Industry News
- June 5, 2009
Harrah Entertainment announces new CEO
One of the online gaming best kept secrets for so many years has now become official. On Friday Harrah Entertainment declared the employment of Mr. Mitch who is the ex-online gaming executive as the CEO of Harrah Interactive Entertainment. It is a new subsidiary which will supervise the efforts of the company in the development of their WSOP (World Series of Poker) brand on the internet and on the international level.
Mr. Gary who is the chairman of Harrah’s Entertainment and Chief Executive Officer said that Harrah is planning to employ a practical approach towards interactive and international development. He also added that it becomes very crucial that we place ourselves at a place where we will search all new markets along with advanced technologies.
The announcement is made with the World Series of Poker 2009 about to begin the next week in Rio. Previous year the event witnessed 58,719 visitors from more than eighty countries and gave away over $160 million as cash prizes. The employment of Mr. Mitch was not allowed to give any public statements and in April he was in the news across the world. Mr. Mitch PartyGaming which is Gibraltar-based and it is registered with LSE (London Stock Exchange).
Newly appointed Mr. Mitch is anticipated to assist the gaming company for launching the WSOP branded website. It will be starting mainly in European countries like UK and Italy, where the online poker is officially permitted.
Mr. Gary in an interview said that Harrah Entertainment is really interested in developing online poker website to different countries with the online gaming being allowed in most of the places. The casino this month showed their support for allowing Americans to play online casino games for money. The projected Consumer Protection and Enforcement Act 2009, Gambling Rule, and Internet Gambling Regulation rule which were initiated by Mr. Frank would set up rules for permitting licensed gambling operators to accept wagers from American players.
Mr. Gary said that getting legislation approved is a difficult task but he is of the view that online poker is at a place as compared to the other casino games which will help in getting quick legalization. Mr. Gary also added that the time has not arrived for online poker.
In the first quarter Harrah Entertainment spent $405,085. Harry Entertainment is also making WSOP branded website which could easily operate in America and other countries. Mr. Mitch will be working along with current Commissioner of WSOP, Mr. Jeffrey who will be maintaining his position as president of the new subsidiary. Mr. Mitch who was an ex-gaming lawyer joined PartyGaming in April 2006 and he played a major part in the development the company after UIGEA (Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act) was signed in October 2006.
