Prepared by MERRILL CORPORATION
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FILED PURSUANT TO RULE 424(b)(3)
REGISTRATION NO. 333-69838

PROSPECTUS

LOGO

Offer to Exchange
its 7.50% Senior Notes due 2009,
Which Have Been Registered Under the Securities Act of 1933,
for any and all of its Outstanding 7.50% Senior Notes due 2009


The Exchange Notes

Material Terms of the Exchange Offer



    For a discussion of factors that you should consider before participating in this exchange offer, see "Risk Factors" beginning on page 9 of this prospectus.


    Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Nevada Gaming Commission, the Nevada State Gaming Control Board, the Mississippi Gaming Commission, the New Jersey Casino Control Commission, the Indiana Gaming Commission, nor any state securities commission or other gaming authority, has passed on the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus or the investment merits of the notes offered hereby. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.


The date of this prospectus is October 12, 2001.


    We have not authorized any dealer, salesman or other person to give any information or to make any representation other than those contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. You must not rely upon any information or representation not contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus as if we had authorized it. This prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities other than the registered securities to which it relates, nor does this prospectus constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in any jurisdiction to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation in such jurisdiction.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
  Page
Documents Incorporated by Reference   iv
Available Information   v
Market Data   v
Summary   1
Risk Factors   9
Forward-Looking Statements   13
Use of Proceeds   13
Capitalization   14
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations   15
Business and Properties   30
Regulation and Licensing   40
Description of Other Indebtedness   63
The Exchange Offer   65
Description of the Exchange Notes   77
Material Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Exchange   90
Plan of Distribution   91
Legal Matters   92
Experts   92
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements   F-1

iii



DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

    The Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") allows us to "incorporate by reference" the information we file with it, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is an important part of this prospectus. Any statement contained in the documents filed with the Commission prior to the date of this prospectus will be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this prospectus to the extent that a statement contained in this prospectus modifies or supersedes the statement. Information that we file later with the Commission will automatically update the information incorporated by reference and the information in this prospectus.

    We incorporate by reference the following documents we have filed with the Commission:

    You may request a free copy of any of the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus, other than exhibits, unless they are specifically incorporated by reference, by writing or telephoning us at the following address:

Investor Relations
Park Place Entertainment Corporation
3930 Howard Hughes Parkway
Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
(702) 699-5000

    To obtain timely delivery of documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus, you must request the information no later than five business days prior to the expiration of the exchange offer. The exchange offer will expire on November 9, 2001, unless extended.

    You should rely only on the information incorporated by reference or provided in this prospectus and any supplement. We have not authorized anyone else to provide you with different information. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement is accurate as of any date other than the dates on the front of these documents.

iv



AVAILABLE INFORMATION

    This prospectus is part of a registration statement on Form S-4 that we have filed with the Commission under the Securities Act. This prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement. For further information about us and the notes, you should refer to the registration statement. This prospectus summarizes material provisions of contracts and other documents to which we refer you. Since this prospectus may not contain all of the information that you may find important, you should review the full text of these documents. We have filed these documents as exhibits to our registration statement.

    We are subject to the informational reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and file reports, proxy and information statements and other information with the Commission. You may read and copy any reports, proxy and information statements and other information we file at the public reference facilities of the Commission, Room 1024, Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain copies of such material from the Commission by mail at prescribed rates. You should direct requests to the Commission's Public Reference Section, Room 1024, Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. In addition, the Commission maintains a website (http://www.sec.gov) that contains the reports, proxy statements and other information filed by us. Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. You may inspect information filed by us at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005. In addition, for so long as any of the notes remain outstanding, we have agreed to make available to any prospective purchaser of the notes or beneficial owner of the notes in connection with any sale thereof the information required by Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act.


MARKET DATA

    Market data used throughout this prospectus, including information relating to our relative position in the casino and gaming industry, is based on our good faith estimates, which estimates we based upon our review of internal surveys, independent industry publications and other publicly available information. Although we believe these sources are reliable, we have not independently verified the information and cannot guarantee its accuracy and completeness.

v



SUMMARY

    The following summary highlights selected information from this document and may not contain all the information that may be important to you. You should read this entire prospectus, including the financial data and related notes and the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus, before making an investment decision. The terms "Park Place," "we," "our," and "us," as used in this prospectus refer to Park Place Entertainment Corporation and its subsidiaries as a combined entity, except where it is clear that the terms mean only Park Place Entertainment Corporation. The term "old notes" refers to our outstanding 7.50% Senior Notes due 2009 that we issued on August 22, 2001 and that have not been registered under the Securities Act. The term "exchange notes" refers to the 7.50% Senior Notes due 2009 offered pursuant to this prospectus. The term "notes" refers to the old notes and the exchange notes collectively.

Park Place Entertainment Corporation

    Park Place Entertainment Corporation was formed when Hilton Hotels Corporation split its lodging and gaming operations into two separate companies on December 31, 1998. This was accomplished through a tax free distribution of Hilton's gaming division to its stockholders. Subsequent to the distribution we merged with the Mississippi gaming operations of Grand Casinos, Inc. ("Grand"). In December 1999, we acquired all of the outstanding stock of Caesars World, Inc. and interests in several other gaming entities ("Caesars") from Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. for approximately $3 billion in cash. We consider our casino properties to be leading establishments with respect to location, size, facilities, physical condition, quality and variety of services offered in the areas in which they are located. We are the largest gaming company in the world, as measured by casino square footage, rooms and revenues, with approximately 2 million square feet of gaming space, 28,000 rooms, and revenues of $4.8 billion in 2000. We are currently the only gaming company with a significant presence in Nevada, New Jersey and Mississippi, the three largest gaming markets in the United States. We currently own or operate:

1


    Our gaming operations are conducted under the Caesars, Bally's, Paris, Flamingo, Grand, Hilton, and Conrad brand names as noted in the table below.

Name and Location

  Approximate
Casino
Square Footage(1)

  Approximate
Number of
Rooms/Suites

Domestic Casinos        
Nevada        
  Caesars Palace   131,000   2,454
  Paris Las Vegas   85,000   2,916
  Bally's Las Vegas   83,000   2,814
  Flamingo Las Vegas   81,000   3,541
  Las Vegas Hilton   77,000   2,944
  Caesars Tahoe(2)   41,000   440
  Reno Hilton   109,000   2,003
  Flamingo Reno(3)   46,000   604
  Flamingo Laughlin   58,000   1,906
New Jersey        
  Bally's Atlantic City   164,000   1,246
  Caesars Atlantic City   120,000   1,148
  Atlantic City Hilton   60,000   804
  Claridge Casino Hotel(4)   59,000   500
Mississippi        
  Grand Casino Biloxi   134,000   985
  Grand Casino Gulfport   110,000   1,001
  Grand Casino Tunica   140,000   1,356
  Sheraton Casino & Hotel Tunica   33,000   134
  Bally's SaloonGambling HallHotel   40,000   235
Indiana        
  Caesars Indiana(5)(6)   90,000   503
Louisiana        
  Bally's Casino Lakeshore Resort(7)   30,000  
Delaware        
  Dover Downs(8)   76,000  

International Casinos

 

 

 

 
Australia(9)        
  Conrad Jupiters, Gold Coast   69,000   609
  Conrad International Treasury Casino, Brisbane   69,000   130
Uruguay        
  Conrad International Punta del Este Resort and Casino(10)   41,000   302
Canada        
  Casino Nova Scotia-Halifax(11)   32,000   350
  Casino Nova Scotia-Sydney(11)   16,000  
  Windsor Casino(12)   100,000   389
South Africa        
  Caesars Gauteng(13)   56,000   276
Caesars Palace at Sea(14)        
  S.S. Crystal Harmony   3,000  
  S.S. Crystal Symphony   4,000  

(1)
Includes square footage attributable to race and sports books.

(2)
We lease the building that houses the hotel and casino and lease the underlying land pursuant to a long-term ground and structure lease.

2


(3)
In October 2001, we entered into an agreement to sell the Flamingo Reno. The sale is expected to close in November 2001.

(4)
We acquired the Claridge Casino Hotel on June 1, 2001.

(5)
We manage Caesars Indiana and own an 82 percent interest in a joint venture that owns this property.

(6)
We opened a 503-room hotel tower at Caesars Indiana in late August 2001.

(7)
We have a 49.9 percent ownership interest in and manage this property.

(8)
We provide management services to the casino at the Dover Downs racetrack in Delaware.

(9)
We have a 19.9 percent ownership interest in and manage these properties.

(10)
We have a 46.4 percent ownership interest in and manage this property.

(11)
We have a 95 percent interest in Metropolitan Entertainment Group, which owns and operates the two properties on behalf of the Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation pursuant to an operating contract.

(12)
We have a 50 percent interest in Windsor Casino Limited, which operates Casino Windsor. The province of Ontario owns the complex.

(13)
We have a 25 percent interest in a joint venture that owns Caesars Gauteng and a 50 percent interest in a joint venture that manages Caesars Guateng.

(14)
We operate the Caesars Palace at Sea casinos on two Crystal Cruises, Inc. cruise ships, the Symphony and the Harmony, only while the ships are in international waters.

    Our principal executive offices are located at 3930 Howard Hughes Parkway, Las Vegas, Nevada 89109, and our telephone number is (702) 699-5000.


Recent Developments

    On September 11, 2001, acts of terrorism occurred in New York City and Washington, D.C. As a result of such terrorist acts, there has been a disruption in domestic and international travel. These terrorist acts and travel disruptions have resulted in decreased customer visitation to our properties. We have experienced declines in key operating measures (occupancy rates and gaming volumes) in all of our regional operations (most noticeably our Las Vegas properties), which has materially adversely affected our operating results since September 11, 2001. While occupancy rates and gaming volumes have recently begun to improve, they are still generally below the prior year's levels.

    On September 17, 2001, we announced that we have delayed construction of the planned $475 million all-suites tower project at Caesars Palace Las Vegas. Limited construction activity involving the related underground parking structure is expected to take place in 2002 and construction of the tower is expected to commence in 2003.

    We are not initiating any other new major capital projects at this time in order to enhance financial flexibility. Certain of our properties have instituted employee layoffs and we may also seek to reduce overall employee headcount through attrition.

    On October 5, 2001, we announced that we reached an agreement to sell the Flamingo Reno casino/hotel in downtown Reno, Nevada to RFC Reno, LLC, a subsidiary of Capital One, LLC, and expect the sale to be completed within 30 days. We will close the Flamingo Reno on October 23, 2001. We believe that the economic and competitive conditions in Reno require us to concentrate our efforts on the Reno Hilton, our flagship property in Reno.

3



Summary of the Exchange Offer

The Exchange Offer   We are offering to exchange $1,000 principal amount of our exchange notes for each $1,000 principal amount of old notes. As of the date of this prospectus, $425 million in aggregate principal amount of old notes are outstanding. We have registered the exchange notes under the Securities Act and they are substantially identical to the old notes, except for the elimination of some transfer restrictions, registration rights and liquidated damages provisions relating to the old notes.

Accrued Interest on the Exchange Notes and the Old Notes

 

Interest on the exchange notes will accrue from the last interest payment date on which interest was paid on the old notes or, if no interest was paid on the old notes, from the date of issuance of the old notes, which was on August 22, 2001. Holders whose old notes are accepted for exchange will be deemed to have waived the right to receive any interest accrued on the old notes.

No Minimum Condition

 

We are not conditioning the exchange offer on the tender of any minimum principal amount of old notes.

Expiration Date

 

The exchange offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on November 9, 2001, unless we decide to extend the exchange offer.

Withdrawal Rights

 

You may withdraw your tender at any time prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date.

Conditions to the Exchange Offer

 

The exchange offer is subject to customary conditions, which we may waive. We currently anticipate that each of the conditions will be satisfied and that we will not need to waive any conditions. We reserve the right to terminate or amend the exchange offer at any time before the expiration date if any such condition occurs. For additional information, see "The Exchange Offer—Certain Conditions to the Exchange Offer."

Procedures for Tendering Old Notes

 

If you are a holder of old notes who wishes to accept the exchange offer, you must:

 

 


 

complete, sign and date the accompanying letter of transmittal, or a facsimile of the letter of transmittal, and mail or otherwise deliver the letter of transmittal, together with your old notes, to the exchange agent at the address set forth under "The Exchange Offer—Exchange Agent;" or

 

 


 

arrange for The Depository Trust Company to transmit certain required information, including an agent's message forming part of a book-entry transfer in which you agree to be bound by the terms of the letter of transmittal, to the exchange agent in connection with a book-entry transfer.

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By tendering your old notes in either manner, you will be representing among other things, that:

 

 


 

the exchange notes you receive pursuant to the exchange offer are being acquired in the ordinary course of your business;

 

 


 

you are not participating, do not intend to participate, and have no arrangement or understanding with any person to participate, in the distribution of the exchange notes issued to you in the exchange offer; and

 

 


 

you are not an "affiliate" of ours.

Special Procedures for Beneficial Owners

 

If you beneficially own old notes registered in the name of a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee and you wish to tender your old notes in the exchange offer, you should contact the registered holder promptly and instruct it to tender on your behalf. If you wish to tender on your own behalf, you must, prior to completing and executing the letter of transmittal and delivering your old notes, either arrange to have your old notes registered in your name or obtain a properly completed bond power from the registered holder. The transfer of registered ownership may take considerable time.

Guaranteed Delivery
Procedures

 

If you wish to tender your old notes and time will not permit your required documents to reach the exchange agent by the expiration date, or the procedures for book-entry transfer cannot be completed on time, you may tender your old notes according to the guaranteed delivery procedures described in "The Exchange Offer—Procedures for Tendering Old Notes."

Acceptance of Old Notes and Delivery of Exchange

 

We will accept for exchange all old notes which are properly tendered in the exchange offer prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date. The exchange notes issued in the exchange offer will be delivered promptly following the expiration date. For additional information, see "The Exchange Offer—Acceptance of Old Notes for Exchange; Delivery of Exchange Notes."

Use of Proceeds

 

We will not receive any proceeds from the issuance of exchange notes in the exchange offer. We will pay for our expenses incident to the exchange offer.

Federal Income Tax Consequences

 

The exchange of exchange notes for old notes in the exchange offer will not be a taxable event for federal income tax purposes. For additional information, see "Material Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Exchange."

5



Effect on Holders of Old
Notes

 

As a result of this exchange offer, we will have fulfilled a covenant contained in the registration rights agreement dated as of August 22, 2001 among Park Place Entertainment Corporation and Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation and each of the other initial purchasers named in the agreement and, accordingly, there will be no increase in the interest rate on the old notes. If you do not tender your old notes in the exchange offer:

 

 


 

you will continue to hold the old notes and will be entitled to all the rights and limitations applicable to the old notes under the indenture governing the notes, except for any rights under the registration rights agreement that terminate as a result of the completion of the exchange offer; and

 

 


 

you will not have any further registration or exchange rights and your old notes will continue to be subject to restrictions on transfer. Accordingly, the trading market for untendered old notes could be adversely affected.

Exchange Agent

 

Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, N.A, is serving as exchange agent in connection with the exchange offer.

6



Summary of the Exchange Notes

Issuer   Park Place Entertainment Corporation.

Total Amount of Exchange Notes Offered

 

Up to $425 million in aggregate principal amount of 7.50% senior notes due 2009.

Maturity

 

September 1, 2009.

Interest

 

7.50% per year.

Interest Payment Dates

 

March 1 and September 1, beginning March 1, 2002.

Optional Redemption

 

We may redeem the exchange notes at any time at 100% of their principal amount plus a "make-whole" premium, together with accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date as described in the "Description of the Exchange Notes" section under the subheading "Optional Redemption."

Ranking

 

The exchange notes will be our unsecured obligations. The exchange notes will rank senior to all of our subordinated debt and equally with our other senior debt. The exchange notes will effectively rank junior to all liabilities of our subsidiaries.

 

 

As of June 30, 2001, after giving effect to the offering of the old notes, we would have had $5.3 billion of total debt, of which $3.7 billion would have been senior debt and $4 million would have been debt of our subsidiaries and effectively ranked senior to the notes.

Covenants

 

The indenture governing the exchange notes will, among other things, limit our and our subsidiaries' ability to:

 

 


 

enter into sale and lease-back transactions;

 

 


 

incur liens on our assets to secure debt;

 

 


 

merge or consolidate with another company; and

 

 


 

transfer our assets substantially as an entirety.

 

 

These covenants are subject to a number of important qualifications and exceptions which are described in the "Description of the Exchange Notes" section under the heading "Additional Covenants of Park Place" in this prospectus.

Use of Proceeds

 

We will not receive any cash proceeds from the exchange offer.

Risk Factors

 

See "Risk Factors" for a discussion of the factors you should carefully consider before deciding to invest in the notes.

7



Summary Selected Historical Financial Information

    We derived the following historical information from our audited financial statements for 1996 through 2000 and from our unaudited financial statements for the six months ended June 30, 2000 and 2001. The unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared by us on a basis consistent with the audited financial statements and include, in the opinion of management, all normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the information. Operating results for the six months ended June 30, 2001 are not necessarily indicative of the results that will be achieved for future periods.

 
  Six months
ended or as
of June 30,

  Fiscal years ended or as of December 31,
 
 
  2001
  2000
  2000
  1999
  1998
  1997
  1996
 
 
  (in millions, except per share amounts)

 
Historical                                            
Results of Operations(a):                                            
  Total revenue(b)   $ 2,399   $ 2,426   $ 4,784   $ 3,117   $ 2,283   $ 2,134   $ 970  
  Total operating income     363     364     696     399     302     201     92  
  Income before extraordinary item and cumulative effect(c)     93     83     143     138     109     67     36  
  Income from continuing operations per share—diluted   $ .31   $ .27   $ .46   $ .45   $ .42   $ .25   $ .18  
Other Operating Data(a):                                            
  EBITDA(d)   $ 625   $ 662   $ 1,240   $ 778   $ 556   $ 512   $ 216  
  Cash flows from operating activities     310     337     752     519     318     375     139  
  Cash flows from investing activities     (265 )   (97 )   (435 )   (3,610 )   (584 )   (583 )   (55 )
  Cash flows from financing activities     (92 )   (303 )   (342 )   3,055     449     175     110  
  Ratio of earnings to fixed charges     1.7 x   1.7 x   1.6 x   2.1 x   2.7 x   2.4 x   2.1 x
Balance Sheet:                                            
  Cash and equivalents   $ 274         $ 321   $ 346   $ 382   $ 199   $ 232  
  Total assets     10,926           10,995     11,151     7,174     5,630     5,364  
  Total debt     5,312           5,398     5,624     2,472     1,306     1,278  
  Total stockholders' equity     3,876           3,784     3,740     3,608     3,381     3,157  

(a)
Operating results are significantly affected by the acquisition of the Bally's properties in December 1996, the acquisition of the Grand Casino Mississippi properties (immediately following the spin-off of Park Place from Hilton) in December 1998, and the acquisition of Caesars World, Inc. in December 1999.
(b)
Revenues for periods prior to 2001 reflect reclassifications consistent with the consensus provisions of EITF 00-22 relating to slot club "cash back" rewards effective the first quarter of 2001. This did not impact operating income or net income.
(c)
Includes the total after-tax impact of pre-opening expenses, impairment losses, and other one-time amounts as follows: $1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2001, $25 million for the six months ended June 30, 2000, $31 million in 2000, $47 million in 1999, $19 million in 1998, $59 million in 1997, and $23 million in 1996.
(d)
EBITDA is earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, pre-opening expenses, impairment losses and other. EBITDA is presented supplementally because this is how we review and analyze the results at each property. We have excluded one-time items, such as pre-opening expenses, asset impairments, and the impact of asset sales, from EBITDA as these items do not impact operating results on a recurring basis. For the six months ended June 30, 2001, we recognized $1 million of pre-opening expenses. For the six months ended June 30, 2000, pretax one-time items totaled $38 million and consisted of $1 million of pre-opening expenses, an impairment loss of $55 million on the planned sale of the Las Vegas Hilton, and a gain of $18 million on the sale of the Flamingo Kansas City Riverboat Casino. Pretax one-time items totaled $48 million in 2000 and consisted of $3 million of pre-opening expenses, the impairment loss of $55 million on the planned sale of the Las Vegas Hilton, the gain of $18 million on the sale of the Flamingo Kansas City Riverboat Casino, a gain of $7 million on the sale of certain trademark rights associated with the Bally name, and costs of $15 million primarily related to fulfilling employment contracts with our former President and Chief Executive Officer, who passed away in October 2000. In 1999, we recognized a $26 million impairment loss associated with the planned sale of the Flamingo Reno and pre-opening expenses of $47 million primarily related to the opening of Paris Las Vegas. We recorded impairment losses of $16 million on a riverboat and $13 million in spin-off costs during 1998. Impairment losses and other costs associated with the closure of another riverboat totaled $96 million in 1997. The write-down of an asset to estimated fair market value resulted in a pretax charge of $1 million in 1996. This information should not be considered as an alternative to any measure of performance as promulgated under generally accepted accounting principles (such as operating income or income before extraordinary items) nor should it be considered as an indicator of our overall financial performance. The calculations of EBITDA may be different from the calculations used by other companies and therefore comparability may be limited. For more information, see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Results of Operations."

8



RISK FACTORS

    You should carefully consider the following factors in addition to the other information set forth in this prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein before making an investment in these notes.

Our substantial indebtedness could adversely affect our financial results and prevent us from fulfilling our obligations under the notes.

    At June 30, 2001, we had total consolidated indebtedness of approximately $5.3 billion and stockholders' equity of approximately $3.9 billion.

    The notes will not restrict our ability to borrow substantial additional funds in the future nor do they provide holders any protection should we be involved in a highly leveraged transaction. If we add new indebtedness to our anticipated debt levels following or prior to the acquisition, it could increase the related risks that we face.

    Our substantial indebtedness could have important consequences to you. For example, it could:

Servicing our indebtedness will require a significant amount of cash and our ability to generate sufficient cash depends on many factors beyond our control.

    Our ability to make payments on and to refinance our indebtedness, including the notes, and to fund planned capital expenditures depends on our ability to generate cash flow in the future. This, to some extent, is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative and regulatory factors and other factors that are beyond our control. In addition, our ability to borrow funds under our credit facilities in the future will depend on our meeting the financial covenants in the agreements, including an interest coverage test and a leverage ratio test. We cannot assure you that our business will generate cash flow from operations or that future borrowings will be available to us under our credit facilities in an amount sufficient to enable us to pay our indebtedness, including the notes, or to fund our other liquidity needs. As a result, we may need to refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness, including the notes, on or before maturity. We cannot assure you that we will be able to refinance any of our indebtedness on commercially reasonable terms or at all. Our inability to generate sufficient cash flow or refinance our indebtedness on commercially reasonable terms would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and ability to satisfy our obligations under the notes.

We are a holding company and depend on the business of our subsidiaries to satisfy our obligations under the notes.

    We are a holding company. Our subsidiaries conduct substantially all of our consolidated operations and own substantially all of our consolidated assets. Consequently, our cash flow and our ability to pay our debts depends upon our subsidiaries' cash flow and their payment of funds to us. Our subsidiaries are not obligated to make funds available to us for payment on the notes or otherwise. In addition, our subsidiaries' ability to make any payments to us will depend on their earnings, the terms of their indebtedness, business and tax considerations, legal and regulatory restrictions and economic conditions. These payments may not be adequate to pay interest and principal on the notes when due.

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In addition, their ability to make payments to us depends on applicable law and debt instruments to which they or we are a party, which may include requirements to maintain minimum levels of working capital and other assets.

    The notes will effectively rank junior to all existing and future liabilities of our subsidiaries, including trade payables. In the event of a bankruptcy, liquidation or dissolution of a subsidiary and following payment of its liabilities, the subsidiary may not have sufficient assets remaining to make any payments to us so that we can meet our obligations as the holding company, including our obligations to you under the notes. As of June 30, 2001, our subsidiaries had approximately $4 million of debt. The indenture governing the notes will not limit the ability of our subsidiaries to incur substantial additional debt.

We may require you to dispose of your notes or redeem your notes if any gaming authority finds you unsuitable to hold them.

    We may require you to dispose of your notes or redeem your notes if any gaming authority finds you unsuitable to hold them or in order to otherwise comply with gaming laws to which we are subject, as more fully described in the sections entitled "Regulation and Licensing" and "Description of the Exchange Notes—Mandatory Disposition Pursuant to Gaming Laws."

Lakes Gaming, Inc. may not be able to satisfy its indemnification obligations to Grand and this could have a material adverse effect on us.

    In connection with Grand's spin-off of Lakes, Lakes and Grand agreed to indemnify each other for liabilities retained by them. Among other things, Lakes agreed to indemnify Grand for:

    As security to support Lakes' indemnification obligations to Grand, Lakes agreed to irrevocably deposit, in trust for the benefit of Grand, as our wholly owned subsidiary, an aggregate of $30 million, consisting of four annual installments of $7.5 million, during the four-year period subsequent to December 31, 1998. Only the first installment of $7.5 million was paid into the trust in December 1999.

    Some of the liabilities related to the Stratosphere Corporation bankruptcy have been settled. However, if Lakes fails to satisfy its indemnification obligations to Grand, Grand would be required to satisfy any liabilities, which could, either individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. For additional information concerning legal proceedings related to Stratosphere, see "Business and Properties—Legal Proceedings."

The gaming industry is highly competitive.

    There is intense competition in the gaming industry. The construction of new properties or the enhancement or expansion of existing properties in any market in which we operate could have a negative impact on our business in that market. A new hotel casino is currently under construction in Atlantic City. Our competitors have announced projects in Las Vegas which, if completed, will add significant casino space and hotel rooms to the Las Vegas market. Our businesses could be adversely impacted (1) by the additional gaming and room capacity generated by this increased competition in Las Vegas and Atlantic City, or (2) by similar competitors' projects in any of our markets.

10


    The business at our hotel casinos could also be adversely affected if gaming were to be newly legalized or expanded under the laws of any state or locale located near our existing properties. Particularly, the legalization of gaming operations in jurisdictions located near Las Vegas or Atlantic City could affect our properties located there. Similarly, any expansion of gaming on or near the Gulf Coast could negatively affect our Mississippi properties.

    We also compete with legalized gaming from casinos located on Native American tribal lands. In March 2000, California voters approved an amendment to the California Constitution permitting Native American tribes in California to operate a limited number of slot and video poker machines and house-banked card games. The governor of California has entered into compacts with numerous tribes in California. The federal government has approved approximately 60 such compacts, and casino-style gaming is now legal on those tribal lands. A proliferation of Native American gaming in California, or a proliferation of Native American gaming in other areas located near our existing hotel casinos, could have an adverse effect on our operating results in those markets.

The adoption of referenda or the outcomes of litigation may restrict our ability to conduct gaming activities in some jurisdictions.

    In Mississippi, the Mississippi Act provides for legalized dockside gaming at the discretion of the fourteen Mississippi counties that border the Gulf Coast or the Mississippi River, but only if the voters in the county have not voted to prohibit gaming in that county. In recent years, anti-gaming groups have proposed for adoption through the initiative and referendum process certain amendments to the Mississippi Constitution which would prohibit gaming in the state. The proposals were declared illegal by Mississippi courts. If another such proposal were to be offered, and if a sufficient number of signatures were to be gathered to place a legal initiative on the ballot, it would be possible for the voters of Mississippi to consider such a proposal in November of 2003. If voters passed such a proposal, it would have a material adverse effect on us and on our Mississippi gaming operations.

    In April 2000, we entered into an agreement with the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe to develop and manage gaming facilities in the State of New York. Subsequently, on April 10, 2001, the Supreme Court for the State of New York in Albany County held that the Tribal State Compact entered into between the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe and the State of New York, authorizing gaming on the Mohawk lands, was void and unenforceable in the absence of legislative approval. The State and the governor have appealed the decision. If the Court's decision is ultimately upheld, we would be unable to develop a gaming facility in New York without additional legislative action. See also "Business and Properties—Legal Proceedings—Mohawk Litigation."

The gaming industry is highly regulated and we must adhere to various regulations and maintain our licenses to continue our operations.

    Each of our casinos is subject to extensive regulation under the laws, rules and regulations of the jurisdiction where located or docked. These laws, rules and regulations generally concern the responsibility, financial stability and character of the owners, managers, and persons with financial interests in the gaming operations. Some jurisdictions, however, empower their regulators to investigate participation by licensees in gaming outside their jurisdiction and require access to and periodic reports concerning the gaming activities. Violations of laws in one jurisdiction could result in disciplinary action in other jurisdictions. For a summary of gaming regulations that affect our business, see "Regulation and Licensing." The regulatory environment in any particular jurisdiction may change in the future and any such change could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

Energy price increases may adversely affect our costs of operations and our revenues.

    Our casino properties use significant amounts of electricity, natural gas and other forms of energy. While no shortages of energy have been experienced, the recent substantial increases in the cost of electricity in the United States will negatively affect our operating results. The extent of the impact is

11


subject to the magnitude and duration of the energy price increases, but this impact could be material. In addition, energy price increases in cities that constitute a significant source of customers for our properties could result in a decline in disposable income of potential customers and a corresponding decrease in visitation to our properties, which would negatively impact revenues.

A downturn in general economic conditions may adversely affect our results of operations.

    Our business operations are subject to changes in international, national and local economic conditions. A recession or downturn in the general economy, or in a region constituting a significant source of customers for our properties, could result in fewer customers visiting our properties, which would adversely affect our results of operations.

Acts of domestic terrorism have impacted our industry.

    On September 11, 2001, acts of terrorism occurred in New York City and Washington, D.C. As a result of such terrorist acts, there has been a disruption in domestic and international travel. These terrorist acts and travel disruptions have resulted in decreased customer visitation to our properties. These terrorist acts and the travel disruptions may continue to affect us, and may also adversely affect the already slowing economy, further negatively impacting our results of operations.

An active trading market may not develop for these notes.

    We are offering the exchange notes to the holders of the old notes. The old notes were sold in August 2001 to a small number of institutional investors in the United States and to investors outside of the United States under Regulation S and are eligible for trading in the Private Offerings, Resale and Trading through Automatic Linkages (PORTAL) Market. To the extent that old notes are tendered and accepted in the exchange offer, the trading market for untendered and tendered but unaccepted old notes will be adversely affected. We cannot assure you that this market will provide liquidity for you if you want to sell your old notes.

    We do not intend to apply for a listing of the exchange notes on a securities exchange or on any automated dealer quotation system. The exchange notes are new securities for which there is currently no market. We cannot assure you as to the liquidity of markets that may develop for the exchange notes, your ability to sell the exchange notes or the price at which you would be able to sell the exchange notes. If such markets were to exist, the exchange notes could trade at prices that may be lower than their principal amount or purchase price depending on many factors, including prevailing interest rates and the markets for similar securities. The initial purchasers of the old notes have advised us that they currently intend to make a market with respect to the exchange notes. However, they are not obligated to do so, and any market making activities may be discontinued at any time without notice. In addition, such market making activity may be limited during the pendency of the exchange offer.

    The liquidity of, and trading market for, the exchange notes also may be adversely affected by changes in the market for high yield securities and by changes in our financial performance or prospects for companies in our industry generally. As a result, you cannot be sure that an active trading market will develop for the exchange notes.

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

    This prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus include forward-looking statements intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements which are not historical statements of fact are "forward-looking statements" for purposes of these provisions and are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include all financial projections, including projections of revenue, market share, earnings, or net cash flow, statements of management's plans, objectives or expectations of future economic performance, statements regarding new products or services, statements of belief, and statements regarding anticipated construction, development, or acquisition expressed in this prospectus, including without limitation, those set forth under the captions "Summary," "Business and Properties" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and statements relating to our plans, strategies, objectives, expectations, intentions and adequacy of resources. We intend for the words "believes," "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "interested in," "plans," "continues," "projects" and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and projections about future events. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions about us and our subsidiaries, including, among other things, factors discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in this prospectus and in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the following:

    In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events discussed in this prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus might not occur.


USE OF PROCEEDS

    We will not receive any proceeds from the exchange of the exchange notes for the old notes pursuant to the exchange offer.

    We used the aggregate net proceeds from the offering of the old notes, which were approximately $422 million after deducting fees and expenses associated with the offering, to repay a portion of the outstanding debt under our revolving credit facilities.

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CAPITALIZATION

    The following table sets forth our capitalization at June 30, 2001:

    You should read this information together with "Use of Proceeds" and the audited consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this prospectus or incorporated by reference in this prospectus.

 
  June 30, 2001
 
 
  Actual
  As Adjusted
 
 
  ($ in millions)

 
Cash and Equivalents   $ 274   $ 274  
   
 
 
Total Current Portion of Long-Term Debt   $ 1   $ 1  
   
 
 
Long-Term Debt:              
  Revolving credit facilities(a)   $ 2,325   $ 1,903  
  Commercial paper     15     15  
  7.375% senior notes due 2002(b)     300     300  
  7% senior notes due 2004(b)     325     325  
  7.95% senior notes due 2003     299     299  
  8.5% senior notes due 2006     397     397  
  7.50% senior notes due 2009         425  
  7.875% senior subordinated notes due 2005     400     400  
  9.375% senior subordinated notes due 2007     500     500  
  8.875% senior subordinated notes due 2008     400     400  
  8.125% senior subordinated notes due 2011     347     347  
  Other     4     4  
    Less current portion of long-term debt     (1 )   (1 )
   
 
 
    Total long-term debt, net of current portion     5,311     5,314  
   
 
 
Total Stockholders' Equity     3,876     3,876  
   
 
 
Total Capitalization   $ 9,187   $ 9,190  
   
 
 

(a)
Our current credit facilities, as amended on August 23, 2001, consist of a $1.5 billion 364-day revolving facility and a $2.0 billion multi-year facility that expires December 31, 2003 with a $1.4 billion 2-year extension upon expiration or termination of the existing multi-year facility. For additional information, see "Description of Other Indebtedness."

