Harrah's Launches Interactive Unit, Garber Confirmed as C.E.O.

5/26/2009 by Gaming Industry Media Staff

Last week Harrah's Entertainment Inc. unveiled Harrah's Interactive Entertainment Inc., a new subsidiary to manage World Series of Poker and "explore a European interactive strategy," and named Mitchell A. Garber, a former chief executive of PartyGaming, the new division's chief executive.

Last week Harrah's Entertainment Inc. unveiled Harrah's Interactive Entertainment Inc., a new subsidiary to manage World Series of Poker and "explore a European interactive strategy," and named Mitchell A. Garber, a former chief executive of PartyGaming, the new division's chief executive.

Harrah's said it wouldn't respond to the "rumors and speculation" when IGamingNews first reported about Mr. Garber's appointment in mid April.

The group finally put speculation to rest with Friday's announcement, which was dubbed by The Las Vegas Review-Journal as the "worst-kept secret in the world of online gaming."

"As the world's largest gaming company, Harrah's is taking a proactive approach toward international and interactive expansion," said Gary W. Loveman, the casino operator's chairman, president and chief executive, in the announcement.

"It is important we position ourselves to explore new markets as well as new technologies with our best in class brands," he added.

Mr. Loveman told the Las Vegas Review-Journal that he sees the best potential for United States legalization in online poker.

According to Harrah's, Jeffery Pollack will join Mr. Garber as president of the interactive division and still remain in his current role as commissioner of the World Series of Poker.