PHW LLC, a subsidiary of Harrah's, applied for licensure for non-restricted gaming at Planet Hollywood, sources within the Nevada Gaming Control Board tell GlobeSt.com. The next step is for control board agents to investigate the application and write up a report. The Gaming Control Board will then review the report and make a recommendation to the ultimate authority for such matters, the Nevada Gaming Commission.

Planet Hollywood is owned and operated by Planet Hollywood International Inc., which is controlled by Robert Earl, its founder and chief executive. A joint venture of Earl, Bay Harbour Management and Starwood Hotels and Resorts created Planet Hollywood from the Aladdin Resort they acquired in June 2003. The property's new 52-story Westgate residential tower has 1,200 suites and 28 penthouses.

It is not yet clear exactly when Harrah's gaming license application might go before the Gaming Control Board next year, only that the application is likely to go before the Nevada Gaming Commission for a final decision in the same month. The investigative process for an existing licensee –Harrah's operates seven casinos on the Las Vegas Strip alone – is typically shorter than for a new licensee.