(b)
In connection with our spin-off from Hilton, we assumed the payment obligations with respect to these outstanding Hilton notes.

14



MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

    You should read the following discussion together with the financial statements, including the related notes, the other financial information in this prospectus, and the risks involved in investing in the notes described in the "Risk Factors" section.

Results of Operations

    Results of operations include our wholly owned subsidiaries and investments accounted for under the equity method of accounting. After our merger of the Mississippi gaming operations of Grand Casinos, Inc. on December 31, 1998, the opening of Paris Las Vegas on September 1, 1999, and our acquisition of Caesars World, Inc. and other gaming assets from Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., on December 29, 1999, we operate the following portfolio of properties under the Caesars, Bally's, Paris, Flamingo, Grand, Hilton, and Conrad brand names:

    We have experienced a number of changes, during the period covered in this discussion, resulting in increases in the number of subsidiaries and investments (as listed above). On December 31, 1998, we completed our merger of the Mississippi gaming operations of Grand, including Grand Casino Tunica, Grand Casino Gulfport, and Grand Casino Biloxi. Because the completion of the Grand merger occurred on the last day of 1998, the results of operations for the Grand properties are not included in our consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 1998.

    On September 1, 1999, we opened the 2,916 room Paris Las Vegas on the Las Vegas Strip. On December 29, 1999, we completed our acquisition of Caesars World, Inc. As a result of the Caesars acquisition, we now own Caesars Palace, Caesars Atlantic City, Caesars Tahoe, Sheraton Casino and Hotel Tunica, an 82 percent interest in Caesars Indiana, a 95 percent interest in Sheraton Casino Sydney and Sheraton Halifax Casino, an interest in Caesars Guateng, a 50 percent interest in the management company of Windsor Casino in Ontario, Canada, an interest in Caesars Palace at Sea, and the slot operations at the Dover Downs racetrack in Delaware. The results of operations for the Caesars properties are not included in our consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 1998, and only two days are included in the December 31, 1999 results, as the acquisition was completed on December 29, 1999.

    The following discussion presents an analysis of our results of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2001 and 2000 and the years ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998. EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, pre-opening expenses, and impairment losses and other, net) is presented supplementally in the tables below and in the discussion of our operating

15


results because this is how we review and analyze the results of each property. EBITDA can be computed directly from our consolidated statements of income by adding the amounts shown for (1) depreciation and amortization, (2) pre-opening expense, and (3) impairment losses and other, net to operating income (which is income before interest and taxes). This information should not be considered as an alternative to any measure of performance as promulgated under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (such as operating income or net income), nor should it be considered as an indicator of our overall financial performance. Our calculation of EBITDA may be different from the calculation used by other companies and therefore comparability may be limited.

Comparison of Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2001 and 2000

    A summary of our consolidated revenue and earnings for the three and six months ended June 30, 2001 and 2000 is as follows (in millions, except per share amounts):

 
  Three months ended
June 30,

  Six months
ended
June 30,

 
  2001
  2000
  2001
  2000
Revenue   $ 1,204   $ 1,220   $ 2,399   $ 2,426
Operating income     179     167     363     364
Net income     48     31     93     83
Basic and diluted earnings per share     0.16     0.10     0.31     0.27
Other operating data:                        
  EBITDA   $ 310   $ 335   $ 625   $ 662

    We recorded net income of $48 million or diluted earnings per share of $0.16 for the three months ended June 30, 2001, compared with net income of $31 million or diluted earnings per share of $0.10 for the three months ended June 30, 2000. The prior-year results were negatively impacted by a $37 million net loss ($24 million net of tax or $0.08 per diluted share) associated with the write-down of Las Vegas Hilton assets and the net impact of the sale of the Flamingo Kansas City Riverboat Casino.

    For the six months ended June 30, 2001, we recorded net income of $93 million or diluted earnings per share of $0.31 compared with net income of $83 million or diluted earnings per share of $0.27 in the prior-year period. Results for the six months ended June 30, 2000 included the $24 million net of tax loss noted above.

Western Region

 
  Revenues
  EBITDA
 
  Three months ended
  Six months
ended

  Three months ended
  Six months
ended

 
  June 30,
  June 30,
 
  2001
  2000
  2001
  2000
  2001
  2000
  2001
  2000
 
  (in millions)

Paris/Bally's   $ 170   $ 166   $ 353   $ 343   $ 51   $ 50   $ 110   $ 108
Caesars Palace     135     124     264     262     34     33     65     68
Flamingo Las Vegas     78     82     155     161     28     30     57     63
Las Vegas Hilton     54     70     127     150     6     12     22     30
Other     99     99     195     191     14     22     31     37
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Western Region   $ 536   $ 541   $ 1,094   $ 1,107   $ 133   $ 147   $ 285   $ 306
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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    The strength of the Western Region was centered at the "Four Corners" where both slot handle and table game drop for the quarter were up versus the previous year. Room revenues were up 5 percent as a result of stable occupancy and an increase in room rates. A 69 percent ($5 million) increase in energy costs during the second quarter of 2001 as compared to the same period of 2000 had a negative effect on operating results for the region. Energy costs are expected to remain high for the rest of the year and continue to negatively impact operating results. Occupancy for the Western Region was 94 percent for both the three months ended June 30, 2001 and 2000. The average room rate increased 2 percent to $92 compared to $90 in the prior year.

    EBITDA for the six months ended June 30, 2001 was lower than the corresponding prior-year period primarily due to increased energy costs and the timing of the New Year's weekend and of having Chinese New Year and the Superbowl fall on the same weekend. For the six months ended June 30, 2001, occupancy for the Western Region was 93 percent and the average room rate was $95 compared to 92 percent occupancy and a $91 average room rate in the corresponding prior-year period.

    EBITDA at Paris/Bally's Las Vegas increased $1 million this quarter compared to the prior-year period primarily due to higher table game win coupled with a 6 percent increase in revenue per available room (RevPAR) for the quarter.

    Caesars Palace also generated a $1 million increase in EBITDA for the second quarter of 2001 primarily due to an increase in slot play. The increase was partially offset by higher energy costs when compared to last year. Occupancy was 99 percent for the quarter.

    EBITDA at the Las Vegas Hilton was $6 million in the second quarter of 2001 versus $12 million last year. The lower results were expected as we continue to reposition the property as a convention hotel. As part of this repositioning, during the past year we reduced full-time employees by 220, including dealers and international marketing personnel transferred to other properties.

    The $2 million quarterly EBITDA decline at the Flamingo Las Vegas was primarily attributable to higher operating costs while casino revenues remained relatively flat.

    Quarterly EBITDA declined a combined $8 million for the Reno Hilton, Caesars Tahoe, Flamingo Reno, and Flamingo Laughlin properties due to lower overall gaming volumes at each property. Caesars Tahoe accounted for $4 million of the decrease due to significantly lower table game volumes.

Eastern Region

 
  Revenues
  EBITDA
 
  Three months ended
  Six months
ended

  Three months ended
  Six months
Ended

 
  June 30,
  June 30,
 
  2001
  2000
  2001
  2000
  2001
  2000
  2001
  2000
 
  (in millions)

Bally's Atlantic City   $ 145   $ 148   $ 281   $ 282   $ 46   $ 48   $ 81   $ 86
Caesars Atlantic City     121     131     237     243     38     41     71     72
Atlantic City Hilton     85     87     159     160     21     23     33     37
Other     15     3     17     5     3     2     5     3
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Eastern Region   $ 366   $ 369   $ 694   $ 690   $ 108   $ 114   $ 190   $ 198
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

    Eastern Region fundamentals were strong as gaming volumes increased approximately 3 percent this quarter over the second quarter of 2000. However, overall Eastern Region EBITDA for the second quarter of 2001 was 5 percent lower than the second quarter of 2000 primarily due to an overall lower table game hold percentage and a 33 percent ($2 million) increase in energy costs. The average room

17


rate in the Eastern Region was flat at $93 for the three months ended June 30, 2001 compared to the second quarter of 2000 while occupancy improved to 98 percent from 96 percent.

    Inclement weather during the first quarter and rising energy costs throughout the period were the primary reasons that EBITDA for the six month-period ended June 30, 2001 was $8 million less than the corresponding prior-year period. For the six months ended June 30, 2001, occupancy for the Eastern Region was 97 percent and the average room rate was $89 compared to 95 percent occupancy and an $89 average room rate for the six months ended June 30, 2000.

    Caesars Atlantic City EBITDA declined 7 percent to $38 million in the second quarter of 2001 from $41 million in 2000. Despite an increase in table game drop, table game win decreased approximately $9 million due to a 4 percentage point decline in the hold percentage.

    The $2 million decline in quarterly EBITDA at Bally's Atlantic City was primarily due to a 2 percentage point decline in hold percentage and a 22 percent increase in energy costs.

    The Atlantic City Hilton earned EBITDA of $21 million for the second quarter of 2001 compared to $23 million in the year-ago quarter. The property's lower results were primarily attributable to lower table game win and increased energy expenses, partially offset by a 2 percent increase in slot win.

    We began operating the Claridge on June 1, 2001. While the property contributed only modestly to Eastern Region operating results, its location adjacent to Bally's provides additional capacity to our existing Boardwalk complex. We are currently evaluating revenue enhancing and cost savings plans as part of the strategic integration of the Claridge.

    Certain competitors have begun construction on a 2000-room hotel/casino project in Atlantic City with an announced completion date in 2003. Other competitors have announced or begun expansion projects with expected completion dates in 2002 and beyond. Such potential new capacity could intensify competition in the Atlantic City marketplace, or alternatively broaden Atlantic City's appeal to an expanded customer base. We cannot predict if these projects or other projects will be completed or how any additional capacity would affect our operating results.

Mid-South Region

 
  Revenues
  EBITDA
 
  Three months ended
  Six months
ended

  Three months ended
  Six months
Ended

 
  June 30,
  June 30,
 
  2001
  2000
  2001
  2000
  2001
  2000
  2001
  2000
 
  (in millions)

Grand Biloxi   $ 62   $ 59   $ 122   $ 121   $ 16   $ 16   $ 32   $ 32
Caesars Indiana     51     49     105     95     14     13     29     24
Grand Gulfport     49     47     95     95     13     11     25     23
Grand Tunica     56     66     112     127     9     16     22     30
Other     48     53     101     110     8     10     19     21
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Mid-South Region   $ 266   $ 274   $ 535   $ 548   $ 60   $ 66   $ 127   $ 130
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

    The Mid-South Region saw quarter-over-quarter improvement at Grand Gulfport and Caesars Indiana and continued stable results at Grand Biloxi. However, the continued competitive pressure at the Tunica properties resulted in a 9 percent decline in EBITDA on a regional basis. The average room rate for the Mid-South Region was $59 and occupancy was 92 percent for the quarter ended June 30, 2001 compared to an average room rate of $56 and occupancy of 96 percent for the second quarter of 2000.

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    For the six months ended June 30, 2001, occupancy for the Mid-South Region was 92 percent and the average room rate was $58 compared to 92 percent occupancy and a $53 average room rate for the prior-year period.

    Caesars Indiana recorded a 4 percent improvement in revenues to $51 million and an 8 percent improvement in EBITDA to $14 million during the second quarter of 2001. The improvements resulted primarily from a 5 percent increase in slot handle and a 3 percent increase in table game drop. The Pavilion amenities completed at Caesars Indiana during 2000 continue to drive increased visitation from the Louisville, Kentucky market and surrounding areas. Construction on the 500-room hotel tower was completed in August 2001.

    On the Gulf Coast, Grand Gulfport generated an 18 percent increase in EBITDA for the quarter, while EBITDA at Grand Biloxi was flat between quarters at $16 million. In July, we completed a 1,200-space parking garage adjacent to Grand Biloxi that provides customers direct access to the casino.

    Grand Tunica reported a quarterly decline in EBITDA of $7 million resulting from a 9 percent decrease in slot handle and a 4 percent decrease in table game volume as well as continuing competitive marketing pressures.

International

    On a combined basis, the International properties reported EBITDA of $22 million for the second quarter of 2001 compared to $21 million for the second quarter of 2000. Occupancy for the International properties was 65 percent for the second quarter of 2001 and 2000. The average room rate was $80 compared to $86 in the prior year.

    For the six months ended June 30, 2001, combined EBITDA for the International properties was $48 million, occupancy was 69 percent and the average room rate was $84 compared to EBITDA of $52 million, 68 percent occupancy and a $93 average room rate for the prior-year period.

Impairment Losses and Other, Net

    For the three and six months ended June 30, 2000, impairment losses and other, net consisted of a $55 million impairment write-down of the Las Vegas Hilton (related to a proposed sale of the property) offset by an $18 million gain on the sale of the Flamingo Kansas City Riverboat Casino. We had no impairment losses and other, net amounts for the three and six months ended June 30, 2001.

Net Interest Expense

    Consolidated net interest expense decreased $15 million to $94 million for the three months ended June 30, 2001 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2000. For the six months ended June 30, 2001, net interest expense decreased $16 million from the same period last year to $198 million. The decrease in net interest expense was due primarily to a decline in the rates paid on variable-rate debt and a reduction in average long-term debt outstanding, partially offset by changes in the mix of fixed-rate and variable-rate debt. Since June 2000, we have issued $750 million of fixed-rate debt and used the proceeds to pay down variable-rate debt under our credit facilities. Capitalized interest was $4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2001 while capitalized interest was less than $1 million for the second quarter of 2000. For the six months ended June 30, 2001 and 2000, capitalized interest was $7 million and $1 million, respectively.

Income Taxes

    The effective income tax rates for the three months ended June 30, 2001 and 2000 were 42.4 percent and 46.6 percent, respectively. The effective income tax rates for the six months ended June 30, 2001 and 2000 were 42.4 percent and 44.7 percent, respectively. Our effective income tax rate

19


is determined by the level and composition of pretax income subject to varying foreign, state, and local taxes and exceeds the federal statutory rate due primarily to non-deductible amortization of goodwill.

Comparison of December 31, 2000 with December 31, 1999

    A summary of our consolidated revenue and earnings for the years ended December 31, 2000 and 1999 is as follows (in millions, except per share amounts):

 
  2000
  1999
 
  (in millions,
except per
share amounts)

Revenue   $ 4,784   $ 3,117
Operating income     696     399
Net income     143     136
Basic earnings per share     0.48     0.45
Diluted earnings per share     0.46     0.44
Other operating data:            
  EBITDA   $ 1,240   $ 778

    We recorded net income of $143 million or diluted earnings per share of $0.46, for the year ended December 31, 2000, compared with net income of $136 million or diluted earnings per share of $0.44, for the year ended December 31, 1999. The increase was primarily associated with the Caesars acquisition and a full year of operating results from Paris Las Vegas, which opened on September 1, 1999. Current-year results were impacted by pre-opening costs and net impairment and other losses totaling $48 million ($31 million net of tax or $0.10 per diluted share) consisting of $3 million of pre-opening costs, an impairment loss of $55 million on the planned sale of the Las Vegas Hilton, a gain of $18 million on the sale of the Flamingo Kansas City Riverboat Casino, a gain of $7 million on the sale of certain trademark rights associated with the Bally name, and costs of $15 million related to fulfilling employment contracts with our former President and Chief Executive Officer, who passed away in October 2000. Prior-year results were impacted by a $26 million impairment loss associated with the planned sale of our Flamingo Reno property and pre-opening costs of $47 million primarily related to the opening of Paris.

    For the year ended December 31, 2000, EBITDA increased $462 million when compared to 1999. The Caesars properties contributed EBITDA of $138 million in the Western Region, $163 million in the Eastern Region, $67 million in the Mid-South Region, and $51 million from International properties for a total of $419 million. Excluding the Caesars properties, the Western Region increased $37 million, the Eastern Region increased $34 million, the Mid-South Region decreased $29 million, and the International properties increased $14 million.

Western Region

    EBITDA for the Western Region was $531 million for the year ended December 31, 2000 compared to $356 million for 1999. The increase in EBITDA was primarily attributable to the acquisition of Caesars and a full year of Paris operations, which opened on September 1, 1999. Caesars Palace generated EBITDA of $119 million in 2000. Occupancy for the Western Region was 92 percent in 2000 compared to 88 percent in 1999. The average room rate in 2000 was $89 compared to $79 in the prior year. The increase in the average room rate was primarily a result of the addition of Caesars Palace, Caesars Tahoe, and a full year of Paris Las Vegas operations.

    The combined Paris/Bally's properties generated EBITDA of $194 million in 2000, an increase of $64 million from 1999. The increase in EBITDA was primarily attributable to a full year of Paris operations in 2000.

20


    EBITDA at the Flamingo Las Vegas increased $4 million to $116 million in 2000. New marketing programs targeted at table game customers resulted in an eight percent increase in table game volume while slot volume also improved. The Flamingo Las Vegas continues to provide consistent returns based on the power of its location.

    EBITDA at the Las Vegas Hilton was $31 million in 2000 compared to $59 million in 1999. The decline primarily resulted from a decrease in table game volume associated with the property's held for sale status during the second half of the year compounded by a decrease in the table game hold percentage. In July 2000, we entered into an agreement to sell the Las Vegas Hilton, however, the purchaser breached the agreement in January 2001 and did not finalize the transaction (see Note 14 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information). We no longer plan to sell this property.

    Combined EBITDA from Caesars Tahoe, the Reno Hilton, the Flamingo Reno, and the Flamingo Laughlin was $71 million in 2000 compared to $55 million in 1999. The increase resulted primarily from the addition of Caesars Tahoe. In October 2001, we entered into an agreement to sell the Flamingo Reno and expect the sale to be completed in November 2001.

    From October 1998 to September 1999, four new mega-resorts (including Paris) opened in Las Vegas, which drove increased visitation in 1999 and 2000. In August 2000, a new mega-resort opened adjacent to Paris. Current and potential competitors have indicated expansion and new development plans for the Las Vegas Strip, which are in the early planning stages. We cannot predict what impact these expansions or new developments, if completed, will have on our future results of operations.

Eastern Region

    EBITDA for the Eastern Region was $410 million for the year ended December 31, 2000 compared to $213 million for 1999. The increase is due to the addition of Caesars Atlantic City and local and national marketing efforts, which are driving incremental visitation to our properties in Atlantic City. Year over year improvements were somewhat diluted by inclement weather experienced during December 2000, which significantly reduced visitation and play during December. Caesars Atlantic City recorded EBITDA of $155 million during 2000. The average room rate in the Eastern Region was $94 during 2000 compared to $88 during 1999, while occupancy was 96 percent in both years.

    Bally's Atlantic City generated EBITDA of $177 million in 2000 compared to $165 million in 1999, an increase of seven percent. The increase resulted from improvements in table game volume and slot handle as well as the Wild Wild West expansion, which opened in September 2000. This expansion added approximately 10,000 square feet of gaming space and 300 slot machines and formed the largest contiguous gaming complex on the Boardwalk, comprised of Bally's Atlantic City, Caesars Atlantic City, and the Wild Wild West.

    For the year ended December 31, 2000, the Atlantic City Hilton reported EBITDA of $70 million, a 46 percent increase from last year's $48 million. The improvement was driven primarily by a 26 percent increase in slot handle resulting from an increase in the number of smaller denomination slot machines, special slot promotions, and other marketing efforts.

    Certain competitors have begun construction on a 2000 room hotel/casino project in Atlantic City with an announced completion date in 2003. Other competitors have announced or begun expansion projects with expected completion dates in 2002 and beyond. Such potential new capacity could intensify competition in the Atlantic City marketplace, or alternatively broaden Atlantic City's appeal to an expanded customer base. We cannot predict if these projects or other projects will be completed or how any additional capacity would affect our operating results.

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Mid-South Region

    EBITDA for the Mid-South Region was $243 million for the year ended December 31, 2000 compared to $205 million for the year ended December 31, 1999. The increase in EBITDA is primarily attributable to the $49 million in EBITDA generated by Caesars Indiana, partially offset by declines at other Mid-South properties. The average room rate for the region was $53 and occupancy was 91 percent during 2000 compared to an average room rate of $58 and occupancy of 88 percent during 1999.

    Grand Biloxi reported EBITDA of $64 million for the year ended December 31, 2000 compared to $74 million for 1999. The decline is attributable to competitive conditions from supply added in New Orleans and Biloxi. During 2000, significant costs were incurred for marketing and promotional efforts, which resulted in lower EBITDA margins. However, table game drop for 2000 increased 14 percent compared to 1999 while slot handle remained steady.

    Grand Gulfport generated $45 million in EBITDA during 2000 compared to $43 million during 1999. Table game drop increased 16 percent and slot handle improved 7 percent in 2000 due to marketing efforts and the June 1999 addition of the Oasis Resort and Spa.

    For the year ended December 31, 2000, Grand Tunica reported EBITDA of $51 million, down from $61 million reported for the year ended December 31, 1999. The decline was due to competitive market conditions, increased promotional spending, and inclement weather experienced during December 2000.

International

    On a combined basis, EBITDA from the International properties was $105 million in 2000 compared to $40 million in 1999, an increase of $65 million. The Caesars properties recorded EBITDA of $51 million in 2000. During 2000, temporary casino facilities were replaced with permanent casino facilities at Caesars Guateng in South Africa and Sheraton Halifax in Canada. On a combined basis, the International properties reported an average room rate of $89 and occupancy of 68 percent in 2000 compared to an average room rate of $97 and occupancy of 62 percent in 1999.

Depreciation and Amortization

    Consolidated depreciation and amortization increased $190 million to $496 million for the year ended December 31, 2000. The increase was primarily attributable to the addition of the Caesars properties and Paris, which opened in September 1999, partially offset by the elimination of depreciation expense at the Las Vegas Hilton for the second half of 2000 while it was being held for sale.

Corporate Expense

    Corporate expense increased $13 million to $49 million for the year ended December 31, 2000. The increase was primarily attributable to the acquisition of Caesars as well as the move to consolidate corporate functions to the Las Vegas headquarters office.

Net Interest Expense

    Consolidated net interest expense increased from $146 million in 1999 to $431 million in 2000. The increase in net interest expense was due primarily to an increase in average long-term debt outstanding of approximately $3 billion associated with the Caesars acquisition in December 1999 and a decrease in capitalized interest with the completion of Paris. We used a combination of fixed-rate debt and bank credit facilities to fund the acquisition of Caesars. Capitalized interest in 2000 was $7 million compared to $37 million in 1999. During 2000 we reduced outstanding debt by $226 million utilizing a portion of our operating cash flows.

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Income Taxes

    The effective income tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2000 was 45.7 percent compared to 44.7 percent for 1999. Our effective income tax rate is determined by the level and composition of pretax income subject to varying foreign, state, and local taxes and exceeds the federal statutory rate due primarily to non-deductible amortization of goodwill.

Comparison of December 31, 1999 with December 31, 1998

    A summary of our consolidated revenue and earnings for the years ended December 31, 1999 and 1998 is as follows (in millions, except per share amounts):

 
  1999
  1998
 
  (in millions,
except per
share amounts)

Revenue   $ 3,117   $ 2,283
Operating income     399     302
Net income     136     109
Basic earnings per share     0.45     0.42
Diluted earnings per share     0.44     0.42
Other operating data:            
  EBITDA   $ 778   $ 556

    We recorded net income of $136 million or diluted earnings per share of $0.44, for the year ended December 31, 1999, compared with net income of $109 million or diluted earnings per share of $0.42, for the year ended December 31, 1998. This 25 percent increase in net income was primarily associated with positive operating contributions arising from the Grand merger and the opening of Paris Las Vegas, offset by a $26 million impairment loss associated with the planned sale of the Flamingo Reno. In addition, on January 1, 1999, we adopted Statement of Position (SOP) 98-5, "Reporting on the Costs of Start-Up Activities," which requires that pre-opening costs be expensed as incurred. We expensed $47 million of pre-opening costs incurred during 1999, related primarily to the opening and development of Paris Las Vegas. As required by SOP 98-5, we recorded a cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax, of $2 million for pre-opening costs incurred and capitalized prior to January 1, 1999.

    Consolidated revenues increased 37 percent to $3.1 billion for the year ended December 31, 1999, from $2.3 billion in 1998. This increase in revenues was related to revenues generated from the Mississippi operations acquired in the Grand merger and the opening of Paris Las Vegas. EBITDA increased 40 percent to $778 million for the year ended December 31, 1999, from $556 million in 1998. The Mid-South Region contributed $166 million of the increase in EBITDA, all attributed to the addition of the Grand properties. The Western Region increased $58 million and the Eastern Region had an increase of $19 million. These increases were offset by a decrease of $7 million in the International Region.

Western Region

    EBITDA for the Western Region was $356 million for the year ended December 31, 1999, an increase of 19 percent, compared to $298 million for the prior-year period. The increase in EBITDA was primarily attributable to the opening of Paris Las Vegas, improved performance at the Flamingo Las Vegas and a strong year at the Reno Hilton. Occupancy for the Western Region was 88 percent for the year ended December 31, 1999, flat with the prior-year period. The average room rate was $79 compared to $75 in the prior-year period.

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    EBITDA at the Las Vegas Hilton increased two percent to $59 million for the year ended December 31, 1999. The increase was primarily attributable to increases in the domestic table games, slots, and race and sports areas. Results at the Las Vegas Hilton are more volatile than our other casinos because this property caters to the premium play segment of the market. Fluctuations in premium play volume and win percentage could result in volatility of the results at this property.

    EBITDA at the Flamingo Las Vegas increased $6 million to $112 million for the year ended December 31, 1999. The Flamingo Las Vegas demonstrated the power of its location and its appeal to its target market. A five percent increase in casino volume was the primary contributor to the year over year increase.

    The combined Paris/Bally's properties generated EBITDA of $130 million for the year ended December 31, 1999, an increase of $46 million from the prior year. The increase in EBITDA was primarily attributable to the opening of Paris Las Vegas on September 1, 1999. This French themed property, which is located adjacent to Bally's Las Vegas, features 2,916 rooms, an 85,000 square foot casino, a 50-story replica of the Eiffel Tower, eight restaurants, five lounges, 130,000 square feet of convention space and a 24,000 square foot retail shopping complex.

    Combined EBITDA from the Reno Hilton, the Flamingo Reno and the Flamingo Laughlin was $55 million for the year ended December 31, 1999, a $5 million increase from the prior year. The Reno Hilton had the most significant effect on this increase, with a 26 percent increase in EBITDA. A significant portion of this increase was attributable to increases in non-gaming revenues. Special events and casino marketing drove increases in room, food and beverage revenues. In December 1999, we entered into a definitive agreement to sell the Flamingo Reno.

    The completion of a number of room expansion projects coupled with the opening of new casino hotels increased competition in all segments of the Las Vegas market. Including Paris Las Vegas, four new mega-resorts have opened since October 1998, which drove increased visitation in 1999.

Eastern Region

    EBITDA for the Eastern Region was $213 million for the year ended December 31, 1999, an increase of ten percent from $194 million for the year ended December 31, 1998. The increase was due in part to the continued success of our marketing efforts, which drove incremental visitation to our properties in Atlantic City. Table game drop and slot handle increased over the prior year for both of the Atlantic City properties. The average room rate increased to $88 from $84 and the occupancy percentage increased from 94 percent to 96 percent for the year.

    Bally's Atlantic City generated EBITDA of $165 million for the year ended December 31, 1999, an increase of five percent from last year's $157 million. The increase was attributed to increases in both slot and table games volume. The increased volume associated with the gaming revenues also had a positive impact on revenues in other operating departments.

    For the year ended December 31, 1999, the Atlantic City Hilton reported EBITDA of $48 million, an increase of $11 million, or 30 percent from the prior year. Increases in both table games and slot win contributed to an 8 percent increase in gaming revenue. The increase in casino play was a result of successful marketing programs, which also had a positive impact on overall customer traffic counts at the property.

Mid-South Region

    EBITDA for the Mid-South Region increased $166 million to $205 million for the year ended December 31, 1999, up from $39 million in 1998. The Grand properties contributed the entire $166 million increase. The Grand properties' results are not included in the 1998 results because our merger with Grand occurred on December 31, 1998. Occupancy and average room rate for the year

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ended December 31, 1999, were 88 percent and $58, respectively. Combined EBITDA from Bally's Saloon•Gambling Hall•Hotel and Bally's New Orleans increased three percent, to $35 million for the year ended December 31, 1999. We expect that future results at Bally's New Orleans may be impacted by the October 1999 opening of a land-based casino in downtown New Orleans.

    In Mississippi, we expanded our properties with the March 1999 opening of the Terrace Hotel at Grand Casino Tunica and the June 1999 opening of the Oasis Resort and Spa at Grand Casino Gulfport. In December 1999, we added additional gaming space and two restaurants to our Grand Casino Biloxi property. We also opened the Grand Bear Golf Course, strategically situated between the Grand Casino Biloxi and Grand Casino Gulfport properties, available exclusively for our guests and Mississippi residents.

    Supply on the Gulf Coast increased in 1999 with the opening of a new resort by a competitor. The new supply into the market drove interest and visitation to our two Gulf Coast properties in 1999. This increase in supply could ultimately have an adverse impact on the operating results of our Gulf Coast properties.

International

    On a combined basis, 1999 EBITDA from the Conrad properties in Uruguay and Australia decreased $7 million to $40 million. The decrease came primarily in the first quarter of 1999 from the casino resort in Punta del Este, Uruguay, which was impacted by the devaluation of Brazil's currency, resulting in lower levels of play from Brazilian customers. On a combined basis, the International properties reported an average room rate of $97, down from $104 in the prior year, and occupancy of 62 percent, flat with the prior year.

Depreciation and Amortization

    Consolidated depreciation and amortization increased $81 million to $306 million for the year ended December 31, 1999. The increase in depreciation and amortization was primarily attributable to the addition of the Grand properties in December 1998 and the opening of Paris in September 1999.

Non-recurring Charges

    Non-recurring charges in 1999 included $47 million of pre-opening expenses related primarily to the opening of Paris Las Vegas and a $26 million impairment loss associated with the planned sale of the Flamingo Reno. One time charges in 1998 totaled $29 million and included a $16 million impairment loss related to certain riverboat casino assets as well as approximately $13 million of costs associated with the spin-off from Hilton and merger with Grand.

Corporate Expense

    Corporate expense increased $13 million to $36 million for the year ended December 31, 1999. The increase was attributable to the infrastructure put in place to operate and manage Park Place as a separate publicly traded entity after our spin-off from Hilton.

Interest Income and Interest Expense

    Interest and dividend income decreased $10 million to $11 million for the year ended December 31, 1999 compared to $21 million in the prior year. The 1998 period included interest income from our investment in certain mortgage notes that were sold in the second half of 1998. Consolidated interest expense increased $57 million to $157 million for the year ended December 31, 1999. The increase in interest expense was due primarily to an increase in long-term debt associated

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with the Grand merger and the construction of Paris Las Vegas. Capitalized interest for the years ended December 31, 1999 and 1998 was $37 million and $25 million, respectively.

Income Taxes

    The effective income tax rate for the year ended December 31, 1999 was 44.7 percent, compared to 49.8 percent in the prior year. Our effective income tax rate was determined by the level and composition of pretax income subject to varying state, local and foreign taxes and exceeded the federal statutory rate due primarily to non-deductible amortization of goodwill.

Financial Condition

Liquidity

    As of June 30, 2001, we had cash and cash equivalents of $274 million. Net cash provided by operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2001 was $310 million. In addition, we had availability under our credit facilities of approximately $1.6 billion at June 30, 2001. We expect to finance our operations and capital expenditures through cash flows from operations, existing cash balances, borrowings under our credit facilities, new issuances in the public bond markets, and commercial paper borrowings.

Investing Activities

    Investing cash flow activities include maintenance capital expenditures, new construction, improvement projects at existing facilities, and acquisitions. For the six months ended June 30, 2001, net cash used in investing activities included $218 million related to capital expenditures for normal maintenance and expansion projects. Expansion projects primarily consisted of the master plan at Caesars Indiana (including the 500-room hotel and the 3,000-space parking garage that opened in late August 2001) and master plan projects at Caesars Palace (including the Pool Villas, valet parking expansion, and a 4,000-seat entertainment "Colosseum").

    During 2001 we intend to spend approximately $275 million on maintenance capital expenditures at our casino properties, and up to $275 million, including our purchase of the Claridge, on selective expansion or improvement investments at certain of our existing properties. These projects include the addition of a golf course and completion of the hotel and parking garage at Caesars Indiana and master plan projects at Caesars Palace, including the Pool Villas, valet parking expansion, and a 4,000-seat entertainment "Colosseum." We intend to continue to maintain our facilities in first-rate condition in order to preserve our competitive position.

Financing Activities

    During the six months ended June 30, 2001, we were able to reduce our debt by approximately $86 million and repurchase 4.2 million shares of common stock at a total cost of $48 million with the net cash flow we generated, including $47 million in proceeds from stock options exercised.

    We amended our credit facilities effective August 23, 2001. We now have the following credit facilities in place: (1) a $1.5 billion 364-day revolving facility and (2) a $2.0 billion multi-year facility expiring December 2003 with a $1.4 billion 2-year extension upon expiration or termination of the existing multi-year facility.

    We have established a $1.0 billion commercial paper program. To the extent that we incur debt under this program, we must maintain an equivalent amount of credit available under our credit facilities. At June 30, 2001, we had $15 million outstanding under the commercial paper program.

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    In January 1999, we filed a shelf registration statement (the "Shelf") with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission registering up to $1.0 billion in debt or equity securities. The terms of any securities offered pursuant to the Shelf will be determined by market conditions at the time of issuance. Availability under the Shelf at June 30, 2001 was approximately $200 million.

    In May 2001, we issued $350 million of 8.125% senior subordinated notes due 2011 through a private placement offering to institutional investors. In August 2001, we completed our exchange offer for identical notes registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The notes are redeemable at any time prior to their maturity at the redemption prices described in the indenture governing such notes. The notes are unsecured obligations, rank equal with our other senior subordinated indebtedness and are junior to all of our senior indebtedness. Proceeds from this offering were used to reduce borrowings under the credit facilities.

