William F. Harrah authority and his managers appreciated his trust in their ability to manage his properties. Harrah used his influence to create the Nevada Gaming Control Board in 1955, an organization designed to regulate gaming in Nevada. In 1959, Harrah helped create an even stronger Gaming Commission to rid the state's casinos of corruption. Harrah was known for his relations with both his customers and employees. He was the first to invite African-American entertainers to perform in his casinos and welcome all races. He removed the color and sexual barrier by hiring women as dealers as well as other employees regardless of
William F. Harrah Gentry in 1969. With ex-wife Scherry (whom he married twice), he adopted two boys named John and Tony. His widow, Verna, worked as a film producer on such features as "Anaconda". The highest Total Rewards Card Tier, "Seven Stars", was named after his seven wives. Harrah died in Rochester, Minnesota, at the age of 66, during a cardiac surgery operation to repair an aortic aneurysm. William F. Harrah William Fisk Harrah (September 2, 1911 – June 30, 1978) was an American businessman and the founder of Harrah's Hotel and Casinos, now part of Caesars Entertainment Corporation. Harrah was born in