Harrah’s Entertainment is trying to close a deal with Pinnacle for the sale of two riverboat casinos. Last September, Hurricane Rita severely damaged two Lake Charles Riverboat Casinos that belong to Harrah’s and now the company wants to focus on its assets in New Orleans and north Louisiana, according to the president of the Company’s central division.

Casino officials told gambling regulators that it hasn’t been decided yet whether the boats will remain in southwest Louisiana or not. Pinnacle already owns a casino in Lake Charles.

Columbia is also planning to move its Riverboat, which was damaged by Hurricane Katrina, to Amelia. In order to do so, the Company needs the approval from a majority of St. Mary’s voters and the state police, gambling board and other agencies.

Harrah’s Entertainment’s shares rose $ 0.17 after the announcement of the prospective sale.