    Our Board of Directors has approved an aggregate of 40 million shares under a common stock repurchase program. Cumulatively, through June 30, 2001, we have repurchased a total of 20.1 million shares of our common stock at an average price of $11.58 resulting in 19.9 million shares remaining available under the stock repurchase program. The amount and timing of any additional purchases will depend on market conditions and our financial position.

Other Developments

Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe

    We entered into an agreement in April 2000 with the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe in Hogansburg, New York. We paid $3 million for exclusive rights to develop a Class II or Class III casino project in the State of New York for a period of three years, or extended thereafter by mutual agreement. In the event such a casino project is developed, the parties also agreed to enter into a seven-year definitive management agreement whereby we will manage the casino in return for a management fee equal to 30 percent of the net profits. The agreement is subject to the approval of the National Indian Gaming Commission and the Tribe.

    We have entered into a definitive agreement, as amended, to acquire approximately 66 acres of the Kutsher's Resort Hotel and Country Club in Sullivan County, New York, for approximately $10 million, with an option to purchase the remaining 1,400 acres for $40 million. Approximately 66 acres will be transferred to be held in trust for the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe subject to approval of the Bureau of Indian Affairs ("BIA").

    All of the agreements and plans relating to the development and management of this Indian gaming project are contingent upon various regulatory approvals, including a compact between the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe and the State of New York, and receipt of approvals from the BIA, National Indian Gaming Commission and local planning and zoning boards. In March 2001, the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe filed a land-into-trust application with the BIA.

    On April 10, 2001, the Supreme Court for the State of New York in Albany County rendered a decision in an action entitled Keith L. Wright, et al. v. George E. Pataki and the State of New York. The Court held that the Tribal State Compact entered into between the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe and the State of New York, authorizing gaming on the Mohawk lands, was void and unenforceable in the absence of legislative approval. The court further enjoined the defendants from implementing the Compact. While we are not a party to this action, unless it is reversed on appeal, the decision will have a direct impact on our ability to complete the transaction.

    On August 10, 2001, the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe reached an agreement in principle with Sullivan County to move forward with the casino development. With the agreement in place, Sullivan County will give the BIA its official approval of the casino/resort and urge the Department of the Interior to take the land in trust. The agreement is subject to approval by the Sullivan County

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legislature and the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council. For further developments on the Saint Regis Mohawk project, see "Business and Properties—Legal Proceedings—Mohawk Litigation."

Claridge Casino Hotel

    In August 2000, we submitted a letter of intent to purchase the Claridge Casino Hotel in Atlantic City, which was in a Chapter 11 proceeding. In November 2000, Claridge submitted its reorganization plan supporting a purchase by us for $65 million. In January 2001, New Jersey gaming regulators voted unanimously to allow us to purchase the Claridge. This acquisition plan was confirmed by the bankruptcy court in May 2001. After a final licensing hearing before the New Jersey Casino Control Commission to permit our operation of the Claridge, the purchase closed and we commenced operating the property on June 1, 2001.

Domestic Terrorism

    On September 11, 2001, acts of terrorism occurred in New York City and Washington, D.C. As a result of such terrorist acts, there has been a disruption in domestic and international travel. These terrorist acts and travel disruptions have resulted in decreased customer visitation to our properties. We have experienced declines in key operating measures (occupancy rates and gaming volumes) in all of our regional operations (most noticeably our Las Vegas properties), which has materially adversely affected our operating results since September 11, 2001. While occupancy rates and gaming volumes have recently begun to improve, they are still generally below the prior year's levels.

    On September 17, 2001, we announced that we have delayed construction of the planned $475 million all-suites tower project at Caesars Palace Las Vegas. Limited construction activity involving the related underground parking structure is expected to take place in 2002 and construction of the tower is expected to commence in 2003.

    We are not initiating any other new major capital projects at this time in order to enhance financial flexibility. Certain of our properties have instituted employee layoffs and we may also seek to reduce overall employee headcount through attrition.

Flamingo Reno

    On October 5, 2001, we announced that we reached an agreement to sell the Flamingo Reno casino/hotel in downtown Reno, Nevada to RFC Reno, LLC, a subsidiary of Capital One, LLC, and expect the sale to be completed within 30 days. We will close the Flamingo Reno on October 23, 2001. We believe that the economic and competitive conditions in Reno require us to concentrate our efforts on the Reno Hilton, our flagship property in Reno.

Regulation and Taxes

    The gaming industry is highly regulated and we must adhere to various regulations and maintain our licenses to continue our operations. The ownership, management, and operation of gaming facilities are subject to extensive federal, state, provincial, tribal and/or local laws, rules, and regulations, which are administered by the relevant regulatory agency or agencies in each jurisdiction. These laws, rules, and regulations vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, but generally concern the responsibility, financial stability, and character of the owners and managers of gaming operations as well as persons financially interested or involved in gaming operations. The regulatory environment in any particular jurisdiction may change in the future and any such change could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

    The gaming industry provides a significant source of tax revenue for the states, counties, and municipalities in which we operate. Occasionally, proposals are made by federal and state legislators to

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amend tax laws affecting the gaming industry. Changes in such laws, if any, could have a material effect on our results of operations.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

    In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 133 "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities." SFAS No. 133 establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts. It requires an entity to recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the statement of financial position and measure those instruments at fair value. SFAS No. 133 also requires that changes in the fair value of derivative instruments be recognized currently in earnings in the income statement unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met.

    We adopted SFAS No. 133 on January 1, 2001. The adoption of SFAS No. 133 did not have a significant impact on our financial condition or on our results of operations.

    In June 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 "Business Combinations" and SFAS No. 142 "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets." SFAS No. 141 eliminates the pooling-of-interests method of accounting for business combinations except for qualifying business combinations that were initiated prior to July 1, 2001. It also further clarifies the criteria to recognize intangible assets separately from goodwill. The requirements of SFAS No. 141 are effective for any business combination accounted for by the purchase method that is completed after June 30, 2001.

    Under SFAS No. 142, goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are no longer amortized but are reviewed at least annually for impairment. Separable intangible assets that are not deemed to have an indefinite life will continue to be amortized over their useful lives (but with no maximum life). The amortization provisions of SFAS No. 142 apply to goodwill and intangible assets acquired after June 30, 2001. With respect to goodwill and intangible assets acquired prior to July 1, 2001, calendar-year companies would be required to adopt SFAS No. 142 effective January 2002.

    We are currently reviewing these standards to determine the impact of adoption on our accounting and financial reporting practices related to previous business combinations and the resulting goodwill recorded. During the six months ended June 30, 2001, we recorded approximately $25 million in goodwill amortization, which under the new standards would cease effective January 2002. We are evaluating goodwill for separable intangibles with finite lives that will continue to be amortized under SFAS No. 142.

    In August 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 143 "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations." SFAS No. 143 requires entities to record the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation in the period in which it is incurred. The liability is initially recorded by increasing the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset. Over time, the liability is accreted to its present value each period, and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the useful life of the related asset. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2002. We believe that the adoption of SFAS No. 143 will not have a significant impact on our financial condition or on our results of operations.

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BUSINESS AND PROPERTIES

General

    We are continually evaluating attractive acquisition opportunities and may at any time be negotiating to engage in a business combination transaction or other acquisition. We plan to continuously evaluate our property portfolio and intend to dispose of interests in properties that, in our opinion, are no longer strategic to own. In doing so, we expect to maintain a balanced mix of sources of revenue and a favorable return on stockholders' equity.

    We seek to maintain the diversity of our gaming businesses while expanding both domestically and internationally. Plans to improve and expand our core business include:

Nevada Casinos

    We currently own and operate nine casino hotels in the state of Nevada, including Caesars Palace, Paris Las Vegas, Bally's Las Vegas, Flamingo Las Vegas, Las Vegas Hilton, Caesars Tahoe, Reno Hilton, Flamingo Reno, and Flamingo Laughlin.

Caesars Palace

    Caesars Palace is located on approximately 80 acres at the prominent "Four Corners" intersection of the Las Vegas Strip. Admired for its lavish accommodations, Caesars Palace features 2,454 guest rooms and suites, approximately 131,000 square feet of gaming space and 14 restaurants. Approximately 137,000 square feet of meeting and convention space, pools, a spa, and a wedding chapel are also featured. Caesars Palace is also home to the Forum Shops, a shopping mall which features upscale boutiques, well known stores and dining from some of the world's premier chefs. Caesars markets to upscale individual leisure guests and convention groups. During 2000, we opened a new 24-hour restaurant and a new fine dining restaurant featuring the taste of Hawaii and exquisite Euro-pacific cuisine. We also renovated the exterior façade and high end table games area. In 2001, we began construction on a 4,000-seat entertainment "Colosseum."

Paris Las Vegas

    Paris Las Vegas opened in September 1999. Located on approximately 24 acres adjacent to Bally's Las Vegas, Paris Las Vegas features 2,916 spacious guest rooms, an 85,000 square foot casino, 8 French-inspired restaurants, 5 lounges, 130,000 square feet of meeting and convention space, 31,000 square feet of retail space, a two-acre roof-top pool and a European health spa. This Parisian-themed resort also features a 50-story half-scale Eiffel Tower, as well as replicas of famous French landmarks including the Arc de Triomphe, the Hotel de Ville, the Paris Opera House and The Louvre. Marketing efforts are directed toward convention groups and the mid-to upper mid-market, including the group tour and travel segment.

Bally's Las Vegas

    Bally's Las Vegas is located on approximately 41 acres at the prominent "Four Corners" intersection of the Las Vegas Strip. This property, which is connected to Paris Las Vegas, features 2,814

30


guest rooms, an 83,000 square foot casino, 9 restaurants, 175,000 square feet of meeting and convention areas, an Olympic-sized pool, tennis courts and a spa. Bally's Las Vegas also has a 1,040 seat showroom which attracts well known entertainers, as well as being home to one of the traditional Las Vegas shows, Jubilee. Bally's Las Vegas caters to convention groups and the mid-to upper mid-market, including the group tour and travel segment. Bally's Las Vegas is also serviced by a public monorail connected to the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino.

Flamingo Las Vegas

    The Flamingo Las Vegas is located on approximately 27 acres at the center of the Las Vegas Strip, also at the prominent "Four Corners." This property features 3,541 guest rooms and suites, approximately 81,000 square feet of casino space, 10 restaurants, approximately 66,000 square feet of meeting and convention area, 760 showroom seats, multiple pools and lagoons, tennis courts, a spa and health club, and a wedding chapel. The Flamingo Las Vegas has a solid repeat customer base and focuses primarily on mid-market customers, particularly the group tour and travel market segment.

Las Vegas Hilton

    The Las Vegas Hilton is located on approximately 61 acres adjacent to the Las Vegas Convention Center. With this prominent convention location, the Las Vegas Hilton focuses its marketing toward convention groups. This property features 2,944 guest rooms and suites, approximately 77,000 square feet of casino space, 14 restaurants and 225,000 square feet of meeting and convention area. A 1,500 seat showroom featuring top entertainers, a night club, and a spa and health club are also featured. The Las Vegas Hilton has partnered with Paramount Parks to present Star Trek: The Experience, a journey in interactive entertainment and has centered a themed casino area around this attraction.

Caesars Tahoe

    Caesars Tahoe is located in Stateline, Nevada. This property features 440 guest rooms, a 41,000 square foot casino, 5 restaurants, a nightclub, a 1,500 seat showroom, a health spa, and approximately 25,000 square feet of meeting space. Caesars Tahoe experiences a strong repeat customer business, drawing a significant portion of its mid- to high-end resort destination travelers from the northern California area.

Reno Hilton

    The Reno Hilton, which is located on 145 acres just 5 minutes from the Reno Tahoe International Airport, features 2,003 guest rooms and suites, a 109,000 square foot casino, 9 restaurants, a comedy club and a lounge and approximately 185,000 square feet of meeting and convention space. This property is also complemented by outdoor and indoor recreational facilities including an outdoor golf driving range on a lake, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, two movie theaters and a 24 hour bowling center. The Reno Hilton focuses primarily on the mid-market, in particular convention groups, as well as the locals market.

Flamingo Reno

    Flamingo Reno is located in the heart of downtown Reno. This property targets budget and group tour and travel customers and offers 604 guest rooms, a 46,000 square foot casino, 5 restaurants and a 730 seat showroom. In October 2001, we entered into an agreement to sell the Flamingo Reno. The sale is expected to close in November 2001.

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Flamingo Laughlin

    Flamingo Laughlin, which is located on the banks of the Colorado River, offers 1,906 guest rooms and suites, approximately 58,000 square feet of gaming space, 5 restaurants, a 300-seat showroom, a swimming pool and lighted tennis courts. The newest addition to the property is a 26,000 square foot ballroom and convention center. This property targets the budget and mid-market customer segments.

    In December 2000, we acquired and finished the development of Cascata, a premier golf course in southern Nevada. This 18-hole Rees Jones designed course complements the amenities offered by our Las Vegas properties and is available exclusively to selected guests.

    Each of our Nevada casino hotels is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for gaming activities. Games operated in these casinos include "blackjack," craps, roulette, "big 6," baccarat, poker, keno, and slot and other video machines. The race and sports books in our casinos at Flamingo Las Vegas, Bally's Las Vegas, Las Vegas Hilton, Caesars Tahoe, Reno Hilton, Flamingo Reno, and Flamingo Laughlin are linked by satellite or modem to our central race and sports book facility at Caesars Palace.

    Our Nevada properties invite selected customers to their casinos and may pay for or reimburse the cost of their air transportation and provide them with complimentary rooms, food and beverage. In addition, Park Place has a special flight program through which it provides free air transportation on its owned or chartered aircraft to selected groups or persons. Generally, these persons either have established casino credit limits or cash on deposit in the casino and have previously evidenced a willingness to put substantial amounts at risk at the casino.

New Jersey Casinos

    We own and operate four casino hotels in Atlantic City, New Jersey: Bally's Atlantic City (which includes The Wild Wild West Casino), Caesars Atlantic City, the Atlantic City Hilton, and the Claridge Casino Hotel. A significant percentage of our customers are locals from the tri-state (New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania) area, who arrive by both bus and automobile.

Bally's Atlantic City

    Bally's Atlantic City is located on an eight-acre site with ocean frontage at the intersection of Park Place and the Boardwalk. With its strategic center location on the Boardwalk, over 2,300 parking spaces and a bus terminal, Bally's Atlantic City is strongly positioned to attract significant walk-in and drive-in business and focuses on high-end players and the mid-market segment, including the mid- to upper mid-market slot player segment. Including The Wild Wild West Casino, this property offers 1,246 guest rooms and suites, a 164,000 square foot casino, 60,000 square feet of meeting and convention space, 14 restaurants and a spa. During 2000, we expanded and connected The Wild Wild West Casino at Bally's Atlantic City to Caesars Atlantic City resulting in the largest contiguous gaming complex on the Boardwalk.

Caesars Atlantic City

    Caesars Atlantic City is located on approximately ten acres at the center of the Boardwalk and features 1,148 guest rooms, approximately 120,000 square feet of casino space, 10 restaurants, an 1,100 seat showroom and a health spa. Caesars Atlantic City also offers convention, meeting and banquet facilities, a multi-function grand ballroom and a four-story atrium to attract convention business as well as walk-in patrons from the Boardwalk.

    Caesars Atlantic City also owns the Ocean One retail mall. The Ocean One mall is constructed on a pier that extends 900 feet over the Atlantic Ocean and is located directly in front of the Boardwalk

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entrance to Caesars Atlantic City. Ocean One contains approximately 400,000 square feet of restaurant and retail space on three floors.

Atlantic City Hilton

    The Atlantic City Hilton is located on approximately five acres at the intersection of Boston and Pacific Avenues at the southern end of the Boardwalk in proximity to one of the major highways leading into Atlantic City. This location gives the Atlantic City Hilton an advantage in attracting destination-oriented customers arriving by automobile or bus. This property features 804 guest rooms, approximately 60,000 square feet of casino space, 7 restaurants, a 1,200 seat theater, and a spa. The Atlantic City Hilton primarily focuses on personalized service for high-end and mid-market casino customers.

Claridge Casino Hotel

    We acquired the Claridge Casino Hotel on June 1, 2001. The Claridge, adjacent to Bally's Atlantic City, adds 500 rooms, 59,000 square feet of gaming space, a 600-seat theater and 1,200 parking spaces to our center-Boardwalk complex. An elevated "connector" between Bally's and the Claridge, which will include retail and meeting space, is currently being designed.

    In January 1998, we acquired the historic Atlantic City Country Club which features an 18-hole golf course in Northfield, New Jersey, approximately a 10 minute drive from our Atlantic City properties. In 1999, renovations to the golf course were substantially completed and the course opened in the spring of 2000 for the exclusive use of our guests.

    The Atlantic City casinos are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week for gaming activities, and feature table games and slot machines similar to those offered at our Nevada casino hotels. Atlantic City casinos do not contain sports books; however, Bally's Atlantic City and Caesars Atlantic City feature simulcast horse racing.

Mississippi Casinos

    We own and operate five dockside casino hotels in the State of Mississippi: Grand Casino Biloxi, Grand Casino Gulfport, Grand Casino Tunica, Sheraton Casino & Hotel and Bally's Saloon•Gambling Hall•Hotel.

Grand Casino Biloxi

    Grand Casino Biloxi is the largest dockside casino on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and is located on one of a few sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast that permits east-west orientation, thus maximizing visibility from the highway. This location attracts both mid-market and budget travelers arriving for day trips or overnight stays via automobile and bus. It also draws the convention market with its 39,000 square feet of convention space. Grand Casino Biloxi features approximately 134,000 square feet of gaming space, 10 restaurants, two 500-room hotels, a spa, a Grand Casino Kids Quest childcare entertainment center, and a 1,600-seat show theater. To better accommodate our guests, we opened a 1,200 space parking garage in July 2001.

Grand Casino Gulfport

    Grand Casino Gulfport is a dockside casino on the Mississippi Gulf Coast that includes approximately 110,000 square feet of gaming area. Other amenities at this beachside resort include 7 restaurants, a Grand Casino Kids Quest, a tropical pool with a lazy river, an arcade, a 500-seat theater, a spa, a 400-room hotel and an additional 600-room hotel that opened in June 1999. The customer base at this property is primarily comprised of the local markets, arriving by automobile and bus.

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    In 1999, we opened the Grand Bear Golf Course on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, strategically situated between the Grand Gulfport and Grand Biloxi properties. This 18-hole Jack Nicklaus designed course is considered the premier golf course in the region. In March 2000, the course was named as one of the top ten new courses to play in the United States by Golf Magazine. This course is exclusively available to our hotel and gaming guests.

Grand Casino Tunica

    Grand Casino Tunica is located in Tunica County, Mississippi, approximately 15 miles south of the Memphis, Tennessee metropolitan area. Grand Casino Tunica is the largest dockside casino in Mississippi with one of the largest casino floors in the United States. Grand Casino Tunica is a 400,000 square foot, three-story, casino complex containing approximately 140,000 square feet of gaming space. Three hotels comprise an aggregate of 1,356 rooms. To attract the mid-market, extended stay customers, Grand Casino Tunica is complemented by 9 restaurants, an 18-hole professionally designed championship golf course and driving range, a spa, a recreational vehicle park and a sporting clay course. This property also has a 2,500-seat event center featuring headline entertainers and sporting events.

Other Mississippi

    The Sheraton Casino & Hotel and Bally's Saloon•Gambling Hall•Hotel are also located in Tunica County, Mississippi. Sheraton Casino & Hotel consists of 33,000 square feet of gaming space, an attached hotel with 134 rooms, and 3 restaurants and bars. Bally's Saloon•Gambling Hall•Hotel, primarily a "locals" casino, features a 40,000 square foot dockside casino, a 235 room hotel, and an adjacent land-based facility with entertainment facilities and three restaurants.

Indiana Casino

    We manage and have an 82 percent ownership interest in a joint venture that owns Caesars Indiana's "Glory of Rome" Riverboat, which at 450 feet long, 100 feet wide and four stories high, is the largest cruising riverboat casino in the United States with approximately 90,000 square feet of gaming space. This riverboat, which features five separate uniquely themed casinos, commenced operations in November 1998 and is located in Harrison County, Indiana, across the Ohio River from the city of Louisville, Kentucky. A 170,000 square foot pavilion that houses retail space, restaurants, and 24,000 square feet of convention space, including a 1,200 seat sports and entertainment coliseum, was completed in 2000. We opened a 503-room hotel and parking structure in late August 2001 and we are also constructing an 18-hole championship golf course which should be completed in 2002.

Louisiana Casino

    We have a 49.9 percent ownership interest in the Belle of Orleans, L.L.C. ("Belle") which owns Bally's Casino Lakeshore Resort, a 30,000 square foot riverboat casino facility that operates out of South Shore Harbor on Lake Pontchartrain in Orleans Parish, which is approximately eight miles from the French Quarter of New Orleans. Metro Riverboat Associates, Inc. owns the remaining 50.1 percent of the Belle. We manage this casino under a management agreement with Belle. Results at this property have been impacted by the opening of a large land based casino located in downtown New Orleans in October 1999.

International Casinos

Australia

    We have a 19.9 percent ownership interest in Jupiters Limited, which owns Conrad Jupiters Gold Coast and Conrad International Treasury Casino Brisbane, both of which are located in Queensland,

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Australia. We also manage both of these properties. Conrad Jupiters is located in Broadbeach, Queensland and is surrounded by lush tropical gardens. This property, which is open 24 hours a day, features 609 rooms, approximately 69,000 square feet of gaming space, a convention center and a 1,000 seat showroom. There is also a health center with a pool, spa, tennis and squash courts and a gym. Conrad Treasury is located in the central business district of Brisbane, Queensland's capital city. The casino is approximately 69,000 square feet in total, located on three levels of the Victoria-era Treasury building. The 130 room hotel is located in the historic Lands Administration Building, featuring Edwardian Baroque architecture and historic sandstone walls. The Conrad International Treasury Casino, Brisbane has the exclusive right to conduct casino gaming in Brisbane until 2005. Both Conrad Jupiters and Conrad Treasury attract a significant portion of their customers from the local, as well as the interstate markets, while the individual premium players travel from various parts of Asia.

Uruguay

    We have a 46.4 percent ownership interest in Baluma Holdings, SA which owns the Conrad International Punta del Este Resort and Casino located on the beach in Punta del Este, Uruguay. We also manage this property which features 302 rooms and suites, both slot and table games, convention and meeting space, restaurants and shops, tennis courts, pools and a spa. The casino is open all year and 24 hours a day during the high season from December through February. A significant percentage of Conrad Punta del Este's customers travel from Brazil and Argentina, therefore fluctuations in these countries' economies can affect this property's business.

Canada

    We have a 50 percent ownership interest in Windsor Casino Limited, which operates Casino Windsor, a hotel/casino complex owned by the Province of Ontario, Canada. This property features a 100,000 square foot casino, 389 guest rooms, an 11,000 square foot ballroom and meeting rooms. Casino Windsor is located on the river in Windsor, Ontario, directly across the river from Detroit, Michigan. Results at this property have been impacted by the opening of three casinos in Detroit.

    Metropolitan Entertainment Group, of which we have a 95 percent ownership interest, operates the Sheraton Halifax Hotel & Casino in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and also operates the Sheraton Casino Sydney, which is a stand-alone casino, in Sydney, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Metropolitan Entertainment Group funded the construction of the Nova Scotia properties and is being repaid, with interest, out of the operating revenues generated by the properties.

    The Sheraton Halifax Hotel & Casino contains 32,000 square feet of casino space, 12,000 square feet of convention space, and 3 restaurants. The hotel, which is a few blocks away, features 350 guest rooms, 19,000 square feet of additional convention facilities, and 2 restaurants. Marketing efforts are focused toward convention guests.

    Sheraton Casino Sydney is attached to a local sports arena and features approximately 16,000 square feet of gaming space, a restaurant and a lounge. The customer base at this casino is comprised mostly of locals, with some junket play from Toronto and Montreal.

South Africa

    We have a 25 percent ownership interest in a joint venture that owns Caesars Gauteng and a 50 percent ownership interest in a joint venture that manages Caesars Guateng in Johannesburg, South Africa. This property features a 56,000 square foot casino, two hotels with a total of 276 guest rooms, 11 restaurants, and 65,000 square feet of convention facilities.

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Other

    We operate the Caesars Palace at Sea casinos on two cruise ships, the Symphony and the Harmony, which are owned by Crystal Cruises, Inc. The casinos operate only when the ships are in international waters.

    In order to preserve our competitive position in the market places in which we operate, we generally expend 5 percent of revenues annually to maintain our facilities in first-rate condition. These maintenance capital expenditures include items such as room and casino refurbishments, slot and video gaming machine upgrades, and information systems enhancements.

Legal Proceedings

    We are involved in various legal proceedings relating to routine matters of our business. We are also party to legal proceedings relating to the Bally and Hilton gaming businesses acquired in the spin-off and the Grand and Caesars gaming businesses acquired in 1998 and 1999, respectively. We believe that all the actions brought against us are without merit and we will continue to vigorously defend against them. While any proceeding or litigation has an element of uncertainty, we believe that the final outcome of these matters is not likely to have a material adverse effect upon our results of operations or financial position.

Belle of Orleans

    Our wholly owned subsidiary, Bally's Louisiana, Inc., owns 49.9 percent of the Belle of Orleans, L.L.C., a limited liability company which owns and holds the riverboat gaming license to operate Bally's Casino Lakeshore Resort. Metro Riverboat Associates, Inc. owns the remaining 50.1 percent interest in the Belle. Bally's Louisiana and Metro entered into an operating agreement defining the rights and obligations of the members of Belle, and the Belle entered into a management agreement providing for Bally's Louisiana to manage the casino. The parties are involved in numerous lawsuits, appeals and administrative hearings regarding their rights and obligations under those agreements. Cases are pending between the parties in the Civil District Court for the Parish of Orleans, the Nineteenth Judicial District Court for the Parish of East Baton Rouge, the Louisiana First and Fourth Circuit Courts of Appeal, the Louisiana Supreme Court, and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. Metro's claims involve assignments of the management agreements by previous wholly owned Bally's entities to Bally's Louisiana, as well as the effects of Hilton's merger with Bally Entertainment Corporation in 1996, and Hilton's subsequent spin-off of its gaming operations to Park Place in 1998. Metro asserts that Bally's Louisiana is not entitled to manage the casino. Metro is seeking injunctive relief and unspecified damages.

    Metro has also filed an action in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana against certain of Park Place's officers and directors and Bally's Louisiana. The lawsuit alleges civil racketeering and conspiracy activities among the named defendants and members of the Louisiana state judiciary, the Louisiana Gaming Control Board, the Louisiana state police, and the Louisiana Attorney General's office.

Bally Merger Litigation

    A purported class action against Bally Entertainment Corporation, its directors and Hilton Hotels Corporation was commenced on September 4, 1996, under the caption Parnes v. Bally Entertainment Corporation, et al. in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware, New Castle County. The plaintiff alleged that certain "benefits" received by Arthur M. Goldberg in connection with the merger of Bally into Hilton in December 1996 involved breaches of fiduciary duty which purportedly denied Bally shareholders an opportunity to sell their shares at the best possible price. The plaintiff sought injunctive relief enjoining the Bally-Hilton merger, disgorgement of the benefits received by

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Mr. Goldberg, and unspecified damages. After a trial on the merits, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware dismissed all the plaintiff's claims, holding that Mr. Goldberg and the Board of Directors of Bally acted in full compliance with their fiduciary obligations in obtaining the best possible transaction for the shareholders. On March 20, 2001, plaintiffs filed an appeal to the Delaware Supreme Court.

Slot Machine Litigation

    On April 26, 1994, William H. Poulos brought a purported class action in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Orlando Division captioned William H. Poulos, et al. v. Caesars World, Inc. et al., against 41 manufacturers, distributors and casino operators of video poker and electronic slot machines, including Park Place. On May 10, 1994, another plaintiff filed a class action complaint in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida—William Ahearn, et al. v. Caesars World, Inc. et al.—alleging substantially the same allegations against 48 defendants, including Park Place. On September 26, 1995, a third action was filed against 45 defendants, including Park Place, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada—Larry Schreier, et al. v. Caesars World, Inc. et al. The court consolidated the three cases in the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada under the case caption William H. Poulos, et al. v. Caesars World, Inc. et al.

    The consolidated complaints allege that the defendants are involved in a scheme to induce people to play electronic video poker and slot machines based on false beliefs regarding how such machines operate and the extent to which a player is likely to win on any given play. The actions included claims under the federal Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, fraud, unjust enrichment and negligent misrepresentation, and seek unspecified compensatory and punitive damages. The case has not yet been certified as a class action and a hearing on the issue of class action certification has been scheduled for November 2001.

Las Vegas Hilton

    In July 2000, we entered into an agreement to sell the Las Vegas Hilton. The purchaser, Las Vegas Convention Hotel, LLC failed to complete the transaction on the date set for closing. We have filed (1) a complaint in the Eighth Judicial District Court for the State of Nevada against Las Vegas Convention Hotel LLC, et al. seeking declaratory relief to retain the $20 million in deposits and recover additional damages for breach of contract, and (2) a complaint in the United States District Court for the District of Nevada for damages against Edward Roski, Jr. as guarantor of the transaction. The defendants have filed actions against Park Place and Hilton Hotels Corporation in the Eighth Judicial District Court, which actions have been consolidated with Park Place's action in that Court, alleging breach of contract and tortious interference with contract, and seeking non-specific general, special, and punitive damages, specific performance to compel the sale of the property to plaintiffs at a purchase price less than that required under the original contract, and injunctive relief to prevent Park Place from selling the property to any other person.

Flixcorp Litigation

    Bally Data Systems, Inc. and Bally Entertainment Inc. are defendants in an action entitled Flixcorp of America, Ltd. v. Bally Data Systems, et al., filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois in 1987. The litigation involves a breach of contract claim arising out of a purported agreement to develop and manufacture videotape dispensing machines. Plaintiffs allege $167 million in damages, while the companies strongly dispute both liability and damages.

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Mohawk Litigation

    On April 26, 2000, certain individual members of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe purported to commence a class action proceeding in a "tribal court" in Hogansburg, New York, against Park Place and certain of its executives. The proceeding seeks to nullify Park Place's agreement with the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe to develop and manage gaming facilities in the State of New York. We believe that the purported tribal court in which the proceeding has been invoked is an invalid forum and is not recognized by the lawful government of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe or by the United States Department of the Interior. On June 2, 2000, Park Place and certain of its executives filed an action in the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York seeking to enjoin the dissident Tribe members from proceeding in the tribal court with an action that we believe has been unlawfully convened and is without merit. In September 2000, the District Court dismissed the Park Place action on the grounds that the Court lacked jurisdiction. In October 2000, we appealed the judgment to the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. On March 21, 2001, the purported tribal court rendered a purported default judgment against Park Place in the amount of $1.8 billion, which judgment Park Place refuses to recognize as valid. On or about June 27, 2001, the plaintiffs in the purported tribal court action commenced an action in the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York, seeking recognition and enforcement of the purported tribal court judgment as well as punitive damages of $10 million and certain other costs. Park Place is pursuing all necessary actions to enjoin any efforts to enforce the purported judgment.

    On June 6, 2000, President R.C.-St. Regis Management Company and its principal, Ivan Kaufman, filed an action in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Nassau, against Park Place and certain of its executives seeking compensatory and punitive damages in the amount of approximately $550 million. The action alleges claims based on breach of a proposed letter agreement between plaintiffs, Park Place, and the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe concerning the Tribe's existing casino in Hogansburg, New York, fraudulent inducement, tortious interference with contract, and defamation. Alternatively, plaintiffs seek specific performance and/or injunctive relief in connection with the proposed letter agreement. In September 2000, plaintiffs voluntarily dismissed three of the contract-related claims that had been brought against the individually named defendants.

    On November 13, 2000, Catskill Development, LLC, Mohawk Management LLC and Monticello Raceway Development Company LLC (collectively, "Catskill Development") filed an action against Park Place in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. The action arises out of Catskill Development's efforts to develop land in Sullivan County as an Indian gaming facility in conjunction with the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe. Catskill Development claims that Park Place wrongfully interfered with several agreements between itself and the Tribe pertaining to the proposed gaming facility. The plaintiffs alleged tortious interference with contract and prospective business relationships, unfair competition and state anti-trust violations and sought over $3 billion in damages. On May 11, 2001, the District Court granted Park Place's motion to dismiss three of the four claims made by Catskill Development; however, on May 30, 2001, Catskill Development moved for reconsideration of that ruling and the District Court reinstated one of the dismissed claims, with Catskill Development's claims of tortious interference with contract and prospective business relationship remaining after such decision.

    In March 2001, Native American Management Corporation, Anderson-Blake Construction Company and Gary Alan Melius filed an action against Park Place, one of its executives and the estate of its former CEO in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Nassau. The action seeks compensatory and punitive damages in the amount of approximately $227 million and alleges breach of contract, defamation, breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing and RICO violations arising out of Park Place's agreement with the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe.

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    On March 29, 2001, Park Place and Clive Cummis sued thirty individual tribal members in the Supreme Court of the State of New York in the case of Park Place Entertainment et. al. v. Marlene Arquette, et. al., alleging malicious defamation and interference with contract in connection with the individuals' purported tribal court proceedings and media publication of their purported "default judgment" against Park Place, all of which has been injurious to the good name and reputation of Park Place and Plaintiffs.

Grand Securities Litigation

    Grand and certain of Grand's current and former officers and directors were defendants in In Re Grand Casinos Inc. Securities Litigation filed on September 9, 1996 in the United States District Court in Minnesota. This action arose out of Grand's involvement in the Stratosphere project in which Grand was a dominant shareholder. The plaintiffs in the action, who were current or former Grand shareholders, alleged securities fraud, insider trading and the making of false statements concerning the Stratosphere project. The case was preliminarily settled on May 2, 2001 in consideration of a $9 million payment to plaintiffs made by Lakes Gaming Co., on behalf of Grand under an indemnification agreement between Lakes and Grand. On August 15, 2001, the Court entered its final judgment, which judgment approved the settlement and dismissed the action with prejudice.

