Louisiana Resident New National Champion of Slots

LAS VEGAS, Nevada - (PRESS RELEASE) -- Hilda Fitch, a 74-year-old Bossier City, Louisiana resident, took home the top prize of $1 million* at the world's largest slot machine tournament held last night at Harrah's Las Vegas. She outlasted more than 250 competitors to be named the new National Champion of Slots at Harrah's 11th annual Millionaire Maker tournament.

Hilda Fitch qualified for the event by winning a preliminary tournament at Horseshoe Casino, Bossier City.

The rules of the tournament were simple: Each player started with zero points. After three 10-minute rounds of play, Fitch emerged with 41,738 points, the highest of any competitor, to capture the grand prize. Fitch beat the second place winner by 4,379 points.

"I was shocked, I didn't expect to win," said Fitch. "It's a wonderful feeling. I never played in a slot tournament. This was my first time."

The Millionaire Maker tournament launched at the beginning of this year with many of the nation's most enthusiastic slot players participating in qualifying tournaments at 26 Harrah's, Rio, Showboat, Horseshoe and Harveys casinos nationwide. The top player at each qualifying tournament advanced to the $1 million event at Harrah's Las Vegas. This marks the fifth time the championship event has been held in Las Vegas.

Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. is the world's largest provider of branded casino entertainment. Since its beginning in Reno, Nevada 68 years ago, Harrah's has grown through development of new properties, expansions and acquisitions. Harrah's Entertainment is focused on building loyalty and value with its customers through a unique combination of great service, excellent products, unsurpassed distribution, operational excellence and technology leadership.

* The $1 million grand prize will be paid in $50,000 annual installments over a period of 20 years or in a lump sum.