Caesars Entertainment To Close Showboat Atlantic City, Effective Aug. 31

(RTTNews) - Caesars Entertainment Corp. (CZR) announced Friday that it will close Showboat Atlantic City effective August 31, 2014. The difficult decision to close the property follows persistent declines in business levels in the area exacerbated by the high property-tax burden in Atlantic City.

"Since 2006, revenue in Atlantic City has declined by more than $3 billion and competition in the city has increased. The dynamic in Atlantic City has led us to the difficult but necessary decision to close Showboat in an effort to help stabilize our business there and support the viability of our remaining operations in the vicinity," said Gary Loveman, chairman and chief executive officer of Caesars Entertainment.

The company noted that it is offering assistance to Showboat employees displaced by this decision, including providing preference for available positions at the three remaining Caesars-affiliated Atlantic City properties as well as sister properties in the region and across the enterprise and other transitional resources.

Caesars said it is developing a new, state-of-the- art meetings facility adjacent to Harrah's Atlantic City and is pursuing other opportunities to stimulate new visitation and growth, including recently overhauling the gaming floor at Bally's and investing in new dining options throughout the company's Atlantic City footprint. The company has not yet determined what will become of the property and land. It intends to collaborate with city and state officials as it evaluates alternative uses.

According to the company, Showboat will remain fully operational until its closure and will honor all room reservations and events until that time. Customers with reservations after August 31, 2014 will receive assistance in finding alternate accommodations.

Caesars Entertainment acquired Showboat Atlantic City by purchasing Showboat Inc., in June 1998.