Stratosphere Stand-By Equity Commitment

    Grand is a defendant in Stratosphere Litigation, L.L.C. v. Grand Casinos, Inc. a Minnesota Corporation, pending, upon appeal, in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. In March 1995, Grand entered into a Standby Equity Commitment Agreement with Stratosphere in which Grand agreed, subject to certain terms and conditions, to purchase up to $20 million of additional equity in Stratosphere during each of the first three years Stratosphere operated if Stratosphere's consolidated cash flow during each of such years did not exceed $50 million. The enforceability of the Standby Equity Commitment was the subject of litigation in the U.S. District Court as a result of an action brought by the Trustee in Bankruptcy for the Stratosphere. On February 19, 1998, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Nevada ruled in favor of Grand that the Standby Equity Commitment is not enforceable in Bankruptcy Court as a matter of law. On April 4, 2001, the U.S. District Court entered a judgment in favor of Grand on all counts and on May 4, 2001, plaintiffs appealed the judgment to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Indemnification of Park Place by Lakes Gaming, Inc.

    The above lawsuits to which Grand Casinos, Inc. and its subsidiaries are parties arose out of actions prior to Grand's merger with Park Place. Any liabilities with respect thereto are an obligation of Grand, and Grand is to be indemnified by Lakes Gaming, Inc. (the company that retained the non-Mississippi business of Grand prior to the merger). If Lakes is unable to satisfy its indemnification obligations, Grand will be responsible for any liabilities, which could have a material adverse effect on Park Place.

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REGULATION AND LICENSING

    Each of our casinos is subject to extensive regulation under laws, rules and regulations primarily in the jurisdiction where located or docked. Some jurisdictions, however, empower their regulators to investigate participation by licensees in gaming outside their jurisdiction and require access to and periodic reports respecting the gaming activities. Violations of laws in one jurisdiction could result in disciplinary action in other jurisdictions.

    Under provisions of gaming laws in which we have operations and under our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, certain of our securities are subject to restrictions on ownership which may be imposed by specified governmental authorities. The restrictions may require a holder of our securities to dispose of the securities or, if the holder refuses to dispose of the securities, we may be obligated to repurchase the securities.

    Each holder of a note, by accepting any note, will be deemed to have agreed to be bound by the requirements imposed on holders of our debt securities by the gaming authority of any jurisdiction in which we or any of our subsidiaries conducts or proposes to conduct gaming activity. See "Description of Exchange Notes—Mandatory Disposition Pursuant to Gaming Laws." In addition, the indenture governing the notes provides that each holder and beneficial owner thereof, by accepting or otherwise acquiring an interest in any of the notes, will be deemed to have agreed that if the gaming authority of any jurisdiction in which we or any of our subsidiaries conducts or proposes to conduct gaming requires that a person who is a holder or beneficial owner must be licensed, qualified or found suitable under applicable gaming laws, the holder or beneficial owner will apply for a license, qualification or finding of suitability within the required time period. If the person fails to apply or become licensed or qualified or is found unsuitable, we will have the right, at our option:(1) to require the person to dispose of its notes or beneficial interest therein within 30 days of receipt of notice of our election or an earlier date as may be requested or prescribed by the Gaming Authority; or (2) to redeem the notes at a redemption price equal to the lesser of: (A) the person's cost; or (B) 100 percent of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the earlier of the redemption date and the date of the finding of unsuitability, which may be less than 30 days following the notice of redemption if so requested or prescribed by the Gaming Authority.

    We will notify the trustee under the indenture in writing of any such redemption as soon as practicable. We will not be responsible for any costs or expenses any such holder or beneficial owner may incur in connection with its application for a license, qualification or finding of suitability.

Nevada Gaming Laws

    The ownership and operation of casino gaming facilities in the State of Nevada, such as those at the Las Vegas Hilton, the Flamingo Las Vegas, Bally's/Paris Las Vegas, the Flamingo Laughlin, the Reno Hilton, the Flamingo Reno, Caesars Palace and Caesars Tahoe are subject to the Nevada Gaming Control Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder and various local regulations. Our Nevada gaming operations are subject to the licensing and regulatory control of the Nevada Gaming Commission, the Nevada State Gaming Control Board and, depending on the facility's location, the Clark County Liquor and Gaming Licensing Board and the City of Reno, which we refer to collectively as the "Nevada Gaming Authorities."

    The laws, regulations and supervisory procedures of the Nevada Gaming Authorities are based upon declarations of public policy that are concerned with, among other things:

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    Changes in such laws, regulations and procedures could have an adverse effect on our gaming operations.

    Each of our subsidiaries that currently operates a casino in Nevada is required to be licensed by the Nevada Gaming Authorities. The gaming license requires the periodic payment of fees and taxes and is not transferable. We are required to be registered by the Nevada Gaming Commission as a publicly traded corporation and as such, are required periodically to submit detailed financial and operating reports to the Nevada Gaming Commission and furnish any other information that the Nevada Gaming Commission may require. No person may become a stockholder of, or receive any percentage of profits from, a licensed casino without first obtaining licenses and approvals from the Nevada Gaming Authorities. We and our licensed subsidiaries have obtained from the Nevada Gaming Authorities the various registrations, findings of suitability, approvals, permits, and licenses required to engage in gaming activities in Nevada.

    The Nevada Gaming Authorities may investigate any individual who has a material relationship to, or material involvement with, us or any of our licensed subsidiaries in order to determine whether the individual is suitable or should be licensed as a business associate of a gaming licensee. Our and the licensed subsidiaries' officers, directors and key employees must file applications with the Nevada Gaming Authorities and may be required to be licensed or found suitable by the Nevada Gaming Authorities. The Nevada Gaming Authorities may deny an application for licensing for any cause which they deem reasonable. A finding of suitability is comparable to licensing, and both require submission of detailed personal and financial information followed by a thorough investigation. An applicant for licensing or an applicant for a finding of suitability must pay for all the costs of the investigation. Changes in licensed positions must be reported to the Nevada Gaming Authorities and, in addition to their authority to deny an application for a finding of suitability or licensing, the Nevada Gaming Authorities have the jurisdiction to disapprove a change in a corporate position.

    If the Nevada Gaming Authorities were to find an officer, director or key employee unsuitable for licensing or unsuitable to continue having a relationship with us or any licensed subsidiary, we and the licensed subsidiary would have to sever all relationships with that person. In addition, the Nevada Gaming Commission may require us or a licensed subsidiary to terminate the employment of any person who refuses to file appropriate applications. Determinations of suitability or questions pertaining to licensing are not subject to judicial review in Nevada.

    We and all licensed subsidiaries are required to submit detailed financial and operating reports to the Nevada Gaming Commission. Substantially all material loans, leases, sales of securities and similar financing transactions must be reported to, or approved by, the Nevada Gaming Commission.

    If the Nevada Gaming Commission determined that we or a licensed subsidiary violated the Nevada Gaming Control Act, it could limit, condition, suspend or revoke our gaming licenses. In addition, we, the licensed subsidiary, and the persons involved could be subject to substantial fines for each separate violation of the Nevada Gaming Control Act at the discretion of the Nevada Gaming Commission. Further, a supervisor could be appointed by the Nevada Gaming Commission to operate a licensed subsidiary's gaming establishment and, under specified circumstances, earnings generated during the supervisor's appointment, except for the reasonable rental value of the premises, could be forfeited to the State of Nevada. Limitation, conditioning or suspension of any gaming license of a

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licensed subsidiary and the appointment of a supervisor could, or revocation of any gaming license would, have a material adverse effect on our gaming operations.

    Any beneficial holder of our common stock, or any of our other voting securities, regardless of the number of shares owned, may be required to file an application, be investigated, and have that person's suitability as a beneficial holder of our voting securities determined if the Nevada Gaming Commission has reason to believe that the ownership would otherwise be inconsistent with the declared policies of the State of Nevada. The applicant must pay all costs of the investigation incurred by the Nevada Gaming Authorities in conducting any such investigation.

    The Nevada Gaming Control Act requires any person who acquires a beneficial ownership of more than 5 percent of our voting securities to report the acquisition to the Nevada Gaming Commission. The Nevada Gaming Control Act requires that beneficial owners of more than 10 percent of our voting securities apply to the Nevada Gaming Commission for a finding of suitability within thirty days after the Chairman of the Nevada Gaming Control Board mails the written notice requiring such filing. An "institutional investor," as defined in the Nevada Act, which acquires beneficial ownership of more than 10 percent, but not more than 15 percent, of our voting securities may apply to the Nevada Gaming Commission for a waiver of a finding of suitability if the institutional investor holds our voting securities for investment purposes only. An institutional investor will be deemed to hold our voting securities for investment purposes if it acquired and holds our voting securities in the ordinary course of business as an institutional investor and not for the purpose of causing, directly or indirectly:

    Activities which are not deemed to be inconsistent with holding voting securities for investment purposes only include:

    Any person who fails or refuses to apply for a finding of suitability or a license within 30 days after being ordered to do so by the Nevada Gaming Commission or by the Chairman of the Nevada Gaming Control Board may be found unsuitable. The same restrictions apply to a record owner if the record owner, after request, fails to identify the beneficial owner. Any stockholder found unsuitable and who holds, directly or indirectly, any beneficial ownership of our voting securities beyond such period of time as may be prescribed by the Nevada Gaming Commission may be guilty of a criminal offense. We will be subject to disciplinary action if, after we receive notice that a person is unsuitable to be a stockholder or to have any other relationship with us or a licensed subsidiary, we:

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    Additionally, the Clark County Liquor and Gaming Licensing Board has the authority to approve all persons owning or controlling the stock of any corporation controlling a gaming licensee.

    The Nevada Gaming Commission may, in its discretion, require the holder of any debt security of a registered publicly traded corporation, to file applications, be investigated and be found suitable to own the debt security of the registered corporation. If the Nevada Gaming Commission determines that a person is unsuitable to own the security, then pursuant to the Nevada Gaming Control Act, the registered publicly traded corporation can be sanctioned, including the loss of its approvals, if without the prior approval of the Nevada Gaming Commission, it:

    We are required to maintain a current stock ledger in Nevada which may be examined by the Nevada Gaming Authorities at any time. If any securities are held in trust by an agent or by a nominee, the record holder may be required to disclose the identity of the beneficial owner to the Nevada Gaming Authorities. A failure to make the disclosure may be grounds for finding the record holder unsuitable. We are also required to render maximum assistance in determining the identity of the beneficial owner of any of our voting securities. The Nevada Gaming Commission has the power to require our stock certificates to bear a legend indicating that the securities are subject to the Nevada Gaming Control Act. To date, the Nevada Gaming Commission has not imposed that requirement on us.

    We may not make a public offering of our securities without the prior approval of the Nevada Gaming Commission if we intend to use the securities or the proceeds therefrom to construct, acquire or finance gaming facilities in Nevada, or to retire or extend obligations incurred for those purposes. On December 20, 2000, the Nevada Gaming Commission granted us prior approval to make public offerings for a period of two years, subject to specified conditions, which we refer to as the "shelf approval." The shelf approval also applies to any company we wholly own that is a publicly traded corporation or would become a publicly traded corporation pursuant to a public offering. The shelf approval also includes approval for the licensed subsidiaries to guarantee any security issued by, and to hypothecate their assets to secure the payment or performance of any obligations issued by, us or an affiliate in a public offering under the shelf approval. The shelf approval also includes approval to place restrictions upon the transfer of and enter into agreements not to encumber the equity securities of the licensed subsidiaries, which we refer to as "stock restrictions." The shelf approval, however, may be rescinded for good cause without prior notice upon the issuance of an interlocutory stop order by the Chairman of the Nevada Gaming Control Board. The shelf approval does not constitute a finding, recommendation or approval of the Nevada Gaming Authorities as to the accuracy or adequacy of the prospectus or the investment merits of the securities offered by the prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is unlawful. This exchange offer qualifies as a public offering and, together with the stock restrictions for the new notes, is being made pursuant to the shelf approval. The stock restrictions in

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respect of the old notes are not covered by the shelf approval and will require the approval of the Nevada Gaming Commission to be effective. We have filed an application for such approval.

    Prior approval of the Nevada Gaming Commission must be obtained with respect to a change in control of us through merger, consolidation, stock or asset acquisitions, management or consulting agreements, or any act or conduct by a person whereby the person obtains control of us. Entities seeking to acquire control of a registered publicly traded corporation must satisfy the Nevada Gaming Control Board and Nevada Gaming Commission in a variety of stringent standards before assuming control of the registered corporation. The Nevada Gaming Commission may also require controlling stockholders, officers, directors and other persons having a material relationship or involvement with the entity proposing to acquire control, to be investigated and licensed as part of the approval process relating to the transaction.

    The Nevada legislature has declared that some corporate acquisitions opposed by management, repurchases of voting securities and corporate defense tactics affecting Nevada gaming licenses, and registered publicly traded corporations that are affiliated with those operations, may be injurious to stable and productive corporate gaming. The Nevada Gaming Commission has established a regulatory scheme to ameliorate the potentially adverse effects of these business practices upon Nevada's gaming industry and to further Nevada's policy to:

    Approvals may be required from the Nevada Gaming Commission before we can make exceptional repurchases of voting securities above their current market price and before a corporate acquisition opposed by management can be consummated. The Nevada Act also requires prior approval of a plan of recapitalization proposed by our board of directors in response to a tender offer made directly to its stockholders for the purpose of acquiring control of us.

    License fees and taxes, computed in various ways depending on the type of gaming or activity involved, are payable to the State of Nevada and to the counties and cities in which the licensed subsidiaries respective operations are conducted. Depending upon the particular fee or tax involved, these fees and taxes are payable either monthly, quarterly or annually and are based upon either:

    A casino entertainment tax is also paid by casino operations where entertainment is furnished in connection with the selling or serving of food or refreshments or the selling of merchandise. Nevada corporate licensees that hold a license as an operator of a slot machine route, or a manufacturer's or distributor's license, also pay fees and taxes to the State of Nevada. The licensed subsidiaries currently pay monthly fees to the Nevada Gaming Commission equal to a maximum of 6.25 percent of gross revenues.

    Any person who is licensed, required to be licensed, registered, required to be registered, or is under common control with those persons (collectively, "licensees"), and who proposes to become involved in a gaming venture outside of Nevada, is required to deposit with the Nevada Gaming Control Board, and thereafter maintain, a revolving fund in the amount of $10,000 to pay the expenses of investigation of the Nevada Gaming Control Board of the licensee's participation in such foreign gaming. The revolving fund is subject to increase or decrease in the discretion of the Nevada Gaming Commission. Thereafter, licensees are required to comply with the reporting requirements imposed by

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the Nevada Gaming Control Act. A licensee is also subject to disciplinary action by the Nevada Gaming Commission if it:

    The sale of alcoholic beverages at establishments operated by a licensed subsidiary is subject to licensing, control and regulation by applicable local regulatory agencies. All licenses are revocable and are not transferable. The agencies involved have full power to limit, condition, suspend or revoke any such license, and any such disciplinary action could, and revocation would, have a material adverse effect upon the operations of the licensed subsidiary.

New Jersey Gaming Laws

    The ownership and operation of casino gaming facilities in Atlantic City are subject to the New Jersey Casino Control Act, regulations of the New Jersey Casino Control Commission and other applicable laws. No casino may operate unless it obtains the required permits or licenses and approvals from the New Jersey Commission. The New Jersey Commission is authorized under the New Jersey Act to adopt regulations covering a broad spectrum of gaming and gaming related activities and to prescribe the methods and forms of applications from all classes of licensees. These laws and regulations concern primarily:

    The State of New Jersey imposes taxes on gaming operations at the rate of 8 percent of gross gaming revenues. In addition, the New Jersey Act provides for an investment alternative tax of 2.5 percent of gross gaming revenues. This investment alternative tax may be offset by investment tax credits equal to 1.25 percent of gross gaming revenues, which are obtained by purchasing bonds issued by, or investing in housing or other development projects approved by, the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority.

    The New Jersey Commission has broad discretion with regard to the issuance, renewal and revocation or suspension of casino licenses. A casino license is not transferable, is issued for a term of up to one year for the first two renewals and thereafter for a term of up to four years, subject to discretionary reopening of the licensing hearing by the New Jersey Commission at any time. A casino license must be renewed by filing an application which must be acted on by the New Jersey Commission before the license in force expires. At any time, upon a finding of disqualification or noncompliance, the New Jersey Commission may revoke or suspend a license or impose fines or other penalties.

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    The New Jersey Act imposes certain restrictions on the ownership and transfer of securities issued by a corporation that holds a casino license or is deemed a holding company, intermediary company, subsidiary or entity qualifier of a casino licensee. "Security" is defined by the New Jersey Act to include instruments that evidence either a beneficial ownership in an entity, such as common stock or preferred stock, or a creditor interest in an entity, such as a bond, note or mortgage. The New Jersey Act requires that the corporate charter of a publicly traded affiliate of a casino licensee must require that a holder of the company's securities who is disqualified by the New Jersey Commission dispose of the securities. The corporate charter of a casino licensee or any privately-held affiliate of the licensee must:

    The New Jersey Commission has approved our corporate charter. The corporate charters of our subsidiaries that operate Bally's Atlantic City, the Atlantic City Hilton, Caesars Atlantic City, and the Claridge Casino Hotel and their privately-held affiliates likewise conform to the New Jersey Act's requirements described above for privately-held companies.

    If the New Jersey Commission finds that an individual owner or holder of securities of a corporate licensee or an affiliate of the corporate licensee is not qualified under the New Jersey Act, the New Jersey Commission may propose remedial action, including divestiture of the securities held. If disqualified persons fail to divest themselves of the securities, the New Jersey Commission may revoke or suspend the license. However, if an affiliate of a casino licensee is a publicly traded company, and the New Jersey Commission makes a finding of disqualification with respect to any owner or holder of any security thereof, and the New Jersey Commission also finds that:

    For purposes of the New Jersey Act, a security holder is presumed to have the ability to control a publicly traded corporation, or to elect one or more members of its board of directors, and thus require qualification, if the holder owns or beneficially holds 5 percent or more of any class of the equity securities of the corporation, unless the security holder rebuts the presumption of control or ability to elect by clear and convincing evidence. An "institutional investor," as that term is defined under the New Jersey Act, is entitled to a waiver of qualification if it holds less than 10 percent of any class of the equity securities of a publicly traded holding or intermediary company of a casino licensee and:

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    With respect to debt securities, the New Jersey Commission generally requires a person holding 15 percent or more of a debt issue of a publicly traded affiliate of a casino licensee to qualify under the New Jersey Act. We cannot assure you that the New Jersey Commission will continue to apply the 15 percent threshold, and the New Jersey Commission could at any time establish a lower threshold for qualification. The New Jersey Commission may make an exception to the qualification requirement for institutional investors, in which case the institutional holder is entitled to a waiver of qualification if the holder's position in the aggregate is less than 20 percent of the total outstanding debt of the affiliate and less than 50 percent of any outstanding publicly traded issue of the debt, and if the institutional investor meets the conditions specified in the above paragraph. As with equity securities, the New Jersey Commission may grant a waiver of qualification to institutional investors holding larger positions upon a showing of good cause and if the institutional investor meets all of the conditions specified in the above paragraph.

    Generally, the New Jersey Commission would require each institutional holder seeking a waiver of qualification to execute a certificate stating that:

    Beginning on the date the New Jersey Commission serves notice on a corporate licensee or an affiliate of the corporate licensee that a security holder of the corporation has been disqualified, it will be unlawful for the security holder to:

    Persons who are required to qualify under the New Jersey Act because they hold debt or equity securities, and are not already qualified, are required to place the securities into an interim casino authorization trust pending qualification. Unless and until the New Jersey Commission has reason to believe that the investor may not qualify, the investor will retain the ability to direct the trustee how to vote, or whether to dispose of, the securities. If at any time the New Jersey Commission finds reasonable cause to believe that the investor may be found unqualified, it can order the trust to become "operative," in which case the investor will lose voting power, if any, over the securities but will retain the right to petition the New Jersey Commission to order the trustee to dispose of the securities.

    Once an interim casino authorization trust is created and funded, and regardless of whether it becomes operative, the investor has no right to receive a return on the investment until the investor becomes qualified. Should an investor ultimately be found unqualified, the trustee would dispose of the

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trust property, and the proceeds would be distributed to the unqualified applicant only in an amount not exceeding the actual cost of the trust property. Any excess proceeds would be paid to the State of New Jersey. If the securities were sold by the trustee pending qualification, the investor would receive only actual cost, with disposition of the remainder of the proceeds, if any, to await the investor's qualification hearing.

    If the New Jersey Commission determines that a licensee has violated the New Jersey Act or its regulations, then under certain circumstances, the licensee could be subject to fines or have its license suspended or revoked. In addition, if a person who is required to qualify under the New Jersey Act fails to qualify, including a security holder who fails to qualify and does not dispose of securities as may be required by the New Jersey Act, with the exception discussed above for publicly traded affiliates, the licensee could have its license suspended or revoked.

    If a casino license is not renewed, is suspended for more than 120 days or is revoked, the New Jersey Commission can appoint a conservator. The conservator would be charged with the duty of conserving and preserving the assets so acquired and continuing the operation of the casino hotel of a suspended licensee or with operating and disposing of the casino hotel of a former licensee. The suspended licensee or former licensee would be entitled only to a fair return on its investment, to be determined under New Jersey law, with any excess to go to the State of New Jersey, if so directed by the New Jersey Commission. Suspension or revocation of any licenses or the appointment of a conservator by the New Jersey Commission would have a material adverse effect on the businesses of our Atlantic City casino hotels.

Mississippi Gaming Laws

    The ownership and operation of casino facilities in Mississippi are subject to extensive state and local regulation, but primarily the licensing and regulatory control of the Mississippi Gaming Commission (the "Mississippi Commission").

    The Mississippi Gaming Control Act (the "Mississippi Act"), which legalized dockside casino gaming in Mississippi, is similar to the Nevada Gaming Control Act. The Mississippi Commission has adopted regulations which are also similar in many respects to the Nevada gaming regulations.

    The laws, regulations and supervisory procedures of Mississippi and the Mississippi Commission are based upon declarations of public policy which are concerned with, among other things:

    The regulations are subject to amendment and interpretation by the Mississippi Commission. We believe that our compliance with the licensing procedures and regulatory requirements of the Mississippi Commission will not affect the marketability of our securities. Changes in Mississippi laws or regulations may limit or otherwise materially affect the types of gaming that may be conducted and such changes, if enacted, could have an adverse effect on us and our Mississippi gaming operations.

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    The Mississippi Act provides for legalized dockside gaming at the discretion of the fourteen Mississippi counties that border the Gulf Coast or the Mississippi River, but only if the voters in the county have not voted to prohibit gaming in that county. In recent years, certain anti-gaming groups proposed for adoption through the initiative and referendum process certain amendments to the Mississippi Constitution which would prohibit gaming in the state. The proposals were declared illegal by Mississippi courts on constitutional and procedural grounds. The latest ruling was appealed to the Mississippi Supreme Court, which affirmed the decision of the lower court. If another such proposal were to be offered and if a sufficient number of signatures were to be gathered to place a legal initiative on the ballot, it is possible for the voters of Mississippi to consider such a proposal in November of 2003.

    As of January 1, 2001, dockside gaming was permissible in nine of the fourteen eligible counties in the state and gaming operations had commenced in Adams, Coahoma, Hancock, Harrison, Tunica, Warren and Washington counties. Under Mississippi law, gaming vessels must be located on the Mississippi River or on navigable waters in eligible counties along the Mississippi River or in the waters lying south of the counties along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The Mississippi Act permits unlimited stakes gaming on permanently moored vessels on a 24-hour basis and does not restrict the percentage of space which may be utilized for gaming.

    We and any subsidiary of ours that operates a casino in Mississippi (a "Mississippi Gaming Subsidiary") are subject to the licensing and regulatory control of the Mississippi Commission. We are registered under the Mississippi Act as a publicly traded holding company (a "Registered Corporation") of our Mississippi Gaming Subsidiaries. A Registered Corporation is required periodically to submit detailed financial and operating reports to the Mississippi Commission and furnish any other information which the Mississippi Commission may require. If we are unable to continue to satisfy the registration requirements of the Mississippi Act, we and the Mississippi Gaming Subsidiaries cannot own or operate gaming facilities in Mississippi. No person may become a stockholder of or receive any percentage of profits from a licensed subsidiary of a Registered Corporation without first obtaining licenses and approvals from the Mississippi Commission. We have obtained such approvals in connection with the licensing of the Mississippi Gaming Subsidiaries.

    Each Mississippi Gaming Subsidiary must maintain a gaming license from the Mississippi Commission to operate a casino in Mississippi. Such licenses are issued by the Mississippi Commission subject to certain conditions, including continued compliance with all applicable state laws and regulations. Gaming licenses are not transferable, are issued for a three-year period (and may be continued for two additional three-year periods) and must be renewed periodically thereafter. There are no limitations on the number of gaming licenses which may be issued in Mississippi.

    Certain of our officers and employees and the officers, directors and certain key employees of our Mississippi Gaming Subsidiaries must be found suitable or be licensed by the Mississippi Commission. We believe we have obtained or applied for all necessary findings of suitability with respect to such persons associated with us or the Mississippi Gaming Subsidiaries, although the Mississippi Commission, in its discretion, may require additional persons to file applications for findings of suitability. In addition, any person having a material relationship or involvement with us may be required to be found suitable, in which case those persons must pay the costs and fees associated with such investigation. The Mississippi Commission may deny an application for a finding of suitability for any cause that it deems reasonable. Changes in certain licensed positions must be reported to the Mississippi Commission. In addition to its authority to deny an application for a finding of suitability, the Mississippi Commission has jurisdiction to disapprove a change in a person's corporate position or title and such changes must be reported to the Mississippi Commission. The Mississippi Commission has the power to require us and any Mississippi Gaming Subsidiaries to suspend or dismiss officers, directors and other key employees or sever relationships with other persons who refuse to file appropriate applications or whom the authorities find unsuitable to act in such capacities.

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    At any time, the Mississippi Commission has the power to investigate and require a finding of suitability of any of our record or beneficial stockholders. The Mississippi Act requires any person who acquires more than 5 percent of any class of voting securities of a Registered Corporation, as reported to the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), to report the acquisition to the Mississippi Commission, and such person may be required to be found suitable. Also, any person who becomes a beneficial owner of more than 10 percent of any class of voting securities of a Registered Corporation, as reported to the SEC, must apply for a finding of suitability by the Mississippi Commission and must pay the costs and fees that the Mississippi Commission incurs in conducting the investigation. The Mississippi Commission has generally exercised its discretion to require a finding of suitability of any beneficial owner of more than 5 percent of any class of voting securities of a Registered Corporation. However, the Mississippi Commission has adopted a policy that permits certain institutional investors to own beneficially up to 15 percent of a class of voting securities of a Registered Corporation without a finding of suitability. If a stockholder who must be found suitable is a corporation, partnership or trust, it must submit detailed business and financial information, including a list of beneficial owners.

    Any person who fails or refuses to apply for a finding of suitability or a license within thirty 30 days after being ordered to do so by the Mississippi Commission may be found unsuitable. The same restrictions apply to a record owner if the record owner, after request, fails to identify the beneficial owner. Any person found unsuitable and who holds, directly or indirectly, any beneficial ownership of our securities beyond the time that the Mississippi Commission prescribes, may be guilty of a misdemeanor. We may be subject to disciplinary action if, after receiving notice that a person is unsuitable to be a stockholder or to have any other relationship with us or the Mississippi Gaming Subsidiaries, the company involved:

    We may be required to disclose to the Mississippi Commission upon request the identities of the holders of any of our debt or other securities. In addition, under the Mississippi Act, the Mississippi Commission may, in its discretion require the holder of any debt security of a Registered Corporation to file an application, be investigated and be found suitable to own the debt security if it has reason to believe that the ownership would be inconsistent with the declared policies of the State of Mississippi.

    Although the Mississippi Commission generally does not require the individual holders of obligations such as notes to be investigated and found suitable, the Mississippi Commission retains the discretion to do so for any reason, including but not limited to, a default, or where the holder of the debt instrument exercises a material influence over the gaming operations of the entity in question. Any holder of debt securities required to apply for a finding of suitability must pay all investigative fees and costs of the Mississippi Commission in connection with the investigation.

    If the Mississippi Commission determines that a person is unsuitable to own a debt security, then the Registered Corporation can be sanctioned, including the loss of its approvals, if without the prior approval of the Mississippi Commission it:

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    Each Mississippi Gaming Subsidiary must maintain in Mississippi a current ledger with respect to ownership of its equity securities and we must maintain in Mississippi a current list of our stockholders which must reflect the record ownership of each outstanding share of any class of equity security issued by us. The ledger and stockholder lists must be available for inspection by the Mississippi Commission at any time. If any securities are held in trust by an agent or by a nominee, the record holder may be required to disclose the identity of the beneficial owner to the Mississippi Commission. A failure to make such disclosure may be grounds for finding the record holder unsuitable. We must also render maximum assistance in determining the identity of the beneficial owner.

    The Mississippi Act requires that the certificates representing securities of a Registered Corporation bear a legend indicating that the securities are subject to the Mississippi Act and the regulations of the Mississippi Commission. We have received from the Mississippi Commission a waiver from this legend requirement. The Mississippi Gaming Commission has the power to impose additional restrictions on the holders of securities at any time.

    Substantially all material loans, leases, sales of securities and similar financing transactions by a Registered Corporation or a Mississippi Gaming Subsidiary must be reported to or approved by the Mississippi Commission. A Mississippi Gaming Subsidiary may not make a public offering of its securities, but may pledge or mortgage casino facilities. We may not make an issuance or a public offering of our securities without the prior approval of the Mississippi Commission if any part of the proceeds of the offering is to be used to finance the construction, acquisition or operation of gaming facilities in Mississippi or to retire or extend obligations incurred for those purposes. Such approval, if given, does not constitute a recommendation or approval of the investment merits of the securities subject to the offering. We have received a waiver of the prior approval requirement for our securities offerings, subject to certain conditions.

    Under the regulations of the Mississippi Commission, none of our Mississippi Gaming Subsidiaries may guarantee a security issued by us or an affiliated company pursuant to a public offering, or pledge its assets to secure payment or performance of the obligations evidenced by the security issued by us or the affiliated company, without the prior approval of the Mississippi Commission. The pledge of the stock of a Mississippi Gaming Subsidiary and the foreclosure of such a pledge are ineffective, without the prior approval of the Mississippi Commission. Moreover, restrictions on the transfer of an equity security issued by our Mississippi Gaming Subsidiaries and agreements not to encumber such securities are ineffective without the prior approval of the Mississippi Commission. We have obtained approvals from the Mississippi Commission for such guarantees, pledges and restrictions, subject to certain restrictions.

    Changes in control of us through merger, consolidation, acquisition of assets, management or consulting agreements or any act or conduct by a person by which he or she obtains control may not occur without the prior approval of the Mississippi Commission. Entities seeking to acquire control of a Registered Corporation must satisfy the Mississippi Commission in a variety of stringent standards prior to assuming control of the Registered Corporation. The Mississippi Commission may also require controlling stockholders, officers, directors and other persons having a material relationship or involvement with the entity proposing to acquire control, to be investigated and licensed as part of the approval process relating to the transaction.

    The Mississippi legislature has declared that some corporate acquisitions opposed by management, repurchases of voting securities and other corporate defense tactics that affect corporate gaming

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licensees in Mississippi and Registered Corporations may be injurious to stable and productive corporate gaming. The Mississippi Commission has established a regulatory scheme to ameliorate the potentially adverse effects of these business practices upon Mississippi's gaming industry and to further Mississippi's policy to:

    Approvals are, in certain circumstances, required from the Mississippi Commission before a Registered Corporation may make exceptional repurchases of voting securities in excess of the current market price and before a corporate acquisition opposed by management can be consummated. Mississippi's gaming regulations also require prior approval by the Mississippi Commission of a plan of recapitalization proposed by the Registered Corporation's Board of Directors in response to a tender offer made directly to the Registered Corporation's stockholders for the purpose of acquiring control of the Registered Corporation.

    Neither we nor any Mississippi Gaming Subsidiary may engage in gaming activities in Mississippi while also conducting gaming operations outside of Mississippi without approval of the Mississippi Commission. The Mississippi Commission may require determinations that, among other things, there are means for the Mississippi Commission to have access to information concerning the out-of-state gaming operations of us and our affiliates. We have previously obtained a waiver of foreign gaming approval from the Mississippi Commission for operations in other states in which we conduct gaming operations and will be required to obtain the approval or a waiver of such approval from the Mississippi Commission prior to engaging in any additional future gaming operations outside of Mississippi.

    If the Mississippi Commission determined that we or a Mississippi Gaming Subsidiary violated a gaming law or regulation, the Mississippi Commission could limit, condition, suspend or revoke our approvals and the license of the Mississippi Gaming Subsidiary, subject to compliance with certain statutory and regulatory procedures. In addition, we, the Mississippi Gaming Subsidiary and the persons involved could be subject to substantial fines for each separate violation. Because of such a violation, the Mississippi Commission could seek to appoint a supervisor to operate the casino facilities. Limitation, conditioning or suspension of any gaming license or approval or the appointment of a supervisor could (and revocation of any gaming license would) materially adversely affect us, our gaming operations and our results of operations.

    License fees and taxes, computed in various ways depending on the type of gaming or activity involved, are payable to the State of Mississippi and to the counties or cities in which a Mississippi Gaming Subsidiary's operations are conducted. Depending upon the particular fee or tax involved, these fees and taxes are payable either monthly, quarterly or annually and are based upon:

    The license fee payable to the State of Mississippi is based upon "gaming receipts" (generally defined as gross receipts less payouts to customers as winnings) and equals 4 percent of gaming receipts of $50,000 or less per month, 6 percent of gaming receipts that exceed $50,000 but do not exceed $134,000 per month, and 8 percent of gaming receipts that exceed $134,000 per month.

