Harrah's has announced a billion-dollar expansion and upgrade of Caesars Palace, including a new 665-room hotel tower with 71 suites and three 10,000-square-foot "pool villas." There will be a complete remodel of the 512-room Forum Tower, new restaurants and entertainment options, an enlarged front entrance and valet area, an upgraded sports book, three new pools and an outdoor spa, and a 263,000-square-foot convention center. The project should be completed by the second quarter of 2009. This is the largest capital-improvement investment to date in Las Vegas.

Tao Tops: Restaurants & Institutions magazine reports that Tao Las Vegas is the highest-grossing independent restaurant in the United States. In 2006, its first full year open, Tao did $55.2 million in business, $16 million more than its closest competitor.

Silverton Deal: Through the end of July, earn 1,000 players club points in a single day at Silverton and get two free buffets or a $20 dining ticket. This is a good deal for gamblers who've budgeted to play a little.

Terrible's Tourney: And if you don't have a gambling budget, from now till the end of September, Terrible's Casino is running a daily free slot tournament with about $200 in prizes. It's totally free to enter and all you have to do is push the machine buttons fast. You'll have to join the Terrible's Players Club, which is also free to do.

Q. Is Tony Braxton's run at the Flamingo permanent, or is there an end-of-show date?

She's just gotten an extension. The Grammy Award-winning singer's show will be permanent at the Flamingo through February 2008.

For information about Las Vegas shows, buffets, coupons and deals, see www.LasVegasAdvisor.com.