                                       2,039,679
<DEPRECIATION>                                 609,367
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               2,002,837
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          211,008
<BONDS>                                        937,608
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                        10,170
<OTHER-SE>                                     689,625
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 2,002,837
<SALES>                                              0
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               374,099
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  317,613
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              17,815
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 30,582
<INCOME-TAX>                                    11,647
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             17,111
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    17,111
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     0.17
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     0.17
        

</TABLE>


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