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    The foregoing license fees are allowed as a credit against the licensee's Mississippi income tax liability for the year paid. The gross revenue fee imposed by the Mississippi cities and counties in which our casino operations are located, equals approximately 4 percent of the gaming receipts.

    The Mississippi Commission's regulations require as a condition of licensure or license renewal that an existing licensed gaming establishment's plan include a 500-car parking facility in close proximity to the casino complex and infrastructure facilities which amount to at least 25 percent of the casino cost. We believe that our Mississippi Gaming Subsidiaries are in compliance with this requirement. The Mississippi Commission adopted amendments to the regulation that increase the infrastructure development requirement from 25 percent to 100 percent for new casinos (or upon acquisition of a closed casino), but grandfather existing licensees.

    Both the local jurisdiction and the Alcoholic Beverage Control Division of the Mississippi State Tax Commission license, control and regulate the sale of alcoholic beverages by our subsidiaries. All of our Mississippi casinos are in areas designated as special resort areas, which allows the casinos to serve alcoholic beverages on a 24-hour basis. The Alcohol Beverage Control Division has the full power to limit, condition, suspend or revoke any license for the serving of alcoholic beverages or to place a licensee on probation with or without conditions. Any disciplinary action could, and revocation would, have a material adverse effect upon the casino's operations. Our and our Mississippi Gaming Subsidiaries' key officers and managers must be investigated by the Alcohol Beverage Control Division in connection with their liquor permits and changes in key positions must be approved by the Alcohol Beverage Control Division.

Louisiana Gaming Laws

    The ownership and operation of a riverboat gaming vessel in the State of Louisiana is subject to the Louisiana Riverboat Economic Development and Gaming Control Act. The Louisiana Gaming Control Board regulates gaming activities. The Louisiana Board is responsible for investigating the background of all applicants seeking a riverboat gaming license, issuing the license and enforcing the laws, rules and regulations relating to riverboat gaming activities.

    The Louisiana Board must find suitable the applicant, its officers, directors, key personnel, partners and persons holding a 5 percent or greater interest in the holder of a gaming license. The Louisiana Board may, in its discretion, also review the suitability of other security holders of, or persons affiliated with, a licensee. This finding of suitability requires the filing of an extensive application to the Louisiana Board disclosing personal, financial, criminal, business and other information. Our Louisiana affiliate, Bally's Louisiana, Inc., has filed the required forms with the Louisiana regulatory authorities with respect to a finding of suitability.

    On March 24, 1994, the Louisiana Board's predecessor issued a riverboat gaming license to Belle of Orleans, L.L.C., a limited liability company in which we have a 49.9 percent interest. Belle of Orleans, L.L.C. commenced riverboat gaming operations in New Orleans on July 9, 1995. We are engaged in litigation with our 50.1 percent partner in the Belle of Orleans, L.L.C. See "Legal Proceedings" and Note 15 to our audited financial statements for a description of this litigation.

    The Louisiana Act prohibits the transfer of a Louisiana gaming license. The Louisiana Board must approve the sale, assignment, transfer, pledge or disposition of securities which represent 5 percent or more of the total outstanding shares issued by a holder of a license and the Louisiana Board must find the transferee suitable. In addition, the Louisiana Board must approve certain contracts and leases entered into by a licensee and enterprises which transact business with the licensee must be licensed.

    If a security holder of a licensee is found unsuitable, it will be unlawful for the security holder to:

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    The Louisiana Board may impose similar approval requirements on holders of securities of any intermediary or holding company of the licensee. Effective as of April 1, 2001, the State of Louisiana taxes riverboat gaming operations at the rate of 21.5 percent of net gaming proceeds. However, our riverboat at the Bally's Casino Lakeshore Resort in New Orleans is subject to the following taxes on riverboat gaming operations effective as of April 1, 2001:

    Additionally, effective as of April 1, 2001, Belle is authorized to conduct dockside gaming activities, without the requirement to conduct cruises and excursions, provided that Belle complies with the following restrictions:

    On April 19, 1996, the Louisiana legislature approved legislation mandating statewide local elections on a parish-by-parish basis to determine whether to prohibit or continue to permit three individual types of gaming. On November 5, 1996, Louisiana voters determined whether each of the following types of gaming would be prohibited or permitted in the following described Louisiana parishes:

    In Orleans Parish, where our riverboat casino currently operates, a majority of the voters elected to continue to permit the three types of gaming described above. The current legislation does not provide for any moratorium on future local elections on gaming. Further, the current legislation does not provide for any moratorium that must expire before future local elections on gaming could be mandated or allowed. In addition, a change of berth by a licensee would require voter approval in the parish in which the new berth is located.

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Delaware Gaming Laws

    Video lottery operations in the State of Delaware are regulated by the Delaware State Lottery Office through the powers delegated to the Director of the lottery pursuant to Title 29 of the Delaware code. Under Delaware's video lottery program, video lottery machines are permitted at Delaware's licensed horse racing tracks.

    Any person seeking to contract with the Delaware State Lottery Office for the provision of goods or services related to video lottery operations, including management services such as those we provide with respect to video lottery operation at the Dover Downs race track in Delaware, must be licensed by the Delaware State Lottery Office as a "technology provider." It is the ongoing duty of each technology provider licensee to notify the Director of the lottery of any change in officers, partners, directors, key employees, video lottery operations employees or owners, collectively the "key individuals." An owner is a person who owns, directly or indirectly, 10 percent or more of an applicant or licensee. Key individuals are subject to a background investigation, and the failure of a key individual to satisfy a background investigation may constitute "cause" for the suspension or revocation of the technology provider's license.

Indiana Gaming Laws

    Our Indiana casino riverboat operations are subject to the provisions of Indiana Code 4-33 (the "Indiana Riverboat Act") and the licensing and regulatory control of the Indiana Gaming Commission, as well as various local, county, and state regulatory agencies.

    The Indiana Riverboat Act authorizes the issuance of up to 11 riverboat gaming licenses on waterways located in Indiana. The Indiana Riverboat Act strictly regulates the facilities, persons, associations and practices related to gaming operations pursuant to the police powers of the State of Indiana, including comprehensive law enforcement provisions. The Indiana Riverboat Act vests the Indiana Gaming Commission with the power and duties of administering, regulating and enforcing the system of riverboat gaming in the State of Indiana. The Indiana Gaming Commission's jurisdiction extends to every person, association, corporation, partnership and trust involved in riverboat gaming operations in the State of Indiana.

    The Indiana Riverboat Act requires the owner of a riverboat gaming operation to hold an owner's license issued by the Indiana Gaming Commission. Each license granted entitles the licensee to own and operate one riverboat and gaming equipment as part of the gaming operation. A licensee may own no more than a 10 percent interest in any other owner's license.

    The Indiana Riverboat Act restricts the granting of the 11 owner's licenses by location, with five to be awarded for riverboats operating in specific cities on Lake Michigan, five to be awarded for riverboats operating on the Ohio River, and one to be awarded for a riverboat operating on Patoka Lake. The Indiana Gaming Commission has not considered applicants for the eleventh license since the Patoka Lake site has been determined by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to be unsuitable for a casino vessel project.

    Each owner's license runs for a period of five years. Thereafter, the license is subject to renewal on an annual basis upon a determination by the Indiana Gaming Commission that the licensee continues to be eligible for an owner's license pursuant to the Indiana Riverboat Act and the rules and regulations adopted thereunder. All riverboat licensees have a continuing duty to maintain suitability for licensure and are required to notify the Indiana Gaming Commission of any material change in the information submitted in its application or any other matter which would render the licensee ineligible. An owner's license does not create a property right but is a revocable privilege contingent upon continuing suitability for licensure. A licensed owner undergoes a complete investigation every three years.

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    The Indiana Gaming Commission may revoke, restrict or suspend an owner's license at any time that the Indiana Gaming Commission determines the licensee is in violation of the Indiana Riverboat Act or the rules and regulations of the Indiana Gaming Commission or if the Indiana Gaming Commission determines revocation of the license is in the best interest of the State of Indiana and will protect and enhance the credibility and integrity of riverboat gambling operations. If the Indiana Gaming Commission determines that a licensee is in violation of the Indiana Riverboat Act or the rules and regulations promulgated by the Indiana Gaming Commission, the Indiana Gaming Commission may initiate a disciplinary proceeding to revoke, restrict or suspend the license or take such other action, including imposition of civil penalties, that the Indiana Gaming Commission deems necessary. If for any reason the license is terminated, the assets of the riverboat gambling operation must be secured and cannot be disposed of without the approval of the Indiana Gaming Commission and the licensee remains under the jurisdiction of the Indiana Gaming Commission until all matters related to the license have been resolved.

    A licensed owner may apply for and may hold other licenses that are necessary for the operation of a riverboat, including licenses to sell alcoholic beverages, a license to prepare and serve food, and any other necessary licenses. Furthermore, the Indiana Riverboat Act requires that officers, directors and employees of a gaming operation and suppliers of gaming equipment, devices, and supplies and certain other suppliers be licensed.

    Applicants for licensure must submit comprehensive application and personal disclosure forms and undergo an exhaustive background investigation prior to the issuance of a license. The applicant must also disclose the identity of every stockholder or participant of the applicant and provide specific information with respect to certain stockholders holding significant interests, 5 percent or greater, in the applicant. The Indiana Gaming Commission has the authority to request specific information on any stockholder.

    The Glory of Rome riverboat casino has been licensed to conduct gaming operations by the Indiana Gaming Commission pursuant to a license originally granted to RDI/Caesars Riverboat Casino, L.L.C., which we acquired from Starwood. An ownership interest in an owner's riverboat license may only be transferred after receiving approval from the Indiana Gaming Commission and upon compliance with the regulations issued under the Indiana Riverboat Act. The Indiana Gaming Commission approved the transfer of the interest in the riverboat owner's license to Park Place on March 30, 2000.

    A riverboat owner licensee or any other person may not lease, hypothecate, borrow money against or loan money against an owner's riverboat gaming license.

    The Indiana Riverboat Act does not limit the maximum bet or per patron loss. Minimum and maximum wagers on games are set by the licensee. Wagering may not be conducted with money or other negotiable currency. No person under the age of 21 is permitted to wager, and wagers may only be taken from a person present on a licensed riverboat.

    Riverboats operating in Indiana must (1) have a valid certificate of inspection from the U.S. Coast Guard to carry at least 500 passengers; and (2) be at least 150 feet long. In addition, any riverboat that operates on the Ohio River must replicate, as nearly as possible, historic Indiana steamboat passenger vessels of the nineteenth century.

    Gaming sessions are generally required to be at least two hours and are limited to a maximum duration of four hours. No gaming may be conducted while the boat is docked, except:

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    The Indiana Gaming Commission may grant extended cruise hours in its discretion.

    After consultation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Indiana Gaming Commission may determine the available navigable waterways that are suitable for the operation of riverboats under the Indiana Riverboat Act. If the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers rescinds an approval for the operation of riverboats on a waterway, a license issued under the Indiana Riverboat Act is void and the holder may not conduct or continue gaming operations under the Indiana Riverboat Act. The Indiana Gaming Commission requires employees working on a riverboat to have a valid merchant marine document from the U.S. Coast Guard.

    The Indiana Riverboat Act imposes a 20 percent wagering tax on adjusted gross receipts from gaming. The tax imposed is to be paid by the licensed owner to the Indiana Department of State Revenue before the close of the business day following the day when the wagers are made. The Indiana Riverboat Act also requires that licensees pay a $3.00 admission tax for each person admitted to a gaming excursion. A riverboat license may be suspended for failure to pay such tax. The Indiana Gaming Commission also has promulgated regulations requiring riverboat owners to reimburse the Indiana Gaming Commission for the costs of inspectors and agents required to be present during the conduct of gambling operations. Further, the Indiana Gaming Commission may impose other fees and assessments. Riverboats are assessed for property tax purposes as real property and are taxed at rates determined by local taxing authorities. All Indiana state excise taxes, use taxes and gross retail taxes apply to sales on a riverboat.

    The Indiana Gaming Commission may subject a licensee to fines, suspension or revocation of its license for any act that is in violation of the Indiana Riverboat Act, the rules and regulations of the Indiana Gaming Commission, or for an owner's license if the licensee has not begun regular riverboat excursions prior to the end of the twelve month period following receipt of a license from the Indiana Gaming Commission or if the Indiana Gaming Commission determines that the revocation of the license is in the best interests of the State of Indiana. A holder of a gaming license is required to post bond with the Indiana Gaming Commission in an amount that a local community will expend for infrastructure and other facilities associated with a riverboat operation.

    The Indiana Riverboat Act places special emphasis upon minority and women's business enterprise participation in the riverboat industry. Any person issued a riverboat owner's license must establish goals of expending at least 10 percent of the total dollar value of the licensee's contracts for goods and services with minority business enterprises and 5 percent of the total dollar value of the licensee's contracts for goods and services with women's business enterprises. The Indiana Gaming Commission may suspend, limit or revoke the owner's license or fine or impose appropriate conditions on the licensee to ensure these goals are met. The Indiana Gaming Commission has indicated it will be vigilant in monitoring attainment of these goals.

    An institutional investor that, individually or in association with others, acquires, directly or indirectly, 5 percent or more of any class of voting securities of a holding company of a licensee is required to notify the Indiana Gaming Commission and to provide additional information, including a certification that the voting securities were acquired and are held for investment purposes only, and

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may be subject to a finding of suitability. An institutional investor that, individually or in association with others, acquires, directly or indirectly, 15 percent or more of any class of voting securities of a holding company of a licensee is required to apply to the Indiana Gaming Commission for a finding of suitability. A person, other than an institutional investor, who acquires a direct or indirect beneficial ownership interest of 5 percent or more of any riverboat licensee, through any class of voting securities of the licensee or a holding company or intermediary company of the licensee, other than an institutional investor, is required to apply to the Indiana Gaming Commission for a finding of suitability.

    A riverboat owner licensee may not enter into or perform any contract or transaction in which it transfers or receives consideration which is not commercially reasonable or which does not reflect the fair market value of the goods and services rendered or received. All contracts are subject to disapproval by the Indiana Gaming Commission. The Indiana Gaming Commission has a rule requiring the reporting of certain currency transactions, which is similar to that required by Federal authorities.

    A riverboat owner licensee or applicant (or affiliate thereof) may not enter into a debt transaction of $1.0 million or more, including the issuance of the old notes, without the prior approval of the Indiana Gaming Commission. The Indiana Gaming Commission rules require that:

    On August 23, 2001, the Indiana Gaming Commission approved the issuance of the old notes and the exchange notes.

    Indiana Gaming Commission regulations also require a licensee or applicant (or affiliate) to conduct due diligence to ensure that each person with whom the licensee or applicant (or affiliate) enters into a debt transaction would be suitable for licensure under the Indiana Riverboat Act.

    The Indiana Riverboat Act prohibits contributions to a candidate for a state, legislative, or local office, or to a candidate's committee or to a regular party committee by the holder of a riverboat owner's license or a supplier's license, by an officer of a licensee or by an officer of a person that holds at least a 1 percent interest in the licensee. The Indiana Gaming Commission has promulgated a rule requiring quarterly reporting by the holder of a riverboat owner's license or a supplier's license of officers of the licensee, officers of persons that hold at least a 1 percent interest in the licensee, and of persons who directly or indirectly own a 1 percent interest in the licensee.

    The Indiana Gaming Commission adopted a rule which prohibits a distribution, except to allow payment of taxes, by a riverboat licensee to its partners, stockholders, itself, or any affiliated entity, if the distribution would impair the financial viability of the riverboat gaming operation. The Indiana Gaming Commission has adopted a rule which requires riverboat licensees to maintain, on a quarterly basis, a cash reserve in the amount of the actual payout for three days, and the cash reserve would include cash in the casino cage, cash in a bank account in Indiana, or cash equivalents not committed or obligated.

    The study commission on the impact of legalized wagering in Indiana appointed by the Indiana governor has called for a limit on expansion of legalized wagering in Indiana.

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Queensland Gaming Laws

    Queensland, Australia, like the jurisdictions discussed above, has comprehensive laws and regulations governing the conduct of casino gaming. All persons connected with the ownership and operation of a casino, including us, our subsidiary that manages the Conrad Jupiters, Gold Coast and the Conrad International Treasury Casino, Brisbane and their principal stockholders, directors and officers, must be found suitable and/or licensed. A casino license once issued remains in force until surrendered or canceled. Queensland law defines the grounds for cancellation and, in that event, an administrator may be appointed to assume control of the casino hotel complex. The Queensland authorities have also conducted an investigation of, and have found suitable, us and our subsidiary BI Gaming Corp., which holds our Australian gaming assets.

    Queensland imposes taxes on gaming operations at the rate of 20 percent of gross gaming revenues, except that gaming revenues arising from persons or groups participating in special flight programs or "junkets" are taxed at a 10 percent rate. A casino community benefit levy of 1 percent of gross gaming revenues is also imposed.

Uruguay Gaming Laws

    Uruguay also has laws and regulations governing the establishment and operation of casino gaming. The Internal Auditors Bureau of Uruguay, under the authority of the Executive Power of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, is responsible for establishing the terms under which casino operations are conducted, including suitability requirements of persons associated with gaming operations, authorized games, specifications for gaming equipment, security, surveillance and compliance. The Executive Power of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay has granted a concession to Baluma S.A., a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, as owner of the Conrad International Punta del Este Resort and Casino to conduct casino operations. The concession was granted based on the expertise and financial suitability of Hilton and its subsidiary Conrad International Hotels Corporation, which acted as manager of the Punta del Este Resort and Casino. By resolution dated December 29, 1998, the Executive Power of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay authorized the replacement of Conrad International Hotels Corporation by BI Gaming Corporation, a subsidiary of ours, as manager of the Punta del Este Resort and Casino, subject to the fulfillment of formal requirements set forth in the resolution. Documents to comply with the referred formal requirements were submitted in due time. The Internal Auditors Bureau has reviewed the documents and recommended to the Executive Power of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay to declare that requirements made by resolution dated December 29, 1998 have been complied with.

    Uruguay imposes a casino concession fee on gaming operations conducted by the Punta del Este Resort and Casino at a fixed amount per fiscal year. For the years ending December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998, the casino concession fee imposed was $3.4 million, $3.3 million and $3.3 million, respectively.

    Changes to these laws and regulations could have an adverse effect on our casino gaming operations in Uruguay.

Ontario, Canada Gaming Laws

    Our Ontario casino gaming operations are subject to the regulatory control of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario pursuant to the Gaming Control Act and certain contractual obligations to the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, a provincial crown corporation owned by the Province of Ontario.

    Our subsidiary, Caesars World, Inc., owns 50 percent of Windsor Casino Limited, which operates Casino Windsor in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, on behalf of the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, pursuant to an operating agreement with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation.

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The operating agreement imposes certain obligations on Windsor Casino Limited relating to the operation of Casino Windsor. Pursuant to a support agreement between the stockholders of Windsor Casino Limited and the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, the stockholders, including our subsidiary, Caesars World, Inc., have certain obligations relating to the operation of Casino Windsor.

    Windsor Casino Limited is required under the Gaming Control Act to be registered as a casino operator with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario and must operate in accordance with the terms and conditions of its registration.

    Pursuant to the Gaming Control Act and the terms of Windsor Casino Limited's registration, the Registrar of Alcohol and Gaming must approve any change in the directors or officers of Windsor Casino Limited. The Gaming Control Act also provides that the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario may require the submission of disclosures and informational material from any person who has an interest in Windsor Casino Limited. This includes parent companies and their directors and officers.

    The Registrar of Alcohol and Gaming has the power, subject to the Gaming Control Act, to grant, renew, suspend or revoke registrations. The Registrar is entitled to make such inquiries and conduct such investigations as are necessary to determine that applicants for registration meet the requirements of the Gaming Control Act and to require information or material from any person who has an interest in an applicant for registration. The criteria to be considered in connection with registration under the Gaming Control Act include the financial responsibility, integrity and honesty of the applicant and the public interest. The Registrar may, at any time, revoke, suspend or refuse to renew Windsor Casino Limited's registration for any reason that would have disentitled it to registration.

    Changes to these laws and regulations could have an adverse effect on our casino gaming operations in Ontario.

Nova Scotia, Canada Gaming Laws

    Our Nova Scotia casino gaming operations are subject to the regulatory control of the Nova Scotia Alcohol and Gaming Authority ("NSAGA") pursuant to the Nova Scotia Gaming Control Act and certain contractual obligations to the Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation ("NSGC"), a provincial crown corporation owned by the Province of Nova Scotia.

    One of our subsidiaries owns a 95 percent partnership interest in a registered partnership known as Metropolitan Entertainment Group ("Metropolitan") that operates casinos in Halifax and Sydney, Nova Scotia, on behalf of NSGC, pursuant to an Operating Contract with NSGC. The Operating Contract imposes certain obligations on Metropolitan relating to the operation of the Halifax and Sydney casinos. Park Place Entertainment Corporation has agreed to guarantee certain Metropolitan obligations under the Operating Contract with NSGC and a contract to construct a permanent casino in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

    Metropolitan is required to maintain registration as a casino operator with the Nova Scotia Alcohol and Gaming Authority.

    Under the Gaming Control Act the Director of Registration of the Alcohol and Gaming Authority must be notified within 15 days of any change in the officers or directors of a corporation that is a member of a partnership that is an operator. Metropolitan is also required to file a disclosure form with the Director of Registration within 15 days of:

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    The Gaming Control Act also provides that the Director of Registration may require information or material from Metropolitan and may conduct investigations concerning any person who has an interest in the casino. This includes parent companies and their directors and officers.

    NSAGA has the power to suspend or to revoke Metropolitan's registration at any time for any reason that would have disentitled Metropolitan to obtain registration or renewal of registration. Grounds for suspension or revocation include the lack of financial responsibility, integrity and honesty of the casino operator, parent companies of the casino operator and their officers and directors, failure to act in the public interest and failure to disclose information required by the Director of Investigations.

    Changes to these laws and regulations could have an adverse effect on our casino gaming operations in Nova Scotia.

South Africa Gaming Laws

    Our South African operations are subject to the Gauteng Gambling and Betting Act No. 4 of 1995 and the regulations issued thereunder. If an entity has directly or indirectly procured a controlling or financial interest of 1 percent or more in a casino license holder in Gauteng, then the acquiring entity will have to apply for the consent of the Gauteng Gambling Board for the holding of such an interest. The acquiring entity must apply to the Gauteng Gambling Board for consent to hold such an interest within 14 days after the transaction closes and the interest is procured.

    The application for the consent of the Gauteng Gambling Board must be made within a period and in a manner prescribed by the Gauteng Gambling Board. In making such an application, all the relevant provisions of the Gauteng Gambling and Betting Act relating to an application for a casino license apply. These include:

    The Gauteng Gambling Board may recover from the applicant all reasonable expenses incurred by the Gauteng Gambling Board in conducting the necessary investigation in respect of the application. Where consent is not granted, the acquiring entity shall, within the prescribed period and in the manner prescribed or determined by the Gauteng Gambling Board, dispose of the interest in question. In addition, the casino license holder must notify the Gauteng Gambling Board of the acquiring entity's identity and address as soon as practicable after it becomes aware of the procurement of an interest in it.

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    Changes to these laws and regulations could have an adverse effect on our casino gaming operations in South Africa.

IRS Regulations

    The Internal Revenue Code and Treasury Regulations require operators of casinos located in the United States to file information returns for U.S. citizens, including names and addresses of winners, for keno and slot machine winnings in excess of prescribed amounts. The Internal Revenue Code and Treasury Regulations also require operators to withhold taxes on some keno, bingo, and slot machine winnings of nonresident aliens. We are unable to predict the extent, to which these requirements, if extended, might impede or otherwise adversely affect operations of, and/or income from, the other games.

    Regulations adopted by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network of the Treasury Department and the gaming regulatory authorities in some of the domestic jurisdictions in which we operate casinos, or in which we have applied for licensing to operate a casino, require the reporting of currency transactions in excess of $10,000 occurring within a gaming day, including identification of the patron by name and social security number. This reporting obligation began in May 1985 and may have resulted in the loss of gaming revenues to jurisdictions outside the United States which are exempt from the ambit of these regulations.

Other Laws and Regulations

    Each of the casino hotels and riverboat casinos described in this prospectus is subject to extensive state and local regulations and, on a periodic basis, must obtain various licenses and permits, including those required to sell alcoholic beverages. We believe that we have obtained all required licenses and permits and our businesses are conducted in substantial compliance with applicable laws.

Headquarters

    Our principal executive offices are located at 3930 Howard Hughes Parkway, Las Vegas, Nevada 89109. Our telephone number is (702) 699-5000.

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DESCRIPTION OF OTHER INDEBTEDNESS

    The following is a brief summary of important terms of our material indebtedness:

    Revolving Credit Facilities.  We have revolving bank credit facilities with a syndicate of financial institutions. At June 30, 2001, the total aggregate commitment was $3.9 billion, consisting of a $1.9 billion 364-day revolving facility and a $2.0 billion five-year revolving facility, which matures December 2003. Approximately $1.6 billion was available at June 30, 2001. Both the 364-day revolver and the five-year revolver may be extended in one-year increments at our request with the prior written consent of the lenders.

    Borrowings under the credit facilities bear interest at a floating rate and may be obtained at our option as LIBOR advances for varying periods, or as base rate advances, each adjusted for an applicable margin (as further described in the credit facilities), or as competitive bid loans. LIBOR advances bear interest at LIBOR plus 112.5 basis points and may be adjusted quarterly based on our leverage ratio or debt ratings. Base rate advances will bear interest at the base rate defined as the higher of:

    plus a margin equal to the applicable margin for LIBOR loans in effect from time to time minus 1.25%. Competitive bid loans shall bear interest either on an absolute rate bid basis or on the basis of a spread above or below LIBOR. The maximum applicable margin for LIBOR loans is 1.75% under the 364-day revolver and the five-year revolver plus or minus pre-determined discounts based on our leverage ratios.

    We amended our credit facilities effective August 23, 2001. We now have the following credit facilities in place: (1) a $1.5 billion 364-day revolving facility and (2) a $2.0 billion multi-year facility expiring December 2003 with a $1.4 billion 2-year extension upon expiration or termination of the existing multi-year facility.

    We have established a $1.0 billion commercial paper program. To the extent that we incur debt under this program, we must maintain an equivalent amount of credit available under our credit facilities. We have borrowed under the program for varying periods during 2000 and 1999. At June 30, 2001, $15 million was outstanding under the commercial paper program. Interest under the program is at market rates, for varying periods.

    Hilton Debt.  Concurrently with our spin-off from Hilton, we assumed primary liability for $625 million of Hilton's fixed rate debt. The payment terms of this debt assumption mirror the terms of Hilton's existing $300 million 73/8% notes due 2002 and its $325 million 7% notes due 2004. We entered into supplemental indentures with the trustee under these notes providing for our assumption of the payment obligations under the existing indentures.

    77/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2005.  In December 1998, we issued $400 million of 77/8% senior subordinated notes due December 2005 in a private placement offering. The notes were subsequently exchanged for registered notes. The 77/8% notes are redeemable at any time prior to their maturity at the redemption prices described in the indenture governing the 77/8% notes. The 77/8% notes are unsecured senior subordinated obligations and are subordinated to all of our senior debt.

    7.95% Senior Notes due 2003.  In August 1999, we issued $300 million aggregate principal amount of 7.95% senior notes due 2003 in a private placement offering. The notes were subsequently exchanged for registered notes. The 7.95% notes are redeemable at any time prior to their maturity at the redemption prices described in the indenture governing the 7.95% notes. The 7.95% notes are unsecured senior obligations and rank equally with all of our senior unsecured debt.

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    81/2% Senior Notes due 2006.  In November 1999, we issued $400 million aggregate principal amount of 81/2% senior notes due 2006 in a registered note offering. The 81/2% notes are redeemable at any time prior to their maturity at the redemption prices described in the indenture governing the 81/2% notes. The 81/2% notes are unsecured senior obligations and rank equally with all of our senior unsecured debt.

    93/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2007.  In February 2000, we issued $500 million of 93/8% senior subordinated notes due December 2007 in a private placement offering. The notes were subsequently exchanged for registered notes. The 93/8% notes are redeemable at any time prior to their maturity at the redemption prices described in the indenture governing the 93/8% notes. The 93/8% notes are unsecured senior subordinated obligations and are subordinated to all of our senior debt.

    87/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008.  In September 2000, we issued $400 million of 87/8% senior subordinated notes due 2008 in a registered note offering. The 87/8% notes are redeemable at any time prior to their maturity at the redemption prices described in the indenture governing the 87/8% notes. The 87/8% notes are unsecured senior subordinated obligations and are subordinated to all of our senior debt.

    81/8% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2011.  In May 2001, we issued $350 million of 81/8% senior subordinated notes due May 2011 in a private placement offering. We completed our exchange offer for registered notes in August 2001. The 81/8% notes are redeemable at any time prior to their maturity at the redemption prices described in the indenture governing the 81/8% notes. The 81/8% notes are unsecured senior subordinated obligations and are subordinated to all of our senior debt.

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THE EXCHANGE OFFER

General

    As of the date of this prospectus, $425 million in aggregate principal amount of the old notes is outstanding. This prospectus, together with the letter of transmittal, is first being sent to holders on October 12, 2001.

Purpose of the Exchange Offer

    We issued the old notes on August 22, 2001 in a transaction exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. Accordingly, the old notes may not be reoffered, resold, or otherwise transferred unless so registered or unless an applicable exemption from the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act is available.

    In connection with the sale of the old notes, we entered into the registration rights agreement, which requires us to:

    We have filed a copy of the registration rights agreement as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.

    We are making the exchange offer to satisfy our obligations under the registration rights agreement. Other than pursuant to the registration rights agreement, we are not required to file any registration statement to register any outstanding old notes. Holders of old notes who do not tender their old notes or whose old notes are tendered but not accepted in the exchange offer must rely on an exemption from the registration requirements under the securities laws, including the Securities Act, if they wish to sell their old notes.

    We are making the exchange offer in reliance on the position of the staff of the Commission as set forth in interpretive letters addressed to third parties in other transactions. However, we have not sought our own interpretive letter and we can provide no assurance that the staff would make a similar determination with respect to the exchange offer as it has in interpretive letters to third parties. Based on these interpretations by the staff, we believe that the exchange notes issued in the exchange offer in exchange for old notes may be offered for resale, resold and otherwise transferred by a holder other than any holder who is a broker-dealer or an "affiliate" of ours within the meaning of Rule 405 of the Securities Act, without further compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act, provided that:

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    For additional information, see "—Resale of exchange notes." Each broker-dealer that receives exchange notes for its own account in exchange for old notes, where the broker-dealer acquired the old notes as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of the exchange notes. For additional information, see "Plan of Distribution."

Terms of the Exchange

    We are offering to exchange, subject to the conditions described in this prospectus and in the letter of transmittal accompanying this prospectus, $1,000 in principal amount of exchange notes for each $1,000 in principal amount of the old notes. The terms of the exchange notes are identical in all material respects to the terms of the old notes, except that the exchange notes will generally be freely transferable by holders of the exchange notes and will not be subject to the terms of the registration rights agreement. The exchange notes will evidence the same indebtedness as the old notes and will be entitled to the benefits of the indenture. For additional information, see "Description of the Exchange Notes."

    The exchange offer is not conditioned upon the tender of any minimum principal amount of old notes.

    We have not requested, and do not intend to request, an interpretation by the staff of the Commission as to whether the exchange notes issued in exchange for the old notes may be offered for sale, resold or otherwise transferred by any holder without compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act. Instead, based on an interpretation by the staff of the Commission set forth in a series of no-action letters issued to third parties, we believe that exchange notes issued in the exchange offer in exchange for old notes may be offered for sale, resold and otherwise transferred by any holder of exchange notes, other than any holder that is a broker-dealer or is an "affiliate" of ours within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act, without compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act, provided that:

    Since the Commission has not considered the exchange offer in the context of a no-action letter, we can provide no assurance that the staff of the Commission would make a similar determination with respect to the exchange offer. Any holder who is an affiliate of ours or who tenders old notes in the exchange offer for the purpose of participating in a distribution of the exchange notes cannot rely on the interpretation by the staff of the Commission and must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale transaction. Each holder, other than a broker-dealer, must acknowledge that it is not engaged in, and does not intend to engage in, a distribution of exchange notes. Each broker-dealer that receives exchange notes for its own account in exchange for old notes, where the broker-dealer acquired the old notes as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of the exchange notes. For additional information, see "Plan of Distribution."

    The exchange notes will accrue interest from the last interest payment date on which interest was paid on the old notes or, if no interest was paid on the old notes, from the date of issuance of the old notes, which was on August 22, 2001. Holders whose old notes are accepted for exchange will be deemed to have waived the right to receive any interest accrued on the old notes.

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    Tendering holders of the old notes will not be required to pay brokerage commissions or fees or, transfer taxes, except as specified in the instructions in the letter of transmittal, with respect to the exchange of the old notes in the exchange offer.

Expiration Date; Extension; Termination; Amendment

    The exchange offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on November 9, 2001, unless we, in our sole discretion, have extended the period of time for which the exchange offer is open. The time and date, as it may be extended, is referred to herein as the "expiration date." The expiration date will be at least 20 business days after the commencement of the exchange offer in accordance with Rule 14e-1(a) under the Exchange Act. We expressly reserve the right, at any time or from time to time, to extend the period of time during which the exchange offer is open, and thereby delay acceptance for exchange of any old notes. We will extend the expiration date by giving oral or written notice of the extension to the exchange agent and by timely public announcement no later than 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on the next business day after the previously scheduled expiration date. During the extension, all old notes previously tendered will remain subject to the exchange offer unless properly withdrawn.

