KenPat Entertainment Group of Orange County, Calif., became the latest contender on the growing list of bidders for the Las Vegas casino hotel, which has been in bankruptcy protection since September 2001.

So far, Financial Capital Investment Co. of Los Angeles and a group led by Planet Hollywood co-founder Robert Earl are also bidding for the property.But Earl's group is the one to beat. And, in order to do that, KenPat or Financial Capital must make an offer that is $7.5 million higher than the $590 million stalking horse bid that's currently on the table from Earl and his investor group. Starwood Hotels & Resorts Inc. and Bay Harbour Management are part of Earl's group, which is bidding $90 million in cash and assuming $510 million in debt.

As the stalking horse bidder, Earl and his associates would be reimbursed for termination and related expenses if it lost the auction, which is tentatively scheduled for June 18 or June 19.

While Financial Capital's interest has been known for some time, KenPat's presence was reported June 4 by the Las Vegas Sun. KenPat counts California real estate developers and Korean investors, and Calstar Properties Inc., a Laguna Niguel, Calif., developer, owner and manager of hotels and other properties as its backers, according to the newspaper.

Meanwhile Financial Capital has strengthened its bid in recent weeks by adding Bethesda, Md.-based Marriott International Inc. as a co-investor in its bid.

Jeffrey Truitt of KPMG LLP, who is Aladdin's investment banker, was not immediately available for comment.