The casino operator Eldorado Resorts has agreed to merge with Caesars Entertainment in a $17.3 billion cash-and-stock deal, including debt, the companies said on Monday, in a bid to create the country’s largest casino operator.

Eldorado’s offer of $12.75 per share represents a premium of about 28 percent to Caesar’s closing price on Friday, and an equity valuation of about $8.54 billion.

Caesars, which emerged from bankruptcy in 2017, operates casinos with the Harrah’s and Horseshoe brands.

The company had 53 properties in 14 states and five countries outside the United States at the end of March, and its long-term debt stood at $8.79 billion.