    We expressly reserve the right to:

    If any termination or amendment occurs, we will notify the exchange agent and will either issue a press release or give oral or written notice to the holders of the old notes as promptly as practicable.

    For purposes of the exchange offer, a "business day" means any day other than Saturday, Sunday or a date on which banking institutions are required or authorized by New York State law to be closed, and consists of the time period from 12:01 a.m. through 12:00 midnight, New York City time. Unless we terminate the exchange offer prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date, we will exchange the exchange notes for the old notes promptly following the expiration date.

Procedures For Tendering Old Notes

    Our acceptance of old notes tendered by a holder will constitute a binding agreement between the tendering holder and us upon the terms and subject to the conditions described in this prospectus and in the accompanying letter of transmittal. All references in this prospectus to the letter of transmittal are deemed to include a facsimile of the letter of transmittal.

    A holder of old notes may tender the old notes by:

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    The method of delivery of old notes, letters of transmittal and all other required documents is at the election and risk of the holders. If the delivery is by mail, it is recommended that registered mail properly insured, with return receipt requested, be used. In all cases, sufficient time should be allowed to ensure timely delivery. Holders should not send old notes or letters of transmittal to us.

    The signature on the letter of transmittal need not be guaranteed if:

In any other case, the tendered old notes must be:

If the exchange notes and/or old notes not exchanged are to be delivered to an address other than that of the registered holder appearing on the note register for the old notes, the signature in the letter of transmittal must be guaranteed by an eligible institution.

    The exchange agent will make a request within two business days after the date of receipt of this prospectus to establish accounts with respect to the old notes at The Depository Trust Company, the "book-entry transfer facility," for the purpose of facilitating the exchange offer. We refer to the Depository Trust Company in this prospectus as "DTC." Subject to establishing the accounts, any financial institution that is a participant in the book-entry transfer facility's system may make book-entry delivery of old notes by causing the book-entry transfer facility to transfer the old notes into the exchange agent's account with respect to the old notes in accordance with the book-entry transfer facility's procedures for the transfer. Although delivery of old notes may be effected through book-entry transfer into the exchange agent's account at the book-entry transfer facility, an appropriate letter of transmittal with any required signature guarantee and all other required documents, or an agent's message, must in each case be properly transmitted to and received or confirmed by the exchange agent at its address set forth below prior to the expiration date, or, if the guaranteed delivery procedures described below are complied with, within the time period provided under such procedures.

    The exchange agent and DTC have confirmed that the exchange offer is eligible for the DTC Automated Tender Offer Program. We refer to the Automated Tender Offer Program in this prospectus as "ATOP." Accordingly, DTC participants may, in lieu of physically completing and signing the letter of transmittal and delivering it to the exchange agent, electronically transmit their acceptance of the exchange offer by causing DTC to transfer old notes to the exchange agent in accordance with DTCs ATOP procedures for transfer. DTC will then send an agent's message.

    The term "agent's message" means a message which:

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    If a holder desires to accept the exchange offer and time will not permit a letter of transmittal or old notes to reach the exchange agent before the expiration date or the procedure for book-entry transfer cannot be completed on a timely basis, the holder may effect a tender if the exchange agent has received at its address set forth below on or prior to the expiration date, a letter, telegram or facsimile transmission, and an original delivered by guaranteed overnight courier, from an eligible institution setting forth:

    Unless old notes being tendered by the above-described method are deposited with the exchange agent, a tender will be deemed to have been received as of the date when:

    Issuances of exchange notes in exchange for old notes tendered pursuant to a notice of guaranteed delivery or letter, telegram or facsimile transmission to similar effect by an eligible institution will be made only against deposit of the letter of transmittal and any other required documents and the tendered old notes or a confirmation of book-entry and an agent's message.

    All questions as to the validity, form, eligibility, including time of receipt, and acceptance of old notes tendered for exchange will be determined by us in our sole discretion, which determination will be final and binding. We reserve the absolute right to reject any and all tenders of any old notes not properly tendered or not to accept any old notes which acceptance might, in our judgment or the judgment of our counsel, be unlawful. We also reserve the absolute right to waive any defects or irregularities or conditions of the exchange offer as to any old notes either before or after the expiration date, including the right to waive the ineligibility of any holder who seeks to tender old notes in the exchange offer. The interpretation of the terms and conditions of the exchange offer including the letter of transmittal and the instructions contained in the letter of transmittal, by us will be final and binding on all parties. Unless waived, any defects or irregularities in connection with tenders of old notes for exchange must be cured within such reasonable period of time as we determine. Neither we, the exchange agent nor any other person has any duty to give notification of any defect or irregularity with respect to any tender of old notes for exchange, nor will any of us incur any liability for failure to give such notification.

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    If the letter of transmittal is signed by a person or persons other than the registered holder or holders of old notes, the old notes must be endorsed or accompanied by appropriate powers of attorney, in either case signed exactly as the name or names of the registered holder or holders appear on the old notes.

    If the letter of transmittal or any old notes or powers of attorney are signed by trustees, executors, administrators, guardians, attorneys-in-fact, officers of corporations or others acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, such persons should so indicate when signing, and, unless waived by us, such persons must submit proper evidence satisfactory to us of their authority to so act.

    By tendering, each holder represents to us that, among other things:

    Each broker-dealer that receives exchange notes for its own account in exchange for old notes, where the broker-dealer acquired the old notes as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of the exchange notes. For additional information, see "Plan of Distribution."

Terms and Conditions of the Letter of Transmittal

    The letter of transmittal contains, among other things, the following terms and conditions, which are part of the exchange offer.

    The party tendering old notes for exchange exchanges, assigns and transfers the old notes to us and irrevocably constitutes and appoints the exchange agent as his agent and attorney-in-fact to cause the old notes to be assigned, transferred and exchanged. We refer to the party tendering notes herein as the "transferor." The transferor represents and warrants that it has full power and authority to tender, exchange, assign and transfer the old notes and to acquire exchange notes issuable upon the exchange of the tendered old notes, and that, when the same are accepted for exchange, we will acquire good and unencumbered title to the tendered old notes, free and clear of all liens, restrictions, charges and encumbrances and not subject to any adverse claim. The transferor also warrants that it will, upon request, execute and deliver any additional documents deemed by the exchange agent or us to be necessary or desirable to complete the exchange, assignment and transfer of tendered old notes or transfer ownership of such old notes on the account books maintained by a book-entry transfer facility. The transferor further agrees that acceptance of any tendered old notes by us and the issuance of exchange notes in exchange for old notes will constitute performance in full by us of various of our obligations under the registration rights agreement. All authority conferred by the transferor will survive the death or incapacity of the transferor and every obligation of the transferor will be binding upon the heirs, legal representatives, successors, assigns, executors and administrators of the transferor.

    The transferor certifies that it is not an "affiliate" of ours within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act and that it is acquiring the exchange notes offered hereby in the ordinary course of the transferor's business and that the transferor has no arrangement with any person to participate in the distribution of the exchange notes.

    Each holder, other than a broker-dealer, must acknowledge that it is not engaged in, and does not intend to engage in, a distribution of exchange notes. Each transferor which is a broker-dealer receiving exchange notes for its own account must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection

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with any resale of the exchange notes. By so acknowledging and by delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act.

Withdrawal Rights

    Tenders of old notes may be withdrawn at any time prior to the expiration date.

    For a withdrawal to be effective, a written notice of withdrawal sent by telegram, facsimile transmission, with receipt confirmed by telephone, or letter must be received by the exchange agent at the address set forth in this prospectus prior to the expiration date. Any notice of withdrawal must:

    The exchange agent will return the properly withdrawn old notes promptly following receipt of the notice of withdrawal. If old notes have been tendered pursuant to the procedure for book-entry transfer, any notice of withdrawal must specify the name and number of the account at the book-entry transfer facility to be credited with the withdrawn old notes or otherwise comply with the book-entry transfer facility procedure. All questions as to the validity of notices of withdrawals, including time of receipt, will be determined by us and our determination will be final and binding on all parties.

    Any old notes so withdrawn will be deemed not to have been validly tendered for exchange for purposes of the exchange offer. Any old notes which have been tendered for exchange but which are not exchanged for any reason will be returned to the holder without cost to the holder. In the case of old notes tendered by book-entry transfer into the exchange agent's account at the book-entry transfer facility pursuant to the book-entry transfer procedures described above, the old notes will be credited to an account with the book-entry transfer facility specified by the holder. In either case, the old notes will be returned as soon as practicable after withdrawal, rejection of tender or termination of the exchange offer. Properly withdrawn old notes may be retendered by following one of the procedures described under "Procedures for Tendering Old Notes" above at any time prior to the expiration date.

Acceptance of Old Notes for Exchange; Delivery of Exchange Notes

    Upon satisfaction or waiver of all of the conditions to the exchange offer, we will accept, on the expiration date, all old notes properly tendered and will issue the exchange notes promptly after such acceptance. See "—Conditions to the Exchange Offer" below for more detailed information. For purposes of the exchange offer, we will be deemed to have accepted properly tendered old notes for exchange when, and if, we have given oral or written notice of our acceptance to the exchange agent.

    For each old note accepted for exchange, the holder of the old note will receive an exchange note having a principal amount equal to that of the surrendered old note.

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    In all cases, issuance of exchange notes for old notes that are accepted for exchange pursuant to the exchange offer will be made only after:

    If any tendered old notes are not accepted for any reason described in the terms and conditions of the exchange offer or if old notes are submitted for a greater principal amount than the holder desires to exchange, the unaccepted or nonexchanged old notes will be returned without expense to the tendering holder of the old notes. In the case of old notes tendered by book-entry transfer into the exchange agent's account at the book-entry transfer facility pursuant to the book-entry transfer procedures described above, the non-exchanged old notes will be credited to an account maintained with the book-entry transfer facility. In either case, the old notes will be returned as promptly as practicable after the expiration of the exchange offer.

Conditions to the Exchange Offer

    Notwithstanding any other provision of the exchange offer, or any extension of the exchange offer, we will not be required to accept for exchange, or to issue exchange notes in exchange for, any old notes and may terminate or amend the exchange offer, by oral or written notice to the exchange agent or by a timely press release, if at any time before the acceptance of the old notes for exchange or the exchange of the exchange notes for such old notes, any of the following conditions exist:

    Regardless of whether any of the conditions has occurred, we may amend the exchange offer in any manner which, in our good faith judgment, is advantageous to holders of the old notes.

    The conditions described above are for our sole benefit and may be asserted by us regardless of the circumstances giving rise to the condition or we may waive any condition in whole or in part at any time and from time to time in our sole discretion. Our failure at any time to exercise any of the rights described above will not be deemed a waiver of the right and each right will be deemed an ongoing right which we may assert at any time and from time to time.

    If we waive or amend the conditions above, we will, if required by law, extend the exchange offer for a minimum of five business days from the date that we first give notice, by public announcement or otherwise, of the waiver or amendment, if the exchange offer would otherwise expire within the five business-day period. Any determination by us concerning the events described above will be final and binding upon all parties.

    The exchange offer is not conditioned upon any minimum principal amount of old notes being tendered.

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Exchange Agent

    Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, N.A., has been appointed as the exchange agent for the exchange offer. All executed letters of transmittal should be directed to the exchange agent at one of the addresses set forth below:

By Registered or
Certified Mail:
Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, N.A.
Corporate Trust Operations
MAC N9303-121
P.O. Box 1517
Minneapolis, MN 55480-1517

By Facsimile:
(612) 667-4927

Confirm by
Telephone:
(800) 344-5128
Bondholder Communications

By Hand or Overnight
Courier:
Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, N.A.
Corporate Trust Operations
Sixth & Marquette
MAC N9303-121
Minneapolis, MN 55479

    You should direct questions and requests for assistance, requests for additional copies of this prospectus or of the letter of transmittal and requests for notices of guaranteed delivery to the exchange agent at the address and telephone number set forth in the letter of transmittal.

    Delivery to an address other than as set forth on the letter of transmittal, or transmissions of instructions via a facsimile number other than the one set forth on the letter of transmittal, will not constitute a valid delivery.

Solicitation of Tenders; Fees and Expenses

    We have not retained any dealer-manager in connection with the exchange offer and will not make any payments to brokers, dealers or others soliciting acceptances of the exchange offer. We, however, will pay the exchange agent reasonable and customary fees for its services and will reimburse it for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection therewith. We will also pay brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries the reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them in forwarding copies of this and other related documents to the beneficial owners of the old notes and in handling or forwarding tenders for their customers.

    We will pay the estimated cash expenses to be incurred in connection with the exchange offer. We estimate the expenses to be approximately $250,000, which includes fees and expenses of the exchange agent, trustee, registration fees, accounting, legal, printing and related fees and expenses.

    No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any representations in connection with the exchange offer other than those contained in this prospectus. If given or made, such information or representations should not be relied upon as having been authorized by us. Neither the delivery of this prospectus nor any exchange made pursuant to this prospectus, under any circumstances, create any implication that there has been no change in our affairs since the respective dates as of which information is given in this prospectus. The exchange offer is not being made to, nor

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will tenders be accepted from or on behalf of, holders of old notes in any jurisdiction in which the making of the exchange offer or the acceptance of the exchange offer would not be in compliance with the laws of the jurisdiction. However, we may, at our discretion, take such action as we may deem necessary to make the exchange offer in the jurisdiction and extend the exchange offer to holders of old notes in the jurisdiction. In any jurisdiction in which the securities laws or blue sky laws of which require the exchange offer to be made by a licensed broker or dealer, the exchange offer is being made on our behalf by one or more registered brokers or dealers which are licensed under the laws of the jurisdiction.

Transfer Taxes

    We will pay all transfer taxes, if any, applicable to the exchange of old notes pursuant to the exchange offer. However, the transfer taxes will be payable by the tendering holder if:

    We will bill the amount of the transfer taxes directly to the tendering holder if satisfactory evidence of payment of the taxes or exemption therefrom is not submitted with the letter of transmittal.

Accounting Treatment

    For accounting purposes, we will not recognize gain or loss upon the exchange of the exchange notes for old notes. We will amortize expenses incurred in connection with the issuance of the exchange notes over the term of the exchange notes.

Consequences of Failure To Exchange

    Holders of old notes who do not exchange their old notes for exchange notes pursuant to the exchange offer will continue to be subject to the restrictions on transfer of the old notes as described in the legend on the old notes. Old notes not exchanged pursuant to the exchange offer will continue to remain outstanding in accordance with their terms. In general, the old notes may not be offered or sold unless registered under the Securities Act, except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. We do not currently anticipate that we will register the old notes under the Securities Act.

    Participation in the exchange offer is voluntary, and holders of old notes should carefully consider whether to participate. Holders of old notes are urged to consult their financial and tax advisors in making their own decision on what action to take.

    As a result of the making of, and upon acceptance for exchange of all validly tendered old notes pursuant to the terms of, this exchange offer, we will have fulfilled a covenant contained in the registration rights agreement. Holders of old notes who do not tender their old notes in the exchange offer will continue to hold the old notes and will be entitled to all the rights and limitations applicable to the old notes under the indenture, except for any rights under the registration rights agreement that by their terms terminate or cease to have further effectiveness as a result of the making of this exchange offer. All untendered old notes will continue to be subject to the restrictions on transfer described in the indenture. To the extent that old notes are tendered and accepted in the exchange offer, the trading market for untendered old notes could be adversely affected.

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    We may in the future seek to acquire, subject to the terms of the indenture, untendered old notes in open market or privately negotiated transactions, through subsequent exchange offers or otherwise. We have no present plan to acquire any old notes which are not tendered in the exchange offer.

Resale of Exchange Notes

    We are making the exchange offer in reliance on the position of the staff of the Commission as set forth in interpretive letters addressed to third parties in other transactions. However, we have not sought our own interpretive letter and we can provide no assurance that the staff would make a similar determination with respect to the exchange offer as it has in such interpretive letters to third parties. Based on these interpretations by the staff, we believe that the exchange notes issued pursuant to the exchange offer in exchange for old notes may be offered for resale, resold and otherwise transferred by a holder, other than any holder who is a broker-dealer or an "affiliate" of ours within the meaning of Rule 405 of the Securities Act, without further compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act, provided that:

    However, any holder who is:

could not rely on the applicable interpretations of the staff and must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act. A broker-dealer who holds old notes that were acquired for its own account as a result of market-making or other trading activities may be deemed to be an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act and must, therefore, deliver a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale of exchange notes. Each such broker-dealer that receives exchange notes for its own account in exchange for old notes, where the broker-dealer acquired the old notes as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, must acknowledge, as provided in the letter of transmittal, that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such exchange notes. For more detailed information, see "Plan of Distribution."

    In addition, to comply with the securities laws of various jurisdictions, if applicable, the exchange notes may not be offered or sold unless they have been registered or qualified for sale in the jurisdiction or an exemption from registration or qualification is available and is complied with. We have agreed, pursuant to the registration rights agreement and subject to specified limitations therein, to register or qualify the exchange notes for offer or sale under the securities or blue sky laws of the jurisdictions as any holder of the exchange notes reasonably requests. The registration or qualification may require the imposition of restrictions or conditions, including suitability requirements for offerees or purchasers, in connection with the offer or sale of any exchange notes.

Shelf Registration Statement

    If:

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    we will, at our cost:

    We will, in the event of the filing of a shelf registration statement, provide to each holder of the old notes copies of the prospectus which is a part of the shelf registration statement, notify each holder when the shelf registration statement for the old notes has become effective and take other actions as are required to permit unrestricted resales of the old notes. A holder of old notes that sells the old notes pursuant to the shelf registration statement generally:

In addition, each holder of the old notes will be required to deliver information to be used in connection with the shelf registration statement and to provide comments on the shelf registration statement within the time periods specified in the registration rights agreement in order to have their old notes included in the shelf registration statement and to benefit from the provisions regarding liquidated damages described below.

Liquidated Damages

    If:

the interest rate borne by the old notes will increase by .25% per year upon the occurrence of any of the events described in (a) through (c) above, each of which will constitute a registration default. The interest rate will increase by .25% each 90-day period that a registration default continues, provided that the maximum aggregate increase in the interest rate will in no event exceed one percent (1%) per year. We refer to this increase in the interest rate on the notes as "Additional Interest." Following the cure of all registration defaults the accrual of this additional interest will cease and the interest rate will revert to the original rate.

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DESCRIPTION OF THE EXCHANGE NOTES

    You can find the definitions of certain terms used in this description under the subheading "Certain Definitions." In this description, the words "Park Place" refer only to Park Place Entertainment Corporation and not to any of its subsidiaries.

    Park Place will issue the exchange notes under an indenture between itself and Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, N.A., as trustee. The terms of the exchange notes include those stated in the indenture and those made part of the indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939.

    The following description is a summary of the material provisions of the indenture. It does not restate this agreement in its entirety. We urge you to read the indenture because the indenture, and not this description, defines your rights as holders of the exchange notes. A copy of the indenture is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.

Ranking

    The exchange notes:

    The exchange notes will effectively rank junior to secured indebtedness of Park Place, if any, and to all liabilities of Park Place's subsidiaries, including trade payables.

    Park Place's subsidiaries had approximately $4 million of indebtedness outstanding at June 30, 2001. The indenture will permit Park Place and its subsidiaries to incur additional Debt, including the incurrence of additional senior Debt by Park Place.

Principal, Maturity and Interest

    Park Place will issue exchange notes in an aggregate principal amount of $425 million. Park Place will issue the exchange notes in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000. The exchange notes will mature on September 1, 2009. The principal amount of notes that may be issued under the indenture is unlimited. Park Place may, without the consent of the holders of the notes, issue additional notes having the same ranking and the same interest rate, maturity and other terms as the notes. Any additional notes having such similar terms, together with the notes, would, at our option, constitute a single series of notes under the indenture.

    Interest on the exchange notes will accrue at the rate of 7.50% per annum. Interest will be payable semi-annually in arrears on March 1 and September 1, commencing on March 1, 2002. Park Place will make each interest payment to the holders of record of the exchange notes on the immediately preceding February 15 and August 15.

    Interest on the exchange notes will accrue from the last interest payment date on which interest was paid on the old notes, or, if no interest was paid on the old notes, from the date of issuance of the old notes, which was August 22, 2001. Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months.

Optional Redemption

    Upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days' notice, Park Place may redeem the exchange notes in whole but not in part at any time at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount

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thereof plus the Make-Whole Premium, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to the applicable redemption date.

Selection and Notice

    Notices of redemption shall be mailed by first class mail at least 30 but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each holder of exchange notes to be redeemed at its registered address.

    Notes called for redemption become due on the date fixed for redemption. On and after the redemption date, interest ceases to accrue on exchange notes called for redemption.

Mandatory Redemption

    Park Place will not be required to make any mandatory sinking fund payments in respect of the exchange notes.

Mandatory Disposition Pursuant to Gaming Laws

    Each holder, by accepting an exchange note, shall be deemed to have agreed that if the gaming authority of any jurisdiction in which Park Place or any of its subsidiaries conducts or proposes to conduct gaming requires that a person who is a holder or the beneficial owner of exchange notes be licensed, qualified or found suitable under applicable gaming laws, such holder or beneficial owner, as the case may be, shall apply for a license, qualification or a finding of suitability within the required time period. If such person fails to apply or become licensed or qualified or is found unsuitable, Park Place shall have the right, at its option:

    Park Place shall notify the Trustee in writing of any such redemption as soon as practicable. Park Place shall not be responsible for any costs or expenses any such holder may incur in connection with its application for a license, qualification or a finding of suitability.

Additional Covenants of Park Place

Limitation on Liens

    Other than as provided below under "—Exempted Liens and Sale and Lease-Back Transactions," neither Park Place nor any Restricted Subsidiary will create, assume or suffer to exist any Lien (i) upon any Principal Property, (ii) upon any shares of capital stock of any Restricted Subsidiary owned by Park Place or any Restricted Subsidiary or (iii) securing Debt of any Restricted Subsidiary, without equally and ratably securing the exchange notes with (or prior to) the Debt secured by such Lien, for so long as such Debt shall be so secured, provided, however, that this limitation will not apply to:

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Limitation on Sale and Lease-Back Transactions

    Other than as provided below under "—Exempted Liens and Sale and Lease-Back Transactions," neither Park Place nor any Restricted Subsidiary will enter into any arrangement with any lessor (other than Park Place or a Restricted Subsidiary), providing for the lease to Park Place or a Restricted Subsidiary for a period of more than three years (including renewals at the option of the lessee) of any Principal Property that has been or is to be sold or transferred by Park Place or any Restricted Subsidiary to such lessor or to any other Person, and for which funds have been or are to be advanced by such lessor or other Person on the security of the leased property ("Sale and Lease-Back Transaction"), unless either:

Exempted Liens and Sale and Lease-Back Transactions

    Notwithstanding the restrictions set forth in "—Limitation on Liens" and "—Limitation on Sale and Lease-Back Transactions" above, Park Place or any Restricted Subsidiary may create, assume or suffer to exist Liens or enter into Sale and Lease-Back Transactions not otherwise permitted as described above, provided that at the time of such event, and after giving effect thereto, the sum of outstanding Debt secured by such Liens (not including Liens permitted under "—Limitation on Liens" above) plus all Attributable Debt in respect of such Sale and Lease-Back Transactions entered into (not including Sale and Lease-Back Transactions permitted under "—Limitation on Sale and Lease-Back Transactions" above), measured, in each case, at the time any such Lien is incurred or any such Sale and Lease-Back Transaction is entered into, by Park Place and its Restricted Subsidiaries does not exceed 15% of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets.

Merger, Consolidation, or Sale of Assets

    Park Place may not: (a) consolidate or merge with or into another Person; or (b) sell, assign, transfer or convey its properties and assets substantially in their entirety (computed on a consolidated basis) to any Person, unless:

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    This "Merger, Consolidation, or Sale of Assets" covenant will not apply to a sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition of properties or assets solely between or among Park Place and any of its wholly-owned Subsidiaries.

Gaming Approvals

    Restrictions on the transfer of the equity securities of Park Place's licensed Nevada subsidiaries, and agreements not to encumber such equity securities, in each case in respect of the old notes, will require the prior approval of the Nevada Gaming Commission in order to become effective. This approval is required only in respect of such restrictions and agreements contained in indentures for notes that have not been registered under the Securities Act. Similar approvals have been obtained from the Mississippi Gaming Commission with respect to these restrictions, whether securities are issued in a private placement or a public offering. For more information, see "Regulation and Licensing—Nevada Gaming Laws;" "—Mississippi Gaming Laws."

Events of Default and Remedies

    Each of the following is an Event of Default:

    In the case of an Event of Default arising from certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency of Park Place, all outstanding notes will become due and payable immediately without further action or notice. If any other Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the then outstanding notes may declare all the notes to be due and payable immediately.

    Holders of the exchange notes may not enforce the indenture or the exchange notes except as provided in the indenture. Subject to certain limitations, holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding notes may direct the trustee in its exercise of any trust or power. The trustee may withhold from holders of the notes notice of any continuing Default or Event of Default (except a Default or Event of Default relating to the payment of principal or interest) if it determines that withholding notice is in their interest.

    The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the notes then outstanding by notice to the trustee may on behalf of the holders of all of the notes waive any existing Default or Event of Default and its consequences under the indenture except a continuing Default or Event of Default in the payment of interest on, or the principal of, the notes.

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    Park Place is required to deliver to the trustee annually a statement regarding compliance with the indenture. Upon becoming aware of any Default or Event of Default, Park Place is required to deliver to the trustee a statement specifying such Default or Event of Default.

Amendment, Supplement and Waiver

    Park Place and the trustee may amend any provisions of the indenture or the notes with the consent of the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the notes then outstanding. The holders of a majority in principal amount of the notes may waive compliance by Park Place with any such provision; provided, however that without the consent of each holder affected, an amendment or waiver may not (with respect to any notes held by a non-consenting holder):

    Notwithstanding the preceding, without the consent of any holder of notes, Park Place and the trustee may amend or supplement the indenture or the notes:

No Personal Liability of Directors, Officers, Employees and Stockholders

    No past, present or future director, officer, employee, incorporator or stockholder of Park Place, as such, shall have any liability for any obligations of Park Place or any successor entity or any of Park Place's Affiliates under the exchange notes or the indenture, or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each holder of exchange notes by accepting an exchange note waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for issuance of the exchange notes. The waiver may not be effective to waive liabilities under the federal securities laws.

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Reports

    Whether or not required by the Commission, so long as any notes are outstanding, Park Place will file with the applicable trustee such of the supplementary and periodic information, documents and reports which may be required pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act in respect of a security listed and registered on a national securities exchange as may be prescribed from time to time in such rules and regulations.

Legal Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance

    Park Place may elect to have all of its obligations discharged with respect to the outstanding notes ("Legal Defeasance") except for:

    In addition, Park Place may, at its option, elect to have the obligations of Park Place released with respect to certain covenants that are described in the indenture ("Covenant Defeasance") and thereafter any omission to comply with those covenants shall not constitute a Default or Event of Default with respect to the notes. In the event Covenant Defeasance occurs, certain events (not including non-payment, bankruptcy, receivership, rehabilitation and insolvency events) described under "Events of Default" will no longer constitute an Event of Default with respect to the notes.

    In order to exercise either Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance:

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Book-Entry; Delivery and Form

    The exchange notes will be issued in the form of one or more global notes. The global notes will be deposited with, or on behalf of, The Depository Trust Company ("DTC") and registered in the name of DTC or its nominee, who will be the global notes holder. Except as set forth below, the global notes may be transferred, in whole and not in part, only to DTC or another nominee of DTC. Investors may hold their beneficial interests in the global notes directly through DTC if they are participating organizations or "participants" in such system or indirectly through organizations that are participants in such system.

Depository Procedures

    The following description of the operations and procedures of DTC are provided solely as a matter of convenience. These operations and procedures are solely within the control of the respective settlement systems and are subject to changes by them from time to time. Park Place takes no responsibility for these operations and procedures and urges investors to contact the system or their participants directly to discuss these matters.

    DTC has advised Park Place that DTC is a limited-purpose trust company that was created to hold securities for its participants and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of transactions in such securities between participants through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of its participants. The participants include securities brokers and dealers (including the initial purchasers), banks and trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations. Access to DTC's system is also available to other entities such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies, which we refer to as "indirect participants," that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a participant, either directly or indirectly. Persons who are not participants may beneficially own securities held by or on behalf of DTC only through the participants or the indirect participants.

    Park Place expects that pursuant to procedures established by DTC:

84


    So long as the global notes holder is the registered owner of any exchange notes, the global notes holder will be considered the sole holder under the indenture of any exchange notes evidenced by the global notes. Beneficial owners of exchange notes evidenced by the global notes will not be considered the owners or holders thereof under the indentures for any purpose, including with respect to the giving of any directions, instructions or approvals to the trustee thereunder. Neither Park Place nor the applicable trustee will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records of DTC or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records of DTC relating to the exchange notes.

    Payments in respect of the principal of, and premium, if any, Additional Interest (as defined above) if any, and interest on a global note registered in the name of DTC or its nominee will be payable to DTC in its capacity as the registered holder under the indenture. Under the terms of the indenture, Park Place and the trustee will treat the persons in whose names the exchange notes, including the global notes, are registered as the owners thereof for the purpose of receiving such payments and for any and all other purposes whatsoever. Consequently, neither Park Place nor the applicable trustee has or will have any responsibility or liability for the payment of such amounts to beneficial owners of exchange notes. Park Place believes, however, that it is currently the policy of DTC to immediately credit the accounts of the relevant participants with such payments, in amounts proportionate to their respective holdings of beneficial interests in the relevant security as shown on the records of DTC. Payments by the participants and the indirect participants to the beneficial owners of exchange notes will be governed by standing instructions and customary practice and will be the responsibility of the participants or the indirect participants.

Certificated Securities

    Subject to certain conditions, any person having a beneficial interest in a global note may, upon request to the trustee, exchange such beneficial interest for exchange notes in the form of certificated securities. Upon any such issuance, the trustee is required to register such certificated securities in the name of, and cause the same to be delivered to, such person or persons (or the nominee of any thereof). In addition, if:


then, upon surrender by the global notes holder of its global notes, exchange notes in such form will be issued to each person that the global notes holder and DTC identify as being the beneficial owner of the related exchange notes.

    Neither Park Place nor the trustee will be liable for any delay by the global notes holder or DTC in identifying the beneficial owners of exchange notes and Park Place and the trustee may conclusively rely on, and will be protected in relying on, instructions from the global notes holder or DTC for all purposes.

Same-Day Settlement and Payment

    The indenture will require that payments in respect of the exchange notes represented by the global notes (including principal, premium, if any, interest and Additional Interest, if any) be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the accounts specified by the global notes holder. With respect to certificated securities, Park Place will make all payments of principal premium, if any, interest and Additional Interest, if any, by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the accounts specified by the holders thereof or, if no such account is specified, by mailing a check to each such holder's registered address.

85


Methods of Receiving Payments on the Exchange Notes

    If a holder has given wire transfer instructions to Park Place, Park Place will make all principal, premium and interest payments on those exchange notes in accordance with those instructions. All other payments on these exchange notes will be made at the office or agency of the payment agent and registrar within the City and State of New York unless Park Place elects to make interest payments by check mailed to the holders at their address set forth in the register of holders.

Paying Agent and Registrar for the Exchange Notes

    The trustee will initially act as paying agent and registrar for the exchange notes. Park Place may change the paying agent or registrar without prior notice to the holders of the exchange notes, and Park Place or any of its subsidiaries may act as paying agent or registrar.

Transfer and Exchange

    A holder may transfer or exchange its exchange notes in accordance with the indenture. The registrar and the trustee may require a holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents and Park Place may require a holder to pay any taxes and fees required by law or permitted by the indenture. Park Place is not required to transfer or exchange any exchange note selected for redemption. Also, Park Place is not required to transfer or exchange any exchange note for a period of 15 days before a selection of exchange notes to be redeemed.

    The registered holder of a exchange note will be treated as the owner of it for all purposes.

Concerning the Trustee

    If the trustee becomes a creditor of Park Place, the indenture limits its right to obtain payment of claims in certain cases, or to realize on certain property received in respect of any such claim as security or otherwise. The trustee will be permitted to engage in other transactions; however, if it acquires any conflicting interest it must eliminate such conflict within 90 days, apply to the Commission for permission to continue or resign.

    The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding notes will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for exercising any remedy available to the trustee, subject to certain exceptions. The indenture provides that in case an Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, the trustee will be required, in the exercise of its power, to use the degree of care of a prudent man in the conduct of his own affairs. Subject to such provisions, the trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the indenture at the request of any holder of exchange notes, unless such holder shall have offered to the trustee security and indemnity satisfactory to it against any loss, liability or expense.

Certain Definitions

    Set forth below are certain defined terms used in the indenture. Reference is made to the indenture for a full disclosure of all such terms, as well as any other capitalized terms used herein for which no definition is provided.

    "Affiliate" of any specified Person means any other Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified Person. For purposes of this definition, "control" (including, with correlative meanings, the term "controlling," "controlled by" and "under common control with") as used with respect to any Person means the power to direct the management and policies of such Person, directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by agreement or otherwise.

86


    "Attributable Debt" with respect to any Sale and Lease-Back Transaction that is subject to the restrictions described under "—Additional Covenants of Park Place—Limitation on Sale and Lease-Back Transactions" means the present value of the minimum rental payments called for during the terms of the lease (including any period for which such lease has been extended), determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, discounted at a rate that, at the inception of the lease, the lessee would have incurred to borrow over a similar term the funds necessary to purchase the leased assets.

    "Capital Improvements" means additions to properties or renovations or refurbishing of properties which are designed to substantially upgrade such properties or significantly modernize the operation thereof.

    "Capital Stock" means with respect to any Person, any and all shares, interests, participations, rights in or other equivalents (however designated) of such Person's capital stock, and any rights (other than debt securities convertible into capital stock), warrants or options exchangeable for or convertible into such capital stock.

