Bet on boom times now leading to bankruptcy for part of Caesars' casino empire

LAS VEGAS – Caesars Entertainment's operating division may file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy as early as Thursday, seeking relief after a 2008 buyout left it saddled with billions in debt.

The company says it has a majority of its debt holders on board with a pre-planned bankruptcy agreement that would reorganize Caesars Entertainment Operating Corp. into two separate companies — one to own casino-hotels and the other to lease them — and cut its existing debt by about $10 billion.

Analysts say customers shouldn't notice a difference and no properties will likely close. But the bankruptcy proceedings may not move as quickly as the company hopes, considering the complexity and creditor demands.