Ballys Officially Becomes Horseshoe Las Vegas Casinos & Gaming Business

The on line casino also has various table games in addition to slot machines, so there’s something for everyone. Caesars said throughout its announcement that it expects the refurbishments to be finished right at the end of the year and tempted “new entertainment” alternatives that will include it, but continued to be mum on particulars, saying that they would be forth-coming. One lucky slot machine games player had a nighttime to remember right after hitting a jackpot feature worth more as compared to $1 million throughout downtown Las Vegas. Attaching the Horseshoe name to the ex – Bally’s is significant because of typically the building’s historic earlier. Opened in December 1973 by industry legend Kirk Kerkorian as the MGM Grand, the property was at one time one regarding the largest hotels in the entire world. The iconic Horseshoe brand made the triumphant go back to Todas las Vegas on Thursday, landing on typically the Strip with a new ceremony that came gambling royalty, professionals from parent company Caesars Entertainment Incorporation. and Clark State officials.

• Kirk Kerkorian still owns 39 percent with the worldwide hospitality company they founded in 1987, MGM Resorts Worldwide.
• Eventually, the WSOP became the biggest place of poker contests in the world.
• “This is a new very exciting working day as we provide Horseshoe back in order to center Strip within Las Vegas, ” Jason Gregorec, senior vice president plus general manager involving Horseshoe, said inside an exclusive job interview with the Review-Journal.
• With more than 75 casinos around the particular world, Genting Group decided to participate in its hand for the Las Vegas Strip when it opened it is first resort in Las Vegas in 2021.
• In fact, typically the market trends reveal that there features been steady revenue growth since the casino was purchased by Caesar’s Entertainment inside 2004.

Tragedy minted the building on Nov. 21, 1980, if one of the worst high-rise fires in Oughout. S. history lead in 87 fatalities. When house reopened in July 81, it featured some of the industry’s highest fire security standards, including the particular addition of fire sprinklers and a computerized open fire alarm system throughout the property. Brunson’s visual appeal marks a brand new era for the World Number of Poker, which will start at the Horseshoe in-may after beginning downtown and transferring towards the Rio and even Paris Las Vegas over the many years mostbet login.

Does Jack Binion Continue To Own The Horseshoe Casino?

The Horseshoe Las Las vegas is the tenth Horseshoe-branded property in the united states. And of training course, that lineage started downtown with Binion’s Horseshoe in 1951; Harrah’s (now Caesars) Entertainment bought that will property in 2005 and changed the particular name to Binion’s Gambling Hall in addition to Hotel. It has been subsequently sold in order to TLC Casino Enterprises, which also has the Four A queen. The original Horseshoe was started by simply Benny Binion on Las Vegas’ Fremont Street in 51, and Caesars today owns Horseshoe casinos in numerous states which includes Iowa, Indiana, Baltimore, and Mississippi.

• Binion’s Horseshoe, also known as the Horseshoe Casino or also simply The Horseshoe, was a hotel and casino placed in downtown Las Las vegas, Nevasca on just exactly what is” “right today the Fremont Street Experience.
• Eldorado Resorts and MTR Gaming Group, Incorporation. successfully complete their own merger to get Eldorado Resorts, Inc., growing to six qualities in five claims.
• At this particular time, the main home investment company within Las Vegas is definitely VICI Properties.

Bally’s Las Vegas to Rebrand since Horseshoe Vegas Caesars Entertainment is taking the Horseshoe online casino brand back to be able to Las Vegas this season. The company can be converting the current Bally’s Las Vegas Hotel & Gambling establishment into Horseshoe Todas las Vegas, going open up by the finish of 2022. Horseshoe Gaming Holding Company was established in 93 having its only asset being the” “legal rights to use the particular Horseshoe name upon casinos. In 1970, Plug began internet hosting this World Amount of Poker (WSOP) at the Horseshoe. Eventually, the WSOP became the greatest place of poker contests in the planet. Benny Binion purchased the Eldorado Club and Apache Motel in 1951, re-opening them since the Horseshoe Online casino.

Planet Showmanship Resort & Casino

It now has a carnival and even Mardi Gras theme, just over two, 540 rooms, and much more than 88, 000 square feet of casino floor. Gary Carano is executive chairman of Caesars Entertainment group, plus other key individuals include CEO Jones Reeg and Chief executive and COO Anthony Carano. Twin Riv picked up Bally’s Atlantic City to the bargain price involving $25 million, next bought the Bally’s brand for another $20 million mostbet app download.

Opened in December 1973 simply by business legend Kirk Kerkorian as the MGM Awesome, most of the property seemed to be once 1 of the most significant hotels in the specific world. The admittance would include relocating walkways and was expected to become complete by the particular end of year 1994. Moving walkways were added due to the size between the resort’s entrance and the particular sidewalk along the particular particular Strip.

Majestic Superstar Casino Ii, Gary

Seven many years later he organised the first Planet Number of Poker, which usually would later develop to become the greatest poker tournament on the planet. While Caesars Amusement announced it would certainly be rebranding Bally’s to Horseshoe several time ago, the company’s been the smidge vague regarding if the change would likely actually happen. Binion is the son associated with casino magnate Benny Binion and proved helpful for his dad at” “Binion’s Horseshoe, a online casino and hotel throughout Las Vegas, Nevada. Binion expanded upward in the actual game playing business, becoming groomed for that from your young age simply by simply his infamous daddy, Lester “Benny” Binion. A Dallas mule-trader, Benny received notoriety as being a bootlegger and the user of any floating craps game.

• The casino is definitely owned by CBAC Gaming, a party led by Caesars Entertainment, and is managed by Caesars.
• The company will be converting the current Bally’s Las Vegas Hotel & Gambling establishment into Horseshoe Todas las Vegas, started open by the conclusion of 2022.
• On September twelve, 2003, Horseshoe Online video gaming signed an contract to get attained by Harrah’s Enjoyment, Inc.
• In 1998 Becky Behnen obtained managing interest within this casino pursuing a new prolonged legal fight with her more mature sibling Jack.
• This Strip hotel is themed and looks such as a medieval fortress and it is named after King Arthur’s mythic sword.

The company bought and refurbished typically the nearby LeBossier Lodge, which usually presented 202 visitor bedrooms, an outside swimming pool, and the 240-seat Atrium Eating location.” “[newline]The Queen in the Red opened regarding people who do buiness” “upon This summer 9, year year 1994, attracting much concerning its customer base from Dallas/Ft. Benny Binion bought usually the Eldorado Membership in addition to be able to Hotel Apache inside of 1951, re-opening these people as Binion’s Horseshoe (also the Horseshoe Casino). [2] Generally the casino’s indoor got a frontier flavor, as an old-style riverboat, with minimal ceilings and violet velvet wallpaper. While no single person owns a hotel on the Todas las Vegas Strip, some founding members are still majority shareholders in the companies at the helm of these mega hotels. The two-tower high-rise hotel has more than 3, 000 bedrooms and 110, 500 square feet of gaming space. The three-hotel complex will be comprised of Hilton, Crockfords, and Conrad, and features even more than 117, 1000 square feet of gaming space.

The Linq Resort & Casino

The function offered quite a lot of contests, such as geostationary satellites or mini-tournaments, and super geostationary satellites, the latter getting required play intended for entrance in to the Championship competition. The play in excellent satellite situations continued until a gamer” “each each table won just about all tournament chips by which table. In 98 Becky Behnen acquired managing interest in this casino subsequent a new protracted legal battle with the girl more mature buddy Jack.

• The entrance would include transferring walkways and has been expected to be complete by the particular end of year 1994.
• He sold the particular display in overdue” “1954s and it was later recreated employing 100 in the particular $10, 000 charges by Benny within 1964.
• Benny Binion operated the casino in the everyday, freewheeling design, managing the club by a desk within the java store within the in line casino floors.
• Harrah’s Las Vegas is definitely a hotel in addition to casino centrally located in the Las Vegas Strip in Paradisepoker, Nevada.
• Boasting lots of the world’s most exclusive gaming brands, which include Caesars Palace®, Harrah’s®, Horseshoe®, Eldorado®, Silver precious metal Legacy®, Circus Circus® Reno and Tropicana®, among many other people, we are a global leader in game playing and hospitality.
• Starting this springtime, Bally’s Las Vegas will start its alteration into Horseshoe Las Vegas, an iconic, historic brand initially created by gambling magnate Benny Binion more than 70 years back.

The casinos in convert then rent the particular properties back coming from the new proprietors and continue in order to manage and run the home. At this particular time, the main property investment company in Las Vegas is VICI Properties. It has more than 4, 000 guestrooms and much more than 138, 00 square feet of gaming space – rendering it 1 of the greatest casino floors inside the world. The second reason had to do with Caesars development involving the Horseshoe brand that it owns.

Who Owns The Three Horseshoes Laleham?

[1] This individual designed it as an old-style riverboat, with low ceiling and velvet picture. It has been the first on line casino to be capable to have carpets, as well while comps which are presented in order to all gamblers. The hotel has more than 4, 4 hundred guest rooms in addition to 120, 000 sq feet of online casino space.

• ” He or” “the lady offered excellent video gaming odds and authorized all bets without needing limit.
• Hung over a door with ends down, it will let the best of luck spill over the door and stop evil from entering.
• The three-hotel complex is comprised of Hilton, Crockfords, and Conrad, and features even more than 117, 500 square feet associated with gaming space.
• In spring 2150 Horseshoe Casino Center, along with the Platinum Strike Casino Hotel, introduced the Very first Annual Plug Binion World Holdem online poker Open.

Since its from Sparks, Nevada, more than 70 years ago, Caesars has grown by way of the advancement brand new resorts, expansions in addition to acquisitions, and today functions on four continents. Caesars Entertainment, really simply, has it all – varied amenities, impeccable support and one-of-a-kind places. Our offerings consist of the finest eating places, the biggest enjoyment, elite meeting and conventions facilities, and unparalleled shopping.

Mgm Major Resorts Properties In Las Vegas

The 61 Crossroads Café offered southern in addition to Cajun cuisine inside of a jukejoint environment; an audio in addition to video program played out blues audio plus showed clips about blues artists. The 1, 000-seat Bluesville Performance Club supplied space for are living musical performances, including local, countrywide, plus internationally recognized acts in rock, appear, country, as well as blues music. A land-based pavilion adjacent to typically the riverboat offered customers the choice regarding the steakhouse or perhaps self serve buffet dining, a sporting activities lounge, an ice cubes cream parlor, in addition to the gift store.

• Opened in December 1973 simply by business legend Kirk Kerkorian because the MGM Awesome, most of the property has been once 1 of the biggest hotels inside the certain world.
• Horseshoe Las Vegas sits in the particular middle of the Las Vegas Deprive and is one associated with the older accommodations on Las Vegas Blvd., built-in 1973.
• Some associated with the big-name gambling establishment companies (starting along with MGM Resorts) include begun selling their particular physical resort complexes to investment home companies.
• The Horseshoe Las Vegas is the 10th Horseshoe-branded property in the united states.

The inclusion regarding a piano club and an All of us grill, called Café Sonoma, completed the particular improvements. The organization also built features for the probability of creating a one, 000-room hotel tower. Located in downtown Todas las Vegas’ “Glitter Gulch, ” the casino seemed to be renamed Binion’s Horseshoe Club. Benny Binion operated the casino in the everyday, freewheeling design, handling the club through a desk in the java shop within the upon line casino flooring. He emphasized providing pure playing for serious gamblers, giving no enjoyment although providing “good meals, good service in addition to a great bet.

Annual Income Of Casino

Jack Binion, whose father exposed the original Horseshoe Membership in downtown Todas las Vegas in 1951, has a steak restaurant in the particular resort named within his honor. According to this irrational belief, ends pointing straight down simply means of which the good” “good fortune is able to be able to flow out plus surround the property. If the horseshoe is hung on the doorway with eventually ends up, it will catch enjoy. Hung over the door with comes to an end down, it can let the enjoy spill over typically the door and cease evil from coming into.

• A enormous hotel and casino property, the MGM Grand is famous” “because of its extensive entertainment choices including shows, concert events, nightlife, and attractions.
• The major operators usually are changing a coverage related to poker gamers recently.
• While he or she used the Horseshoe name (acquiring legal rights in 1995 before the family dispute), Jack operated typically the company independently with the family company inside Las Sin town.
• In 1999 the particular particular company grew even more simply by acquiring Empress Internet casinos as well since two casinos.

At that time, it was referred to as MGM Grand Lodge and” “Online casino and was one of the largest resorts in the world. The Las Vegas Strip is a 4. 2-mile stretch of glitzy hotels, world-class shopping in addition to dining, and exciting entertainment such as Bellagio Fountains, the Linq High Roller, Icebar, Fashion Show Shopping mall, and more. It was acquired in 1999 by Jack Binion’s Horseshoe company, the particular casino was rebranded as the Horseshoe in 2001, and even bought from 2004 to Harrah’s Entertainment, afterwards known as Caesars. HAMMOND — The Horseshoe Casino officially will be part of the nation’s hottest, and largest, on line casino company — for now.

So Long, Bally’s; Hello, Horseshoe: Muchas Las Vegas Hotel-casino To Obtain Multimillion-dollar” “renovation

Harrah’s Las Vegas is a hotel and casino centrally located upon the Las Vegas Strip in Heaven, Nevada. Bally’s Las Vegas (formerly MGM Grand Hotel and Casino) is actually a casino hotel for the Las Vegas Strip throughout Paradise, Nevada. LAS VEGAS, Jan. 26, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Legendary casino brand Horseshoe is returning to Las Vegas since Bally’s begins a transformation to the manufacturer known for video gaming, poker and so that it is right for typically the gambler. Expansion with Robinsonville involved enhancement in connection with Bluesville amusement complex, committed to the celebration involving troubles music.

• In fact, Horseshoe Casino has recently been via a number associated with mergers and acquisitions since its business, resulting in its current ownership simply by Caesars Entertainment.
• Each company brings a abundant, storied history that will positions us to be able to be the international leader within the video gaming industry once we start on this fascinating new chapter.
• Other members associated with the CBAC consortium include” “Jack Entertainment; CVPR Game playing Holdings, LLC; STRON-MD Limited Partnership; in addition to PRT TWO, LLC.
• Twin Riv picked up Bally’s Atlantic City to the bargain price involving $25 million, and then bought the Bally’s brand for one more $20 million.

He on a regular basis shares his insider tips with men and women looking to visit Las Vegas and make the most of their trip. More regarding Bryan. The richest individual casino operator in Vegas had been Sheldon Adelson (Las Vegas Sands Corp) with a fortune of over $30 billion dollars. This Strip hotel is themed and appears like a medieval castle and is named following King Arthur’s mythic sword. New York-New York is instantly recognizable as the resort is modeled after the New York skyline and perhaps features a imitation Statue of Liberty and a tool coaster along with typically the property. Located close to Aria, you’ll get Vdara, a non-gaming resort, condo, and even spa building. The Bellagio has simply under 4, 000 guest rooms and more than one hundred and fifty six, 000 sq ft associated with casino.

‘a Very Interesting Day’: Bally’s Will Become Horseshoe Las Vegas

Genting Group is 1 of the largest casino companies on earth, but this Malaysian giant surprisingly simply owns one hotel in Sin Town. Today, it’s residence to 3, 450 hotel rooms and even more than 72, 000 block feet of gambling space. The resort was the past location of Barbary Coast until Caesars Entertainment overhauled that in 2014.

• In addition, a website visitor from Illinois gained a six-figure jackpot in a off-Strip on line casino.
• Thus typically the Horseshoe Club sketched high-rolling, professional gamblers and became 1 of the the majority of profitable casinos in Las Vegas.
• Caesars Entertainment IncMore compared to 70 years after the first Horseshoe casino emerged inside downtown Las Vegas, the particular historic brand is usually returning to its hometown – on this occasion at the center of the Tape.
• Today, it’s house to 3, 450 hotel rooms plus more as compared to 72, 000 rectangular feet of game playing space.
• The enterprise also built services for the probability of creating a a single, 000-room hotel tower system.
• Caesars Entertainment, Inc. ’s resorts operate generally under the Caesars®, Harrah’s®, Horseshoe®, and even Eldorado® brand brands.

The international interactive division was acquired in the company’s $2 billion merger previous year with United Kingdom-based Gamesys Party PLC. Bryan is usually a Las Las vegas local who features spent years exploring the city’s attractive culture and entertainment scene. With their extensive knowledge regarding the best attractions in addition to” “hidden gems, he offers become an specialist on everything Las Vegas.

Ameristar On Line Casino, East Chicago

The struggle ended with Jack being bought out while keeping a 1% desire intended for the casino thus that can keep his Nevada online video gaming license. Behnen started to always be president of generally the Horseshoe even though the girl husband, Nick, took over because manager. When he or she initially opened typically the Horseshoe, he fixed the craps stand limit at $500–ten occasions higher than any other casino inside Todas las Vegas at typically the particular time. Horseshoe Upon line casino Hammond was named for Best Baccarat, Best” “Craps, Greatest Roulette, plus Best Baccarat mostbet app.

• Almost right away, on March eleven, Harrah’s sold the Horseshoe to MTR Gaming Group.
• Overall, Horseshoe Gaming LLC, which usually owned 91 per-cent of Horseshoe Bossier City and a hundred percent of Horseshoe Casino Center, gathered $298.
• Behnen started to end up being president of typically the Horseshoe while the girl husband, Nick, took over as manager.
• The deal, which adopted Vici’s recent acquisition of the Venetian, makes the business the owner of the the greater part of the casinos around the Las Vegas Strip.

In the years since, the income have nearly tripled, showing that the particular casino is a new profitable business. The company has made opportunities in new game titles and machines, as well as expanding their popular attractions, which has aided to drive the earnings numbers even larger. There are over 2, 000 various slots to choose from, including everything from classic reels towards the newest video devices. You can likewise play table online games such as blackjack, roulette, craps, and poker. Whether you’re a beginner or perhaps an experienced person, there’s something for everyone. In 93 he previously launched Horseshoe Enjoyment (later Horseshoe Gambling LLC) for the purpose of your riverboat video gaming center in Bossier Metropolis, Louisiana.

Is Caesars Promoting Horseshoe Hammond?

Bally Production acquired the particular Vegas and Sparks MGM properties in” “past due 85 for 550 dollars million and offers been renowned the property Bally’s. Horseshoe Casino Tunica is definitely an on series casino resort positioned within Tunica Hotels, Mississippi, United States. It was created by Jack Binion, generally the son of Todas las Las vegas gaming legend Benny Binion, and called after his father’s famous Binion’s Horseshoe downtown playing hall. Much for instance their namesake, typically the Horseshoe Tunica is known regarding catering to severe gamblers, especially desk games gamers, and is also known with regard to its tolerante, player-favorable rules and its compensation procedures. The first revolved around Caesars Entertainment divesting itself of the particular Bally’s brand.

• Bryan is a Las Las vegas local who features spent years checking out the city’s lively culture and entertainment scene.
• Let’s look into typically the historical ownership of the Horseshoe Casino and how this had become under Caesars Entertainment.
• The Flamingo Hotel & On line casino opens, becoming the particular first casino vacation resort on the Las Vegas Strip.
• Caesars Enjoyment,” “Inc. and Eldorado Major resorts, Inc. came with each other in 2020 to be able to create the greatest gambling company in the Oughout. S. – Caesars Entertainment.

EBCI Holdings, some sort of company run with the Eastern Band associated with Cherokee Indians tribe, finalized its $250 million purchase Comes to an end of the on line casino across the Ohio Water in the Hoosier Express. Binion’s Gambling Corridor & Hotel, earlier Binion’s Horseshoe, is definitely a casino in Fremont Street together the Fremont Avenue Experience mall throughout Downtown Las Vegas, Nevada. Please consist of everything you were undertaking when this web page came up plus the Cloudflare Ray ID found in underneath of this page.”

Horseshoe Casino Employs New Vp Of Human Resources

If you’re a gambler in CT, DE, MI, NJ, PA, or WV, your state has licensed online casinos, and a person should play at one of the licensed casinos. Caesars Entertainment IncMore than 70 years after the first Horseshoe casino emerged throughout downtown Vegas, typically the historic brand is definitely returning to it is hometown – on this occasion at the centre of the Deprive. An iconic Vegas hotel, Luxor, may be facing demolition if industry chatter shall be believed. While zero official announcement has been conducted, a decision in order to bring down Luxor during a period of weak demand because of the COVID-19 crisis might make sense for the particular resort’s owner, MGM Resorts. Though the downtown area Vegas has progressed since the times of Benny Binion, Benny’s enthusiasm nevertheless remains on the historic casino and contains been picked up by current owner, TLC Casino Enterprises, of which purchased the real estate in March 08.

” He or perhaps” “your woman offered excellent gaming odds and approved all bets without needing limit. Thus the Horseshoe Club driven high-rolling, professional gamblers and became 1 of the most profitable casinos within Las Vegas. Benny assumed that small-time bettors need the similar comps because all those who bet a pile of cash. To meet improved competition mainly because well as consumer with regard to video video gaming opportunities, Horseshoe Gambling sought to boost its gaming solutions. In spring 2150 Horseshoe Casino Center, alongside with the Rare metal Strike Casino Holiday resort, introduced the Initial Annual Plug Binion World Holdem holdem poker Open.

New General Manager Requires Helm At Hammond’s Horseshoe Casino

Caesars EntertainmentCaesars Entertainment is gearing up to deliver a renowned gambling establishment brand to the heart from the Todas las Vegas Strip this season. Starting this planting season, Bally’s Las Las vegas will begin its modification into Horseshoe Todas las Vegas, an iconic, historic brand originally created by betting magnate Benny Binion more than seventy in years past. Binion’s Horseshoe, also called the Horseshoe Casino or also simply The Horseshoe, was a holiday resort and casino situated in downtown Todas las Las vegas, Nevada on just just what is” “right at this point the Fremont Road Experience. The on line casino has been named for that originator, Benny Binion and even had 366 rooms, three dining locations and a rooftop pool area. On September twelve, 2003, Horseshoe Video gaming signed a great contract to become gained by Harrah’s Leisure, Inc. Several wagering companies expressed want for acquiring Horseshoe Video gaming, this sort of as Ameristar Casinos which wanted financing for the present of $1.

• While each of our own over 50 world class resorts offer it is own unique features, all share a common goal of offering unparalleled family-style support and exhilarating experience.
• Overall, the twelve-monthly revenues of Horseshoe Casino have observed a steady development since the order by Caesar’s Entertainment.
• Opened in January 1973 by business legend Kirk Kerkorian as the MGM Grand, the property was once one of the largest resorts in the globe.
• According to legend, Benny left Dallas for Las vegas with two suitcases containing $2 thousand within cash.
• The play from excellent satellite events continued until a gamer” “each and every table won virtually all tournament chips by which table.
• Historically, the main Las Vegas accommodations and casinos had been operated by typically the same company that owned them, on the other hand, there is a new relatively recent trend using place along the Las vegas Strip.

Seven million on planet wide web earnings, including hotel plus food and drink sales, less advertising allowances. Overall, Horseshoe Gaming LLC, which in turn owned 91 per cent of Horseshoe Bossier City and 100 percent of Horseshoe Casino Center, accrued $298. The Horseshoe Club carried on to be able to be among typically the more profitable betting dens in Todas las Vegas because typically the Binions place in in providing great gambling, rather than leisure. The Palms On line casino Resort is owned or operated and operated by San Manuel Music group of Mission Indians and” “will be the only major on line casino and hotel property on or near the Strip fully owned by a local American tribe.

Illinois Hoping Lower Tax Prices Will Win This A Chicago Casino

Learn the particular games” “using play money wherever it doesn’t cost anything if an individual lose. Total Rare metal becomes Total Advantages, the first tiered client loyalty program inside the gaming industry. Harrah’s becomes the particular first casino business listed on the particular New York Stock Exchange. The Flamingo Hotel & Casino opens, becoming typically the first casino holiday resort on the Las Vegas Strip.

• The brand operates an impressive 12 resorts upon or perhaps off typically the Las Vegas Strip, plus a few of events and convention centers.
• As Bally’s, the resort became the northern terminus regarding a monorail that shuttled passengers to be able to and from the new MGM Awesome property built in the Strip at Tropicana Avenue.
• Whether you’re a beginner, or even an advanced player, you will find the best tournament to suit your needs.
• The MGM Grand opened inside 1993 and is definitely the only largest lodge in Las Vegas with 6, 852 rooms and 171, 500 sq ft regarding gaming space.
• With numerous options to pick from, you’re sure to have a great time at Horseshoe Casino.

Eldorado’s incredible sister property, Silver Legacy® Resort Casino, is usually unveiled in downtown Reno. Harrah’s Joliet opens and is also the particular company’s first riverboat casino development. Caesars Entertainment joins a couple of successful gaming frontrunners, Caesars Entertainment plus Eldorado Resorts, that have come with each other to make the most significant and most diversified collection of destinations across the U. S.