    "Consolidated Net Tangible Assets" means the total amount of assets (including investments in Joint Ventures) of Park Place and its Subsidiaries (less applicable depreciation, amortization and other valuation reserves) after deducting therefrom (a) all current liabilities of Park Place and its Subsidiaries (excluding (i) the current portion of long-term indebtedness, (ii) intercompany liabilities and (iii) any liabilities which are by their terms renewable or extendible at the option of the obligor thereon to a time more than 12 months from the time as of which the amount thereof is being computed) and (b) all goodwill, trade names, trademarks, patents, unamortized debt discount and any other like intangibles, all as set forth on the most recent consolidated balance sheet of Park Place and computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

    "Credit Facilities" means, with respect to Park Place, one or more debt facilities or commercial paper facilities, in each case with banks or other institutional lenders providing for revolving credit loans, term loans, receivables financing (including through the sale of receivables to such lenders or to special purpose entities formed to borrow from such lenders against such receivables) or letters of credit, in each case, as amended, restated, modified, renewed, refunded, replaced or refinanced in whole or in part from time to time.

    "Debt" means notes, bonds, debentures, letters of credit or other similar evidences of Debt for borrowed money or any guarantee of any of the foregoing.

    "Default" means any event that after notice or lapse of time, or both, would become an Event of Default.

    "GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles set forth in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board or in such other statements by such other entity as have been approved by a significant segment of the accounting profession, which are in effect from time to time.

    "Hedging Obligations" means, with respect to any Person, the obligations of such Person under:

87


    "Joint Venture" means any partnership, corporation or other entity, in which up to and including 50% of the partnership interests, outstanding voting stock or other equity interest is owned, directly or indirectly, by Park Place and/or one or more Subsidiaries.

    "Lien" means, with respect to any asset, any mortgage, pledge, lien, encumbrance or other security interest to secure payment of Debt.

    "Make-Whole Premium" means, with respect to any exchange note at any redemption date, the excess, if any, of (a) the present value of the sum of the principal amount and premium, if any, that would be payable on such exchange note on its maturity date and all remaining interest payments (not including any portion of such payments of interest accrued as of the redemption date) to and including such maturity date, discounted on a semi-annual bond equivalent basis from such maturity date to the redemption date at a per annum interest rate equal to the sum of the Treasury Yield (determined on the Business Day immediately preceding the date of such redemption), plus 50 basis points, over (b) the principal amount of the exchange note being redeemed.

    "Non-recourse Indebtedness" means indebtedness the terms of which provide that the lender's claim for repayment of such indebtedness is limited solely to a claim against the property which secures such indebtedness.

    "Obligations" means any principal, interest, penalties, fees, indemnifications, reimbursements, damages and other liabilities payable under the documentation governing any Debt.

    "Person" means any individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, association, joint-stock company, trust, estate, unincorporated organization or government or any agency or political subdivision thereof or any other entity.

    "Principal Property" means any real estate or other physical facility or depreciable asset, the net book value of which on the date of determination exceeds the greater of $25 million or 2% of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets of Park Place.

    "Redeemable Capital Stock" means any class or series of Capital Stock that, either by its terms, by the terms of any security into which it is convertible or exchangeable or by contract or otherwise, is or upon the happening of an event or passage of time would be, required to be redeemed prior to the stated maturity of the notes or is redeemable at the option of the holder thereof at any time prior to the stated maturity of the notes, or is convertible into or exchangeable for debt securities at any time prior to the stated maturity of the notes.

    "Restricted Subsidiary" means any Subsidiary of Park Place organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America and the principal business of which is carried on within the United States of America (x) which owns, or is a lessee pursuant to a capital lease of, any Principal Property or (y) in which the investment of Park Place and all its Subsidiaries exceeds 5% of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets as of the date of such determination other than, in the case of either clause (x) or (y), (i) each Subsidiary whose business primarily consists of finance, banking, credit, leasing, insurance, financial services or other similar operations, or any combination thereof, and (ii) each Subsidiary formed or acquired after the date hereof for the purpose of developing new assets or acquiring the business or assets of another Person and which does not acquire any part of the business or assets of Park Place or any Restricted Subsidiary.

    "Significant Subsidiary" of Park Place means any Restricted Subsidiary of Park Place that is a "significant subsidiary" as defined in Rule 1.02(v) of Regulation S-X under the Securities Act.

    "Subsidiary" means any corporation of which at least a majority of the outstanding Capital Stock having by the terms thereof ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the directors of such corporation is, at the time directly or indirectly, owned by Park Place or by one or more Subsidiaries thereof, or by Park Place and one or more Subsidiaries.

88


    "Treasury Securities" mean any investment in obligations issued or guaranteed by the United States government or any agency thereof.

    "Treasury Yield" means the yield to maturity at the time of computation of United States Treasury securities with a constant maturity (as compiled by and published in the most recent Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15 (519) which has become publicly available at least two business days prior to the date fixed for redemption (or, if such Statistical Release is no longer published, any publicly available source of similar data)) most nearly equal to the then remaining average life of the notes, provided that if the average life of the notes is not equal to the constant maturity of a United States Treasury security for which a weekly average yield is given, the Treasury yield shall be obtained by linear interpolation (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth of a year) from the weekly average yields of United States Treasury securities for which such yields are given, except that if the average life of the notes is less than one year, the weekly average yield on actually traded United States Treasury securities adjusted to a constant maturity of one year shall be used.

    "wholly owned" with respect to any Subsidiary, means any Subsidiary of any Person of which at least 99% of the outstanding Capital Stock is owned by such Person or another wholly-owned Subsidiary of such Person. For purposes of this definition, any directors' qualifying shares or investments by foreign nationals mandated by applicable law shall be disregarded in determining the ownership of a Subsidiary.

89



MATERIAL FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE EXCHANGE

    The following is a summary of the material United States federal income tax considerations relating to the exchange of your old notes for exchange notes in the exchange offer, but does not purport to be a complete analysis of all the potential tax considerations relating thereto. This summary is based on laws, regulations, rulings and decisions now in effect, all of which are subject to change or differing interpretation possibly with retroactive effect. We have not sought any ruling from the Internal Revenue Service or an opinion of counsel with respect to the statements made and the conclusions reached in the following summary, and there can be no assurance that the Internal Revenue Service will agree with such statements and conclusions.

    This discussion only applies to you if you exchange your old notes for exchange notes in the exchange offer. This discussion also does not address the tax considerations arising under the laws of any foreign, state or local jurisdiction. In addition, this discussion does not address tax considerations applicable to your particular circumstances or if you are subject to special tax rules, including, without limitation, if you are:

    YOU ARE URGED TO CONSULT YOUR TAX ADVISOR WITH RESPECT TO THE APPLICATION OF THE UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX LAWS TO YOUR PARTICULAR SITUATION AS WELL AS ANY TAX CONSEQUENCES ARISING UNDER THE FEDERAL ESTATE OR GIFT TAX RULES OR UNDER THE LAWS OF ANY STATE, LOCAL OR FOREIGN OR OTHER TAXING JURISDICTION OR UNDER ANY APPLICABLE TAX TREATY.

    The exchange of old notes for exchange notes will be treated as a "non-event" for federal income tax purposes because the exchange notes will not be considered to differ materially in kind or extent from the old notes. As a result, no material federal income tax consequences will result to you from exchanging old notes for exchange notes.

90



PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

    Each broker-dealer that receives exchange notes for its own account pursuant to the exchange offer must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of the exchange notes. Broker-dealers may use this prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, in connection with the resale of exchange notes received in exchange for old notes where the broker-dealer acquired the old notes as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities. To the extent a broker-dealer participates in the exchange offer and so notifies us, we have agreed to make this prospectus, as amended or supplemented, available to the broker-dealer for use in connection with any such resale. We will promptly send additional copies of this prospectus and any amendment or supplement to any broker-dealer that requests the documents in the letter of transmittal.

    We will not receive any proceeds from any sale of exchange notes by broker-dealers or any other persons. Broker-dealers may sell exchange notes received by them for their own account pursuant to the exchange offer from time to time in one or more transactions:

at market prices prevailing at the time of resale, at prices related to the prevailing market prices or negotiated prices. Broker-dealers may resell exchange notes directly to purchasers or to or through brokers or dealers who may receive compensation in the form of commissions or concessions from any broker-dealer and/or the purchasers of the exchange notes. Any broker-dealer that resells exchange notes that were received by it for its own account pursuant to the exchange offer and any broker or dealer that participates in a distribution of the exchange notes may be deemed to be "underwriters" within the meaning of the Securities Act and any profit on any resale of exchange notes and any commissions or concessions received by any such persons may be deemed to be underwriting compensation under the Securities Act. The letter of transmittal states that by acknowledging that it will deliver and by delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act.

    We have agreed to pay all expenses incident to the exchange offer, other than commissions and concessions of any broker-dealer. We also will provide indemnification against specified liabilities, including liabilities that may arise under the Securities Act, to broker-dealers that make a market in the old notes and exchange old notes in the exchange offer for exchange notes.

    By its acceptance of the exchange offer, any broker-dealer that receives exchange notes pursuant to the exchange offer agrees to notify us before using the prospectus in connection with the sale or transfer of exchange notes. The broker-dealer further acknowledges and agrees that, upon receipt of notice from us of the happening of any event which:

which notice we agree to deliver promptly to the broker-dealer, the broker-dealer will suspend use of the prospectus until we have notified the broker-dealer that delivery of the prospectus may resume and have furnished copies of any amendment or supplement to the prospectus to the broker-dealer.

91



LEGAL MATTERS

    Latham & Watkins, Los Angeles, California, will pass upon various legal matters for us in connection with the exchange notes offered hereby.


EXPERTS

    The consolidated financial statements and the related financial statement schedule as of and for the year ended December 31, 2000, included in or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent auditors, as stated in their reports, which are included or incorporated by reference herein, and have been so included or incorporated in reliance upon the reports of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

    The consolidated financial statements and schedules, included in and/or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, and elsewhere in the registration statement, to the extent and for the periods indicated in their reports, have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public accountants, and are included herein in reliance upon the authority of said firm as experts in giving said reports.

92



INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
  Page
Independent Auditors' Report   F-2
Report of Independent Public Accountants   F-3
Consolidated Balance Sheets   F-4
Consolidated Statements of Income   F-5
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity   F-6
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows   F-7
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements   F-8

F–1



INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Park Place Entertainment Corporation:

    We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Park Place Entertainment Corporation (a Delaware corporation) and Subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2000, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for the year then ended. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audit. The financial statements of the Company for the years ended December 31, 1999 and 1998, before the reclassification described in Note 17 to the financial statements, were audited by other auditors whose report, dated February 22, 2000, expressed an unqualified opinion on those statements.

    We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

    In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2000 and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

    We also audited the adjustments described in Note 17 that were applied to reclassify the 1999 and 1998 financial statements to give retroactive effect to the Company's adoption of EITF 00-22 "Accounting for 'Points' and Certain Other Time-Based Sales Incentive Offers, and Offers for Free Products or services to Be Delivered in the Future." In our opinion, such adjustments are appropriate and have been properly applied.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Las Vegas, Nevada
January 23, 2001 (except for Note 17
as to which the date is
September 17, 2001)

F–2



REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Park Place Entertainment Corporation:

    We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Park Place Entertainment Corporation (a Delaware corporation) and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 1999, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 1999 prior to the reclassification (and, therefore, are not presented herein) for the Company's adoption of EITF 00-22 "Accounting for 'Points' and Certain Other Time-Based Sales Incentive Offers, and Offers for Free Products or Services to Be Delivered in the Future" as described in Note 17 to the reclassified consolidated financial statements. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

    We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

    In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Park Place Entertainment Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1999 and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 1999, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

    As explained in Note 2 of notes to the consolidated financial statements, effective January 1, 1999, the Company changed its method of accounting for pre-opening expenses.

Las Vegas, Nevada
February 22, 2000

F–3


PARK PLACE ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(millions of dollars, except par value)

 
  December 31,
2000

  December 31,
1999

  June 30,
2001

 
 
   
   
  (unaudited)

 
Assets                    
Cash and equivalents   $ 321   $ 346   $ 274  
Accounts receivable, net     253     287     238  
Inventories, prepaids, and other     148     162     155  
Income taxes receivable     31          
Deferred income taxes     94     98     89  
   
 
 
 
    Total current assets     847     893     756  
Investments     250     282     222  
Property and equipment, net     7,805     7,873     7,864  
Goodwill, net of accumulated amortization of $152, $102 and $177     1,843     1,913     1,835  
Other assets     250     190     249  
   
 
 
 
      Total assets   $ 10,995   $ 11,151   $ 10,926  
   
 
 
 
Liabilities and stockholders' equity                    
Accounts payable   $ 41   $ 60   $ 40  
Construction payable     29     43     8  
Current maturities of long-term debt     1     8     1  
Income taxes payable         14     1  
Accrued expenses     606     608     550  
   
 
 
 
    Total current liabilities     677     733     600  
Long-term debt, net of current maturities     5,397     5,616     5,311  
Deferred income taxes, net     1,044     980     1,054  
Other liabilities     93     82     85  
   
 
 
 
    Total liabilities     7,211     7,411     7,050  
   
 
 
 
Commitments and contingencies                    
Stockholders' equity                    
  Common stock, $0.01 par value, 400.0 million shares authorized, 313.5 million, 306.8 million and 318.3 million, shares issued at December 31, 2000, 1999 and June 30, 2001, respectively     3     3     3  
  Additional paid-in capital     3,702     3,635     3,752  
  Retained earnings     279     136     372  
  Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)     (15 )   (5 )   (18 )
  Common stock in treasury, at cost, 15.9 million shares, 3.1 million shares and 20.1 million shares, respectively     (185 )   (29 )   (233 )
   
 
 
 
    Total stockholders' equity     3,784     3,740     3,876  
   
 
 
 
      Total liabilities and stockholders' equity   $ 10,995   $ 11,151   $ 10,926  
   
 
 
 

See notes to consolidated financial statements

F–4


PARK PLACE ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(in millions, except per share amounts)

 
  Years Ended December 31,
  Six Months
Ended June 30,

 
 
  2000
  1999
  1998
  2001
  2000
 
 
   
   
   
  (unaudited)

 
Revenues                                
  Casino   $ 3,368   $ 2,210   $ 1,565   $ 1,670   $ 1,690  
  Rooms     568     392     306     304     296  
  Food and beverage     460     287     230     234     242  
  Other revenue     388     228     182     191     198  
   
 
 
 
 
 
      4,784     3,117     2,283     2,399     2,426  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Expenses                                
  Casino     1,762     1,141     823     875     865  
  Rooms     186     142     112     96     93  
  Food and beverage     414     268     230     209     212  
  Other expense     1,133     752     539     569     570  
  Depreciation and amortization     496     306     225     261     260  
  Pre-opening expense     3     47         1     1  
  Impairment losses and other, net     45     26     29         37  
  Corporate expense     49     36     23     25     24  
   
 
 
 
 
 
      4,088     2,718     1,981     2,036     2,062  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income     696     399     302     363     364  
  Interest and dividend income     21     11     21     8     10  
  Interest expense     (441 )   (146 )   (87 )   (200 )   (219 )
  Interest expense, net from unconsolidated affiliates     (11 )   (11 )   (13 )   (6 )   (5 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
Income before income taxes, minority interest and cumulative effect of accounting change     265     253     223     165     150  
  Provision for income taxes     121     113     111     70     67  
  Minority interest, net     1     2     3     2      
   
 
 
 
 
 
Income before cumulative effect of accounting change     143     138     109     93     83  
  Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax         (2 )            
   
 
 
 
 
 
Net income   $ 143   $ 136   $ 109   $ 93   $ 83  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings per share                                
  Income before cumulative effect of accounting change   $ 0.48   $ 0.46         $ 0.31   $ 0.27  
  Cumulative effect of accounting change         (0.01 )              
   
 
       
 
 
  Net income per share   $ 0.48   $ 0.45         $ 0.31   $ 0.27  
   
 
       
 
 
Diluted earnings per share                                
  Income before cumulative effect of accounting change   $ 0.46   $ 0.45         $ 0.31   $ 0.27  
  Cumulative effect of accounting change         (0.01 )              
   
 
       
 
 
  Net income per share   $ 0.46   $ 0.44         $ 0.31   $ 0.27  
   
 
       
 
 
Basic earnings per share—pro forma               $ 0.42              
               
             
Diluted earnings per share—pro forma               $ 0.42              
               
             

See notes to consolidated financial statements

F–5


PARK PLACE ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

(in millions)

 
  Hilton
Investment

  Common
Stock

  Additional
Paid-in
Capital

  Retained
Earnings

  Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)

  Treasury
Stock

  Total
 
Balance, December 31, 1997   $ 3,381   $   $   $   $   $   $ 3,381  
Net income     109                         109  
Intercompany activity with Hilton     (152 )                       (152 )
Spin-off of the Company     (3,338 )   3     3,343         (8 )        
Acquisition of Grand Casinos, Inc.             270                 270  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, December 31, 1998         3     3,613         (8 )       3,608  

Net income

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

136

 

 


 

 


 

 

136

 
Currency translation adjustment                     3         3  
                                       
 
Comprehensive income                                         139  
Options exercised (including tax benefits)             26                 26  
Treasury stock acquired                         (29 )   (29 )
Adjustment to spin-off of the Company             (4 )               (4 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, December 31, 1999         3     3,635     136     (5 )   (29 )   3,740  

Net income

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

143

 

 


 

 


 

 

143

 
Currency translation adjustment                     (10 )       (10 )
                                       
 
Comprehensive income                                         133  
Options exercised (including tax benefits)             59                 59  
Treasury stock acquired                         (156 )   (156 )
Adjustment to spin-off of the Company             8                 8  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, December 31, 2000         3     3,702     279     (15 )   (185 )   3,784  

Net income (unaudited)

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

93

 

 


 

 


 

 

93

 
Currency translation adjustment (unaudited)                     (3 )       (3 )
                                       
 
Comprehensive income (unaudited)                                         90  
Options exercised (including tax benefits) (unaudited)             50                 50  
Treasury stock acquired (unaudited)                         (48 )   (48 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, June 30, 2001 (unaudited)   $   $ 3   $ 3,752   $ 372   $ (18 ) $ (233 ) $ 3,876  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

See notes to consolidated financial statements

F–6


PARK PLACE ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in millions)

 
  Years Ended December 31,
  Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
  2000
  1999
  1998
  2001
  2000
 
 
   
   
   
  (unaudited)

 
Operating activities                                
Net income   $ 143   $ 136   $ 109   $ 93   $ 83  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:                                
  Depreciation and amortization     496     306     225     261     260  
  Pre-opening expense     3     47         1     1  
  Impairment losses and other, net     37     26     16         37  
  Amortization of debt issue costs     10     6     2     5     5  
  Change in working capital components:                                
    Accounts receivable     35     (50 )   36     18     4  
    Inventories, prepaids, and other     4     (16 )   (30 )   (2 )   6  
    Accounts payable and accrued expenses     (7 )   54     (18 )   (100 )   (51 )
    Income taxes payable/receivable     (45 )   13     (1 )   32     (5 )
  Change in deferred income taxes     73     3     35     15     (7 )
  Distributions from equity investments in excess of (less than) earnings     20     3     (12 )   1     24  
  Other     (17 )   (9 )   (44 )   (14 )   (20 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
  Net cash provided by operating activities     752     519     318     310     337  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Investing activities                                
  Capital expenditures     (468 )   (653 )   (608 )   (218 )   (117 )
  Pre-opening expense     (3 )   (47 )       (1 )   (1 )
  Change in temporary investments             36     (2 )   3  
  Acquisitions, net of cash acquired         (2,920 )   (15 )   (48 )    
  Other     36     10     3     4     18  
   
 
 
 
 
 
  Net cash used in investing activities     (435 )   (3,610 )   (584 )   (265 )   (97 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
Financing activities                                
  Change in credit facilities and commercial paper     (1,114 )   3,078     810     (434 )   (738 )
  Payments on debt     (12 )   (631 )   (9 )       (5 )
  Proceeds from issuance of notes     900     694         347     500  
  Payments to Hilton         (71 )   (352 )        
  Purchases of treasury stock     (156 )   (29 )       (48 )   (91 )
  Proceeds from exercise of stock options     48     26         47     33  
  Other     (8 )   (12 )       (4 )   (2 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
  Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities     (342 )   3,055     449     (92 )   (303 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
Increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents     (25 )   (36 )   183     (47 )   (63 )
Cash and equivalents at beginning of period     346     382     199     321     346  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and equivalents at end of period   $ 321   $ 346   $ 382   $ 274   $ 283  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information                                
Cash paid for:                                
  Interest, net of amounts capitalized   $ 392   $ 120   $ 81   $ 202   $ 185  
   
 
 
 
 
 
  Income taxes, net of refunds   $ 70   $ 87   $   $ 13   $ 65  
   
 
 
 
 
 

See notes to consolidated financial statements

F–7


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1.  Basis of Presentation and Organization

    Park Place Entertainment Corporation ("Park Place" or the "Company"), a Delaware corporation, was formed in June 1998. On December 31, 1998, Hilton Hotels Corporation ("Hilton") completed the transfer of the operations, assets and liabilities of its gaming business to the Company. The stock of the Company was distributed to Hilton's shareholders tax-free on a one-for-one basis. Also on December 31, 1998, immediately following the Hilton distribution, the Company acquired, by means of a merger, the Mississippi gaming business of Grand Casinos, Inc. ("Grand") which includes the Grand Casino Biloxi, Grand Casino Gulfport, and Grand Casino Tunica properties, in exchange for the assumption of debt and the issuance of Company common stock on a one-for-one basis. On December 29, 1999, the Company acquired all of the outstanding stock of Caesars World, Inc. and interests in several other gaming entities ("Caesars") from Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. for cash.

    The Company is primarily engaged in the ownership, operation and development of gaming facilities. The operations of the Company currently are conducted under the Caesars, Bally's, Paris, Flamingo, Grand, Hilton, and Conrad brands. The Company operates a total of twenty-eight casinos, including seventeen wholly owned casino hotels located in the United States; of which nine are located in Nevada; three are located in Atlantic City, New Jersey; and five are located in Mississippi. The Company has a 49.9 percent owned and managed riverboat casino in New Orleans and an 82 percent interest in a joint venture, which owns a riverboat casino in Harrison County, Indiana. The Company partially owns and manages two casino hotels in Australia, one casino hotel in Punta del Este, Uruguay, two casinos in Nova Scotia, Canada, one casino in South Africa, and has an interest in two casinos on cruise ships. The Company provides management services to a casino in Windsor, Canada and the slot operations at the Dover Downs racetrack in Delaware.

Note 2.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation

    The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its subsidiaries and investments in unconsolidated affiliates, which are 50 percent or less owned, accounted for under the equity method. All material intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated.

    The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the revenues, expenses, and cash flows of Hilton's gaming business on a stand-alone basis including an allocation of corporate expenses relating to the Park Place entities for the year ended December 31, 1998.

    The condensed consolidated financial statements for the six months ended June 30, 2001 and 2000 included herein have been prepared by the Company, without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (which include normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair statement of results for the interim periods have been made. The results for the six-month periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the full fiscal year.

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Cash and Equivalents

    Cash and equivalents include investments with initial maturities of three months or less.

Concentrations of Credit Risk

    Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk consist principally of short-term investments and receivables.

    The Company extends credit to certain casino customers following an evaluation of the creditworthiness of the individual. The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts to reduce the casino receivables to their estimated collectible amount. As of December 31, 2000, management believes that there are no concentrations of credit risk for which an allowance has not been established and recorded. The collectibility of foreign and domestic receivables could be affected by future economic or other significant events in the United States or in the countries in which such foreign customers reside.

Currency Translation

    Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at year-end exchange rates. Income accounts are translated at the average of exchange rates during the year. Gains and losses, net of applicable deferred income taxes, are reflected in stockholders' equity. Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions are included in the statement of income.

Inventories

    Inventories, prepaids, and other at December 31, 2000 and 1999, include inventories of $50 million and $58 million, respectively. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined by the first-in first-out method.

Property and Equipment

    Property and equipment are stated at cost. Interest incurred during construction of facilities or expansions is capitalized at the Company's weighted-average borrowing rate and amortized over the life of the related asset. Interest capitalization is ceased when a project is substantially completed or construction activities are no longer underway. Interest capitalized for the years ended December 31, 2000, 1999, and 1998 was $7 million, $37 million, and $25 million, respectively. Costs of improvements are capitalized. Costs of normal repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred. Upon the sale or retirement of property and equipment, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the respective accounts, and the resulting gain or loss, if any, is included in the statement of income.

    Depreciation is provided on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the asset life or lease term. The service lives of assets are generally 30 to 40 years for buildings and riverboats and three to ten years for furniture and equipment.

    The carrying values of the Company's assets are reviewed when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If it is determined that an

F–9


impairment loss has occurred based on current and future levels of income and expected future cash flows as well as other factors, then an impairment loss is recognized in the statement of income.

Goodwill

    The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets of businesses acquired (goodwill) is amortized using the straight-line method over 40 years. When events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of goodwill may not be recoverable, the Company measures the amount of impairment, if any, by assessing current and future levels of income and cash flows as well as other factors.

Unamortized Debt Issue Costs

    Debt discount and issuance costs incurred in connection with the issuance of long-term debt are capitalized and amortized to interest expense based on the related debt agreements using the straight line method which approximates the effective interest method.

Casino Revenue and Promotional Allowances

    Casino revenue is the aggregate of gaming wins and losses. The revenue components presented in the consolidated financial statements exclude the retail value of rooms, food and beverage, and other goods or services provided to customers on a complimentary basis. The estimated cost of providing these promotional allowances, primarily classified as casino expenses through interdepartmental allocations, is as follows:

 
  2000
  1999
  1998
 
  (in millions)

Rooms   $ 71   $ 43   $ 32
Food and beverage     259     159     96
Other     27     17     12
   
 
 
Total cost of promotional allowances   $ 357   $ 219   $ 140
   
 
 

Pre-Opening Expense

    Pre-opening expense includes operating expenses and incremental salaries and wages directly related to a facility or project during its construction.

    In the first quarter of 1999, the Company adopted Statement of Position ("SOP") 98-5, "Reporting on the Costs of Start-Up Activities." The provisions of SOP 98-5 require that the Company expense costs of start-up activities (pre-opening, pre-operating, and organizational costs) as those costs are incurred and required the write-off of any unamortized balances upon implementation. Adoption of the SOP resulted in an expense of approximately $2 million, net of tax, which has been accounted for as a cumulative effect of accounting change. The Company incurred $47 million of pre-opening expense in 1999, primarily related to Paris Las Vegas. The Company incurred $3 million of pre-opening expense in 2000.

F–10


Earnings Per Share ("EPS")

    In accordance with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 128, "Earnings per Share," basic EPS is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. The weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the years ended December 31, 2000 and 1999 was 301 million and 303 million, respectively. Diluted EPS reflects the effect of potential common stock, which consists solely of assumed stock option exercises. The dilutive effect of the assumed exercise of stock options increased the weighted-average number of common shares by 7 million and 6 million for the years ended December 31, 2000 and 1999, respectively.

    For the year ended December 31, 1998, pro forma earnings per share is calculated using weighted-average number of common shares outstanding of 261 million. The dilutive effect of the assumed exercise of stock options increased the weighted-average number of common shares by 2 million for the year ended December 31, 1998.

    The weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the six months ended June 30, 2001 and 2000 was 297 million and 304 million, respectively. The dilutive effect of the assumed exercise of stock options increased the weighted-average number of common shares by 5 million and 6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2001 and 2000, respectively.

Use of Estimates

    The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Reclassifications

    The consolidated financial statements for prior years reflect certain reclassifications to conform with classifications adopted in 2000. These classifications have no effect on previously reported net income.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

    In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued SFAS No. 133 "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities." SFAS No. 133 establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts. It requires an entity to recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the statement of financial position and measure those instruments at fair value. SFAS No. 133 also requires that changes in the fair value of derivative instruments be recognized currently in earnings in the income statement unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met.

    The Company adopted SFAS No. 133 on January 1, 2001. The adoption of SFAS No. 133 did not have a significant impact on the financial condition of the Company or on its results of operations.

F–11


Unaudited Information

    In June 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 "Business Combinations" and SFAS No. 142 "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets." SFAS No. 141 eliminates the pooling-of-interests method of accounting for business combinations except for qualifying business combinations that were initiated prior to July 1, 2001. It also further clarifies the criteria to recognize intangible assets separately from goodwill. The requirements of SFAS No. 141 are effective for any business combination accounted for by the purchase method that is completed after June 30, 2001.

    Under SFAS No. 142, goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are no longer amortized but are reviewed at least annually for impairment. Separable intangible assets that are not deemed to have an indefinite life will continue to be amortized over their useful lives (but with no maximum life). The amortization provisions of SFAS No. 142 apply to goodwill and intangible assets acquired after June 30, 2001. With respect to goodwill and intangible assets acquired prior to July 1, 2001, calendar-year companies would be required to adopt SFAS No. 142 effective January 2002.

    The Company is currently reviewing these standards to determine the impact of adoption on accounting and financial reporting practices related to previous business combinations and the resulting goodwill recorded. During the six months ended June 30, 2001, the Company recorded approximately $25 million in goodwill amortization, which under the new standards would cease effective January 2002. The Company is evaluating goodwill for separable intangibles with finite lives that will continue to be amortized under SFAS No. 142.

Note 3.  Acquisitions

Caesars Acquisition

    Effective December 29, 1999, the Company acquired Caesars pursuant to an agreement dated April 27, 1999. Aggregate consideration consisted of approximately $3.0 billion in cash. The acquisition has been accounted for using the purchase method of accounting. The purchase price has been allocated based on estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. A total of approximately $620 million, representing the excess of acquisition cost over the estimated fair value of Caesars tangible net assets, was allocated to goodwill and is being amortized over 40 years.

Grand Acquisition

    Effective December 31, 1998, the Company completed the acquisition of Grand pursuant to an agreement dated June 30, 1998. Aggregate consideration consisted of approximately 42 million shares of the Company's common stock with an equity value of $270 million and assumption of Grand's debt at fair market value totaling $625 million at December 31, 1998.

    The acquisition has been accounted for using the purchase method of accounting. The purchase price has been allocated based on estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. A total of $244 million, representing the excess of the fair value of Grand's tangible net assets over the acquisition cost, has reduced, by a proportionate share, the book value of non-current assets acquired.

Unaudited Pro Forma Information

    The following unaudited pro forma information has been prepared assuming that these acquisitions had taken place at the beginning of the respective periods. This pro forma information does not

F–12


purport to be indicative of future results or what would have occurred had these acquisitions been made as of such dates. For the year ended December 31, 1998, the amounts reflect Park Place results combined with Grand and Caesars on a pro forma basis. For the year ended December 31, 1999, actual Park Place results (including Grand) are combined with Caesars on a pro forma basis.

 
  1999
  1998
 
  (unaudited)
(in millions,
except per
share amounts)

Revenue   $ 4,519   $ 4,096
Operating income     555     469
Net income     62     29
Basic EPS     0.20     0.10
Diluted EPS     0.20     0.09

Note 4.  Accounts Receivable

    Accounts receivable at December 31, 2000 and 1999 are as follows:

 
  2000
  1999
 
 
  (in millions)

 
Casino accounts receivable   $ 272   $ 285  
Less allowance for doubtful accounts     (83 )   (84 )
   
 
 
      189     201  
Other accounts receivable, net     64     86  
   
 
 
  Total   $ 253   $ 287  
   
 
 

    The provision for estimated uncollectible receivables is included in casino expenses in the amount of $117 million in 2000, $53 million in 1999, and $37 million in 1998.

Note 5.  Investments

    Investments in and notes from affiliates at December 31, 2000 and 1999 are as follows:

 
  2000
  1999
 
  (in millions)

Equity investments            
  Casino hotels   $ 140   $ 181
  Notes receivable     50     56
Other     60     45
   
 
  Total   $ 250   $ 282
   
 

F–13


Note 6.  Property and Equipment

    Property and equipment at December 31, 2000 and 1999 are as follows:

 
  2000
  1999
 
 
  (in millions)

 
Land   $ 1,704   $ 1,695  
Buildings, riverboats and leasehold improvements     5,758     5,576  
Furniture and equipment     1,236     1,123  
Property held for sale         19  
Construction in progress     107     122  
   
 
 
      8,805     8,535  
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization     (1,000 )   (662 )
   
 
 
  Total   $ 7,805   $ 7,873  
   
 
 

Note 7.  Accrued Expenses

    Accrued expenses at December 31, 2000 and 1999 are as follows:

 
  2000
  1999
 
  (in millions)

Compensation and benefits   $ 182   $ 147
Customer deposits     47     65
Outstanding casino chip liability     44     45
Gaming and property taxes     53     45
Interest     72     32
Other     208     274
   
 
  Total   $ 606   $ 608
   
 

F–14


Note 8.  Debt

    Long-term debt at December 31, 2000 and 1999 consists of the following:

 
  2000
  1999
 
 
  (in millions)

 
Credit facilities   $ 2,720   $ 3,888  
Commercial paper     54      
7.0% Senior Notes, due 2004     325     325  
7.375% Senior Notes, due 2002, net of unamortized discount of $1 million     299     299  
7.95% Senior Notes, due 2003, net of unamortized discount of $1 million and $2 million, respectively     299     298  
8.5% Senior Notes, due 2006, net of unamortized discount of $3 million and $4 million, respectively     397     396  
7.875% Senior Subordinated Notes, due 2005     400     400  
9.375% Senior Subordinated Notes, due 2007     500      
8.875% Senior Subordinated Notes, due 2008     400      
Other     4     18  
   
 
 
      5,398     5,624  
Less current maturities     (1 )   (8 )
   
 
 
Net long-term debt   $ 5,397   $ 5,616  
   
 
 

    Debt maturities during the next five years are as follows:

 
  (in millions)
2001   $ 1
2002     300
2003     3,073
2004     325
2005     400
Thereafter     1,299
   
    $ 5,398
   

    In August 2000, the Company modified its existing bank credit facilities. The existing $1.0 billion 364-day facility was eliminated. The existing $2.0 billion 364-day revolving credit facility was renewed for $1.9 billion for an additional 364-day period. The existing $1.5 billion multi-year facility, which expires December 31, 2003, was increased to $2.0 billion for the remaining term. At December 31, 2000, the total aggregate commitment under the credit facilities was $3.9 billion with approximately $1.1 billion available.

    Borrowings under the credit facilities bear interest at a floating rate and may be obtained at the Company's option as LIBOR advances for varying periods, or as base rate advances, each adjusted for an applicable margin (as further described in the credit facilities), or as competitive bid loans. LIBOR advances bear interest at LIBOR plus 112.5 basis points and may be adjusted quarterly based on the Company's leverage ratio or debt ratings. Base rate advances will bear interest at the base rate (defined as the higher of: (1) the federal funds rate plus 0.50%, or (2) the reference rate as publicly announced by Bank of America in San Francisco) plus a margin equal to the applicable margin for LIBOR loans

F–15


in effect from time to time minus 1.25%. Competitive bid loans bear interest either on an absolute rate bid basis or on the basis of a spread above or below LIBOR. The maximum applicable margin for LIBOR loans is 1.75% under the 364-day revolver and the five-year revolver plus or minus pre-determined discounts based on the Company's leverage ratios. The weighted-average interest rate on these facilities was 8.09% at December 31, 2000.

    The Company has established a $1.0 billion commercial paper program. To the extent that the Company incurs debt under this program, it must maintain an equivalent amount of credit available under its credit facilities. The Company has borrowed under the program for varying periods during 2000 and 1999. At December 31, 2000, $54 million was outstanding under the commercial paper program and the weighted-average interest rate was 7.40%.

    In 1998, Park Place and Hilton agreed to an allocation of pre-distribution debt balances and entered into a debt assumption agreement. Pursuant to the debt assumption agreement, Park Place assumed and agreed to pay 100 percent of the amount of each payment required to be made by Hilton under the terms of the indentures governing Hilton's $300 million aggregate principal amount of 7.375% senior notes due 2002 and its $325 million aggregate principal amount of 7.0% senior notes due 2004. In the event of an increase in the interest rate on these Notes pursuant to their terms as a result of certain actions taken by Hilton, and certain other limited circumstances, Hilton will be required to reimburse Park Place for any such increase. Hilton is obligated to make any payment Park Place fails to make, and in such event Park Place shall pay to Hilton the amount of such payment together with interest, at the rate per annum borne by the applicable notes plus 2% per annum, to the date of such reimbursement.

    In February 2000, the Company issued $500 million of senior subordinated notes due 2007 through a private placement offering to institutional investors. The notes were issued with a coupon rate of 9.375%. These notes were subsequently exchanged for notes registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The notes are redeemable at any time prior to their maturity at the redemption prices described in the indenture governing such notes. The notes are unsecured obligations, rank equal with the Company's other senior subordinated indebtedness and are junior to all of the Company's senior indebtedness. Proceeds from this offering were used to reduce borrowings under the credit facilities.

    In September 2000, the Company issued $400 million of senior subordinated notes due 2008 in a registered note offering. The notes were issued with a coupon rate of 8.875%. The notes are redeemable at any time prior to their maturity at the redemption prices described in the indenture governing such notes. The notes are unsecured obligations, rank equal with the Company's other senior subordinated indebtedness and are junior to all of the Company's senior indebtedness. Proceeds from this offering were used to reduce borrowings under the credit facilities.

    The Company's indebtedness contains covenants including maintenance of various debt ratios. As of December 31, 2000, the Company was in compliance with these covenants.

    The estimated fair value of long-term debt (including current maturities) at December 31, 2000 and 1999 was $5,424 million and $5,582 million, respectively. The fair values are based on the quoted market prices for the same or similar issues or on the current rates offered to the Company for debt of the same remaining maturities.

F–16


Subsequent Events (unaudited)

    In May 2001, the Company issued $350 million of 8.125% senior subordinated notes due 2011 through a private placement offering to institutional investors. In August 2001, the Company completed its exchange offer for identical notes registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The notes are redeemable at any time prior to their maturity at the redemption prices described in the indenture governing such notes. The notes are unsecured obligations, rank equal with the Company's other senior subordinated indebtedness and are junior to all of the Company's senior indebtedness. Proceeds from this offering were used to reduce borrowings under the credit facilities.

    In August 2001, the Company issued $425 million of 7.50% senior notes due 2009 through a private placement offering to institutional investors. The notes are redeemable at any time prior to their maturity at the redemption prices described in the indenture governing such notes. The notes are unsecured obligations and rank equal with the Company's other senior indebtedness. Proceeds from this offering were used to reduce borrowings under the credit facilities.

    The Company amended its credit facilities effective August 23, 2001. The Company now has the following credit facilities in place: (1) a $1.5 billion 364-day revolving facility and (2) a $2.0 billion multi-year facility expiring December 2003 with a $1.4 billion 2-year extension upon expiration or termination of the existing multi-year facility.

Note 9.  Income Taxes

    The provisions for income taxes for the three years ended December 31 are as follows:

 
  2000
  1999
  1998
 
  (in millions)

Current                  
  Federal   $ 23   $ 99   $ 74
  State, foreign and local     30     15     20
   
 
 
      53     114     94
Deferred     68     (1 )   17
   
 
 
Total   $ 121   $ 113   $ 111
   
 
 

    No income taxes were paid by the Company in 1998 as these payments were the responsibility of Hilton.

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    The income tax effects of temporary differences between financial and income tax reporting that gave rise to deferred income tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2000 and 1999 are as follows:

 
  2000
  1999
 
 
  (in millions)

 
Deferred tax assets              
  Accrued expenses   $ 62   $ 81  
  Insurance and other reserves     47     24  
  Benefit plans     17     13  
  Pre-opening expense     7     19  
  Foreign tax credit carryovers (expire beginning in 2001)     46     30  
  Capital loss carryover (expires in 2002)     21     23  
  Other     48     57  
   
 
 
      248     247  
Valuation allowance     (36 )   (36 )
   
 
 
      212     211  
   
 
 
Deferred tax liabilities              
  Fixed assets, primarily depreciation     (1,029 )   (995 )
  Other     (133 )   (98 )
   
 
 
      (1,162 )   (1,093 )
   
 
 
Net deferred tax liability   $ (950 ) $ (882 )
   
 
 

    A reconciliation of the federal income tax rate to the Company's effective tax rate is as follows:

 
  2000
  1999
  1998
 
Federal income tax rate   35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 %
  State and local income taxes, net of federal tax benefits   3.4   1.8   3.4  
  Goodwill amortization   6.6   4.7   5.2  
  Distribution costs       1.2  
  Other   0.7   3.2   5.0  
   
 
 
 
Effective tax rate   45.7 % 44.7 % 49.8 %
   
 
 
 

Note 10.  Stockholders' Equity

    Four hundred million shares of common stock with a par value of $0.01 per share are authorized. As of December 31, 2000, 313.5 million shares were issued and 297.6 million shares were outstanding. As of December 31, 1999, 306.8 million shares were issued and 303.7 million were outstanding. One hundred million shares of preferred stock with a par value of $0.01 per share are authorized, of which no amounts have been issued.

    Over the past two years, the Board of Directors approved an aggregate of 40 million shares under a common stock repurchase program. Cumulatively, through December 31, 2000, the Company repurchased a total of 15.9 million shares of its common stock at an average price of $11.60 resulting in 24.1 million shares remaining available under the stock repurchase program.

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    The Company has a Share Purchase Rights Plan under which a right is attached to each share of the Company's common stock. The rights may only become exercisable under certain circumstances involving actual or potential acquisitions of the Company's common stock by a specified person or affiliated group. Depending on the circumstances, if the rights become exercisable, the holder may be entitled to purchase units of the Company's junior participating preferred stock, shares of the Company's common stock or shares of common stock of the acquiror. The rights remain in existence until 2008 unless they are terminated, exercised or redeemed.

Note 11.  Stock Options

    At December 31, 2000 and 1999, 45.6 million shares and 45.1 million shares, respectively, of common stock were reserved for the exercise of options under the Company's Stock Incentive Plans. Options may be granted to salaried officers, directors, and other key employees of the Company to purchase common stock at not less than the fair market value at the date of grant. Generally, options may be exercised in installments commencing one year after the date of grant. The Stock Incentive Plans also permit the granting of Stock Appreciation Rights ("SARs"). No SARs have been granted as of December 31, 2000.

    The following table summarizes information for the stock option plans for the years ended December 31, 2000 and 1999:

 
  2000
  1999
 
  Options
  Weighted
Average
Exercise Price

  Options
  Weighted
Average
Exercise Price

Outstanding at beginning of year   35,773,113   $ 8.27   32,810,464   $ 8.24
  Granted   4,637,400     11.77   6,938,660     7.92
  Exercised   (6,424,211 )   7.07   (3,341,807 )   7.00
  Cancelled   (608,002 )   9.45   (634,204 )   9.34
   
       
     
Outstanding at end of year   33,378,300     8.97   35,773,113     8.27
   
       
     
Options exercisable at end of year   22,460,785   $ 8.58   19,248,145   $ 8.17
Options available at end of year   2,455,682         5,950,080      

    As a result of the Hilton distribution, effective December 31, 1998, a total of 14.6 million Park Place stock options were issued, representing the adjustment of existing Hilton stock options to represent options in both Park Place and Hilton. The exercise price for options to purchase Park Place common stock were adjusted based on the relative values of Park Place and Hilton common stock on the date the Company's stock began trading on a "when issued" basis. Also on December 31, 1998, 18.2 million options were granted representing the conversion of existing options to purchase Grand common stock in connection with the Grand merger and the grant of additional Park Place stock options.

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    The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2000:

 
  Options Outstanding
   
   
 
  Options Exercisable
 
   
  Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual Life

   
Range of
Exercise Price

  Number
Outstanding

  Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price

  Number
Exercisable

  Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price

$3.47 - $6.50   11,272,045   7.45   $ 6.36   7,263,795   $ 6.31
6.56 - 9.66   8,497,132   4.27     8.39   7,970,729     8.36
9.67 - 12.44   10,307,523   6.06     11.01   5,181,261     10.42
12.63 - 14.44   3,301,600   6.18     12.93   2,045,000     12.88
   
           
     
$3.47 - $14.44   33,378,300   6.08   $ 8.97   22,460,785   $ 8.58
   
           
     

    The Company applies Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 and related interpretations in accounting for its stock-based compensation plans. Accordingly, compensation expense recognized was different than what would have otherwise been recognized under the fair value based method defined in SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation." Had compensation cost for the Company's stock-based compensation plans been determined based on the fair value at the grant dates for awards under those plans consistent with the method of SFAS 123, the Company's net income and net income per share would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts indicated below:

 
  2000
  1999
  1998
 
  (in millions, except per share amounts)

Net income                  
  As reported   $ 143   $ 136   $ 109
  Pro forma     114     111     92
Basic EPS                  
  As reported   $ 0.48   $ 0.45   $ 0.42
  Pro forma     0.38     0.37     0.35
Diluted EPS                  
  As reported   $ 0.46   $ 0.44   $ 0.42
  Pro forma     0.37     0.36     0.35

    The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions used for grants in 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively: dividend yield of zero percent for each of the three years; expected volatility of 40, 40 and 34 percent; risk-free interest rates of 6.45, 5.30 and 5.51 percent and expected life of six years for each of the options granted. As a result of the distribution, the fair values of the Hilton options were adjusted and prior periods were restated based on the relative values of Hilton and Park Place common stock at December 31, 1998. The weighted-average grant date fair value of options granted by Park Place was $5.82 for 2000 and $3.30 for 1999.

Note 12.  Employee Pension and Savings Plans

    A significant number of the Company's employees are covered by union sponsored, collectively bargained multi-employer pension plans. The Company contributed and charged to expense

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$22 million, $13 million and $12 million in 2000, 1999, and 1998, respectively, for such plans. Information from the plans' administrators is not sufficient to permit the Company to determine its share, if any, of unfunded vested benefits.

    The Company and its subsidiaries also sponsor several defined contribution plans (401(k) savings plans). These plans allow for pretax and after tax employee contributions and employer matching contributions. Such amounts contributed to the plans are invested at the participants' direction. The Company's matching contribution expense for such plans was $19 million in 2000, $11 million in 1999, and $9 million in 1998.

    The Company also maintains a Non-qualified Deferred Compensation Plan for certain employees. This plan allows participants to defer a portion of their salary on a pretax basis and accumulate tax-deferred earnings plus interest. The Company provides a matching contribution of 50 percent of the employee contribution, subject to a maximum Company contribution of five percent of an employee's annual compensation. These deferrals are in addition to those allowed in the Company's 401(k) plans.

    The Company adopted an Employee Stock Purchase Plan by which the Company is authorized to issue up to five million shares of common stock to its full-time employees. Under the terms of the Plan, employees can elect to have a percentage of their earnings withheld to purchase the Company's common stock at 95 percent of the lower of the market price on the first day of the purchase period or the last day of the purchase period.

Note 13.  Leases

    The Company and its subsidiaries lease both real estate and equipment used in operations, which are classified as operating leases. Rental costs relating to operating leases and charged to expense were approximately $41 million in 2000, $30 million in 1999, and $7 million in 1998, including contingent rental payments of $21 million in 2000, $17 million in 1999, and $3 million in 1998.

    The following is a schedule of future minimum lease commitments under noncancellable operating leases as of December 31, 2000 (in millions):

2001   $ 18
2002     15
2003     15
2004     11
2005     8
Thereafter     20
   
Total minimum lease payments   $ 87
   

    The Company leases the land and building for the Caesars Tahoe facility. This lease expires in 2004 and is renewable for two additional 25-year periods. The lease provides for a minimum rental payment of $3.1 million for the period from August 1, 2000 to July 31, 2001, increasing by approximately $0.1 million per year on August 1, 2001 and in each subsequent year, and for percentage rent of 20 percent of the casino/hotel's net profit (as therein defined).

    The Company has also entered into various operating leases for land adjacent to its dockside casinos in Mississippi. The lease for land adjacent to the Grand Casino Gulfport is for the period from July 1, 1997, through June 30, 2002, and contains renewal options totaling 40 years. The Company is

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required to make annual rental payments of $0.9 million subject to adjustment as defined, plus 5 percent of gross annual gaming revenues in excess of $25 million and 3 percent of all non-gaming revenues. The lessor of the Grand Casino Gulfport site has the right to cancel the lease at any time for reason of port expansion, in which case the lessor will be liable to the Company for the depreciated value of improvements and other structures placed on the leased premises, as defined.

    The lease for land adjacent to the Grand Casino Biloxi has an initial term of 99 years and provides for rental payments of 5 percent of casino revenues (as defined therein) with a minimum payment of $2.5 million per year. Park Place can cancel the lease by making a payment equal to six months of lease payments. The Company also entered into a 15-year lease for submerged land adjacent to the Grand Casino Biloxi with an option to extend the lease for five years after the expiration of the initial 15-year term in 2008. The lease provides for annual rental payments of $0.9 million for the next three years, and subsequent increases as defined in the agreement.

    The lease for land adjacent to the Grand Casino Tunica provides for annual rental payments of $3.3 million in 2001, subject to adjustment as defined in each subsequent year. The initial term of the lease was for six years beginning in 1993 with nine six-year renewal options, for a total of 60 years.

Note 14.  Impairment Losses and Other

    In conjunction with the spin-off from Hilton in December 1998, the Company entered into a disposition agreement with Hilton with respect to the Flamingo Hilton Riverboat Casino located in Kansas City, Missouri. This asset was not part of the tax-free spin-off transaction at December 31, 1998 due to lack of regulatory approvals. However, the agreement provided for the Company to receive the equivalent economic value of this asset upon sale or other disposition. In June 2000, Hilton sold this asset to a third party. As a result of this sale and in accordance with the disposition agreement, the Company recognized a pretax gain of $18 million in 2000.

    In July 2000, the Company entered into an agreement to sell the Las Vegas Hilton to an unrelated third party, subject to regulatory approvals. The Company was to receive $300 million for the property, building, and equipment plus an amount for net working capital (excluding certain gaming customer receivables to be retained by Park Place). In connection with this planned disposition, the Company recognized a pretax non-cash impairment loss of $55 million in 2000. By November 2000, all regulatory approvals related to the transaction had been received. In January 2001, the purchaser did not complete the transaction and failed to further extend the closing date to February, thereby breaching the terms of the agreement. Legal actions regarding the failed transaction and the $20 million in letter of credit and escrow funds have been filed by the Company and the purchaser (see Note 15 for further discussion). The Company has ceased efforts to sell the Las Vegas Hilton and will continue to operate it in the normal course.

    In connection with the purchase of Bally by Hilton in 1996 and the subsequent spin-off, Park Place obtained the rights to the "Bally" trademarks. In October 2000, the Company recognized a pretax gain of $7 million in connection with the sale of certain trademark rights associated with the Bally name.

    In October 2000, Arthur M. Goldberg, the Company's President and CEO unexpectedly passed away. In fulfillment of this executive's employment contract, the Company recognized a pretax charge of approximately $15 million for salary commitments and certain life insurance benefits.

    In December 1999, the Company entered into a definitive agreement to sell the Flamingo Reno for approximately $20 million in cash. In connection with this agreement, the Company recognized an

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impairment loss of $26 million in 1999. In July 2000, the Company announced that the sales agreement had been cancelled. In 1998, the Company recorded a $16 million impairment loss related to certain riverboat assets as well as $13 million in transaction costs associated with the distribution from Hilton and the merger with Grand.

Note 15.  Commitments and Contingencies

New Projects

Saint Regis Mohawk Nation

    Park Place entered into an agreement in April 2000 with the Saint Regis Mohawk Nation in Hogansburg, New York. Park Place paid $3 million for exclusive rights to develop a Class II or Class III casino project in the State of New York for a period of three years, or extended thereafter by mutual agreement. In the event such a casino project is developed, the parties also agreed to enter into a seven-year definitive management agreement whereby Park Place will manage the casino in return for a management fee equal to 30 percent of the net profits. The agreement is subject to the approval of the National Indian Gaming Commission and the Tribe.

    The Company has entered into a definitive agreement, as amended, to acquire approximately 66 acres of the Kutsher's Resort Hotel and Country Club in Sullivan County, New York, for approximately $10 million, with an option to purchase the remaining 1,400 acres for $40 million. Approximately 66 acres will be transferred to be held in trust for the Saint Regis Mohawk Nation subject to approval of the Bureau of Indian Affairs ("BIA").

    All of the agreements and plans relating to the development and management of this Indian gaming project are contingent upon various regulatory approvals, including a compact between the Saint Regis Mohawk Nation and the State of New York, and receipt of approvals from the BIA, National Indian Gaming Commission and local planning and zoning boards. In March 2001, the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe filed a land-into-trust application with the BIA.

    On April 26, 2000, certain individual members of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe purported to commence a class action proceeding in the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Court in Hogansburg, New York against Park Place and certain of its executives. The proceeding seeks to nullify Park Place's agreement with the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe to develop and manage gaming facilities in the State of New York, and further seeks an award of $12 billion in damages. The Company believes that the purported tribal court in which the proceeding has been invoked is an invalid forum and is not recognized by the lawful government of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe. On June 2, 2000, Park Place and certain of its executives filed an action in the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York seeking to enjoin the dissident Tribe members from proceeding in the tribal court with an action that the Company believes has been unlawfully convened and is without merit. In September 2000, the District Court dismissed the Park Place action on the grounds that the Court lacked jurisdiction. In October 2000, the Company appealed the judgment to the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. On March 21, 2001, the purported tribal court rendered a purported default judgment against Park Place in the amount of $1.8 billion, which judgment Park Place refuses to recognize as valid. Park Place intends to pursue all necessary actions to enjoin any efforts to enforce the purported judgment.

    On June 6, 2000, President R.C.-St. Regis Management Company and its principal, Ivan Kaufman, filed an action in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Nassau, against Park Place

F–23


and certain of its executives seeking compensatory and punitive damages in the amount of approximately $550 million. The action alleges claims based on breach of a proposed letter agreement between plaintiffs, Park Place, and the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe concerning the Tribe's existing casino in Hogansburg, New York, fraudulent inducement, tortious interference with contract, and defamation. Alternatively, plaintiffs seek specific performance and/or injunctive relief in connection with the proposed letter agreement. In September 2000, plaintiffs voluntarily dismissed three of the contract-related claims that had been brought against the individually named defendants.

    On November 13, 2000, Catskill Development, LLC, Mohawk Management LLC and Monticello Raceway Development Company LLC (collectively, "Catskill Development") filed an action against Park Place in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. The action arises out of Catskill Development's efforts to develop land in Sullivan County as an Indian gaming facility in conjunction with the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe. Catskill Development claims that Park Place wrongfully interfered with several agreements between itself and the Tribe pertaining to the proposed gaming facility. The plaintiffs allege tortious interference with contract and prospective business relationships, unfair competition and state anti-trust violations and seek over $3 billion in damages.

    In 2001, Native American Management Corporation, Anderson-Blake Construction Company and Gary Alan Melius filed a summons with notice, which commenced an action against the Company, one of its executives and the estate of its former CEO in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Nassau. The action seeks compensatory and punitive damages in the amount of approximately $227 million and alleges breach of contract, defamation, breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing and RICO violations arising out of the Company's agreement with the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe. Plaintiffs have not yet filed a complaint fully describing their claims.

Claridge Hotel (unaudited)

    In August 2000, Park Place submitted a letter of intent to purchase the Claridge Casino Hotel in Atlantic City, which was in a Chapter 11 proceeding. In November 2000, Claridge submitted its reorganization plan supporting a purchase by Park Place for $65 million. In January 2001, New Jersey gaming regulators voted unanimously to allow Park Place to purchase the Claridge. This acquisition plan was confirmed by the bankruptcy court on May 16, 2001. After a final licensing hearing before the New Jersey Casino Control Commission to permit Park Place's operation of the Claridge, the purchase closed and Park Place commenced operations on June 1, 2001.

Litigation

    Park Place and its subsidiaries are involved in various legal proceedings relating to routine matters of its business. The Company is also party to legal proceedings relating to the Bally and Hilton gaming businesses assumed during the spin-off and the Grand and Caesars gaming businesses that it acquired in 1998 and 1999. The Company believes that all the actions brought against it are without merit and will continue to vigorously defend against them. While any proceeding or litigation has an element of uncertainty, the Company believes that the final outcome of these matters is not likely to have a material adverse effect upon the Company's results of operations or financial position.

Belle of Orleans

    The Company's wholly owned subsidiary, Bally's Louisiana, Inc., owns 49.9 percent of the Belle of Orleans, L.L.C., a limited liability company which owns and holds the riverboat gaming license to

F–24


operate Bally's Casino Lakeshore Resort. Metro Riverboat Associates, Inc. owns the remaining 50.1 percent interest in the Belle. Bally's Louisiana and Metro entered into an operating agreement defining the rights and obligations of the members of Belle, and the Belle entered into a management agreement providing for Bally's Louisiana to manage the casino. The parties are involved in numerous lawsuits, appeals and administrative hearings regarding their rights and obligations under those agreements. Cases are pending between the parties in the Civil District Court for the Parish of Orleans, the Nineteenth Judicial District Court for the Parish of East Baton Rouge, the Louisiana First and Fourth Circuit Courts of Appeal, the Louisiana Supreme Court, and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. Metro's claims involve assignments of the management agreements by previous wholly owned Bally's entities to Bally's Louisiana, as well as the effects of Hilton's merger with Bally Entertainment Corporation in 1996, and Hilton's subsequent spin-off of its gaming operations to Park Place in 1998. Metro asserts that Bally's Louisiana is not entitled to manage the casino. Metro is seeking injunctive relief and unspecified damages.

    Metro has also filed an action in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana against certain of Park Place's officers and directors and Bally's Louisiana. The lawsuit alleges civil racketeering and conspiracy activities among the named defendants and members of the Louisiana state judiciary, the Louisiana Gaming Control Board, the Louisiana state police, and the Louisiana Attorney General's office.

Bally Merger Litigation

    A purported class action against Bally Entertainment Corporation, its directors and Hilton Hotels Corporation was commenced on September 4, 1996, under the caption Parnes v. Bally Entertainment Corporation, et al. in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware, New Castle County. The plaintiff alleged that certain "benefits" received by Arthur M. Goldberg in connection with the merger of Bally into Hilton in December 1996 involved breaches of fiduciary duty which purportedly denied other Bally shareholders an opportunity to sell their shares at the best possible price. The plaintiff sought injunctive relief enjoining the Bally-Hilton merger, disgorgement of the benefits received by Mr. Goldberg, and unspecified damages. After a trial on the merits, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware dismissed all the plaintiff's claims, holding that the Mr. Goldberg and the Board of Directors of Bally acted in full compliance with their fiduciary obligations in obtaining the best possible transaction for the shareholders. On March 20, 2001, plaintiffs filed an appeal to the Delaware Supreme Court.

Slot Machine Litigation

    On April 26, 1994, William H. Poulos brought a class action in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Orlando Division captioned William H. Poulos, et al. v. Caesars World, Inc. et al., against 41 manufacturers, distributors and casino operators of video poker and electronic slot machines, including Park Place. On May 10, 1994, another plaintiff filed a class action complaint in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida—William Ahearn, et al. v. Caesars World, Inc. et al.—alleging substantially the same allegations against 48 defendants, including Park Place. On September 26, 1995, a third action was filed against 45 defendants, including Park Place, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada—Larry Schreier, et al. v. Caesars World, Inc. et al. The court consolidated the three cases in the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada under the case caption William H. Poulos, et al. v. Caesars World, Inc. et al.

F–25


    The consolidated complaints allege that the defendants are involved in a scheme to induce people to play electronic video poker and slot machines based on false beliefs regarding how such machines operate and the extent to which a player is likely to win on any given play. The actions included claims under the federal Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, fraud, unjust enrichment and negligent misrepresentation, and seek unspecified compensatory and punitive damages. The case has not yet been certified as a class action.

Las Vegas Hilton

    In July 2000, the Company entered into an agreement to sell the Las Vegas Hilton. The purchaser, Las Vegas Convention Hotel, LLC failed to complete the transaction on the date set for closing. The Company has filed (1) a complaint in the Eighth Judicial District Court for the State of Nevada against Las Vegas Convention Hotel LLC, et al. seeking declaratory relief to retain the $20 million in deposits and recover additional damages for breach of contract, and (2) a complaint in the United States District Court for the District of Nevada for damages against Edward Roski, Jr. as guarantor of the transaction. The defendants have filed actions against Park Place and Hilton Hotels Corporation in the Eighth Judicial District Court, which actions have been consolidated with Park Place's action in that Court, alleging breach of contract and tortious interference with contract, and seeking non-specific general, special, and punitive damages, specific performance to compel the sale of the property to plaintiffs at a purchase price less than that required under the original contract, and injunctive relief to prevent Park Place from selling the property to any other person.

Flixcorp Litigation

    Bally Data Systems, Inc. and Bally Entertainment Inc. are defendants in an action entitled Flixcorp of America, Ltd. v. Bally Data Systems, et al., filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois in 1987. The litigation involves a breach of contract claim arising out of a purported agreement to develop and manufacture videotape dispensing machines. Plaintiffs allege $167 million in damages, while the companies strongly dispute both liability and damages.

Grand Securities Litigation

    Grand and certain of Grand's current and former officers and directors were defendants in In Re Grand Casinos Inc. Securities Litigation filed on September 9, 1996 in the United States District Court in Minnesota. This action arose out of Grand's involvement in the Stratosphere project in which Grand was a dominant shareholder. The plaintiffs in the action, who were current or former Grand shareholders, alleged securities fraud, insider trading and the making of false statements concerning the Stratosphere project. The case was preliminarily settled on May 2, 2001 in consideration of a $9 million payment to plaintiffs made by Lakes Gaming Co., on behalf of Grand under an indemnification agreement between Lakes and Grand. The settlement notices are currently being sent to the class of plaintiffs with a final dismissal and judgment scheduled for August 8, 2001.

Stratosphere Securities Litigation

    Grand and certain persons who were indemnified by Grand, including certain former and current Grand officers and directors, were defendants in two legal actions filed on August 5, 1996 in the United States District Court, District of Nevada (Michael Ceasar v. Stratosphere Corporation et al.) and on August 16, 1996 in the District Court, Clark County, Nevada (Opitz et al. v. Stratosphere Corporation

F–26


et al.). These actions arose out of Grand's involvement in the Stratosphere Tower, Casino and Hotel project in Las Vegas, Nevada. The state court action was stayed pending resolution of the federal court action. The plaintiffs in the actions, who were present or former shareholders of Stratosphere Corporation, allege that the defendants concealed material information and made false positive statements about the Stratosphere, which caused the value of the Stratosphere stock to be inflated. The case was settled and dismissed in the first quarter of 2001 in consideration of a $9 million payment to plaintiffs made by Lakes Gaming Co., on behalf of Grand under the indemnification agreement.

Stratosphere Stand-By Equity Commitment

    Grand is a defendant in Stratosphere Litigation, L.L.C. v. Grand Casinos, Inc. a Minnesota Corporation, pending, upon appeal, in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. In March 1995, Grand entered into a Standby Equity Commitment Agreement with Stratosphere in which Grand agreed, subject to certain terms and conditions, to purchase up to $20 million of additional equity in Stratosphere during each of the first three years Stratosphere operated if Stratosphere's consolidated cash flow during each of such years did not exceed $50 million. The enforceability of the Standby Equity Commitment was the subject of litigation in the U.S. District Court as a result of an action brought by the Trustee in Bankruptcy for the Stratosphere. On February 19, 1998, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Nevada ruled in favor of Grand that the Standby Equity Commitment is not enforceable in Bankruptcy Court as a matter of law. On April 4, 2001, the U.S. District Court entered a judgment in favor of Grand on all counts and on May 4, 2001, plaintiffs appealed the judgment to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Indemnification of Park Place by Lakes Gaming, Inc.

    The above lawsuits to which Grand Casinos, Inc. and its subsidiaries are parties arose out of actions prior to Grand's merger with Park Place. Any liabilities with respect thereto are an obligation of Grand, and Grand is to be indemnified by Lakes Gaming, Inc. (the company that retained the non-Mississippi business of Grand prior to the merger). If Lakes is unable to satisfy its indemnification obligations, Grand will be responsible for any liabilities, which could have a material adverse effect on Park Place.

    As security to support Lakes' indemnification obligations to Grand, Lakes agreed to irrevocably deposit, in trust for the benefit of Grand, a total sum of $30 million. The trust was to be funded with four annual installments of $7.5 million during the four-year period subsequent to December 31, 1998. The first annual installment payment was made in December 1999. Lakes refused to make the second installment, due on December 31, 2000, and the Company intends to pursue its legal remedies against Lakes for failure to fulfill this obligation.

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Note 16.  Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

 
  1st
Quarter

  2nd
Quarter

  3rd
Quarter

  4th
Quarter

  Total
 
  (dollars in millions, except per share amounts)

Year Ended December 31, 2000                              
Revenues   $ 1,206   $ 1,220   $ 1,247   $ 1,111   $ 4,784
Operating income     197     167     222     110     696
Net income (loss)     52     31     67     (7 )   143
Basic EPS(1)     0.17     0.10     0.22     (0.02 )   0.48
Diluted EPS(1)     0.17     0.10     0.22     (0.02 )   0.46
Year Ended December 31, 1999                              
Revenues   $ 734   $ 724   $ 824   $ 835   $ 3,117
Operating income     119     101     100     79     399
Net income     45     40     34     17     136
Basic EPS(1)     0.15     0.13     0.11     0.06     0.45
Diluted EPS(1)     0.15     0.13     0.11     0.05     0.44
Year Ended December 31, 1998                              
Revenues   $ 570   $ 569   $ 585   $ 559   $ 2,283
Operating income     92     95     92     23     302
Net income (loss)     39     41     38     (9 )   109
Basic EPS—pro forma(1)     0.15     0.16     0.15     (0.03 )   0.42
Diluted EPS—pro forma(1)     0.15     0.16     0.15     (0.03 )   0.42

(1)
The sum of Basic and Diluted EPS for the four quarters may differ from the annual EPS due to the required method of computing weighted average number of shares in the respective periods.

Note 17.  Subsequent Event

    In the first quarter of 2001, the Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") reached a consensus on certain issues in EITF 00-22 "Accounting for 'Points' and Certain Other Time-Based Sales Incentive Offers, and Offers for Free Products or Services to Be Delivered in the Future." EITF 00-22 requires that cash rebates or refunds be shown as a reduction of revenues effective for quarters ending after February 15, 2001. The Company adopted the consensus provisions of EITF 00-22 in the first quarter of 2001. Revenues (and casino expenses) for 1998, 1999, and 2000 have been reclassified to be consistent with the 2001 presentation. This did not have any effect on previously reported operating income or net income.

F–28




LOGO

Offer to Exchange up to $425,000,000 of its
7.50% Senior Notes due 2009
Which Have Been Registered Under the Securities Act,

For up to $425,000,000 of its
Outstanding 7.50% Senior Notes due 2009


PROSPECTUS


October 12, 2001






QuickLinks

TABLE OF CONTENTS
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
MARKET DATA
SUMMARY
Recent Developments
Summary of the Exchange Offer
Summary of the Exchange Notes
Summary Selected Historical Financial Information
RISK FACTORS
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
USE OF PROCEEDS
CAPITALIZATION
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
BUSINESS AND PROPERTIES
REGULATION AND LICENSING
DESCRIPTION OF OTHER INDEBTEDNESS
THE EXCHANGE OFFER
DESCRIPTION OF THE EXCHANGE NOTES
MATERIAL FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE EXCHANGE
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
LEGAL MATTERS
EXPERTS
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS