Pechanga Casino folds 'em, lays off 400
Talk about hard times - even the gambling industry is feeling the pinch of the economic doom and gloom. Pechanga Casino, the second-largest employer in Riverside County, is laying off 400 workers, the Press-Enterprise reports:
The tribe was one of the first in the region to expand and open a resort after voters approved Las Vegas-style Indian casinos in 2000. The tribe draws gamblers from across Southern California.
Amy Minniear, president of the Pechanga Development Corp., said in a statement that laying off workers was "the most difficult decision" the tribe has had to make in the 13 years of its casino business.
"For months, we have resisted the pressure to lay off team members," the statement said. "But because of the prolonged economic downturn, we must downsize in order to adjust to the current market conditions and position ourselves for success once the market turns."
Wonder how this will play in Sacramento, where gambling revenue plays a big part in budget projections. The full story about Pechanga's layoffs is here.
--Veronique de Turenne
Photo: Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times
By the free offers all the casinos are sending out almost daily, it’s become rather apparent they are feeling the economic downturn most industries have been struggling with this year.
Just shared with my colleagues that the Nevada casinos have enhanced their free offers, which includes free airfare, free rooms, and free food for two, they must think I’m a small whale?
My visit to San Manuel, in Highland, CA., shows this tribe is having no problem bringing in the gamblers, had to park on the roof of the massive parking structure Sunday night.
Posted by: Edward Padgett | July 23, 2008 at 07:46 PM
I reckon if business is so bad, they will NOT be able to make those BIG tax numbers they made such claims about! In fact, with another 400 people out of work it's more than likely going to COST the State more.
I wonder, if I placed a bet at Pechanga on whether or not their per-capita has been delayed going down because of the 400 people they gave the ax to, what kind of odds I could get on that bet?
Posted by: Phil Cuevas | July 24, 2008 at 06:41 PM
I wonder how the reduction in 'team members' will affect the resort's overall 4 diamond rating? Fewer qualified dealers will slow the games down. Fewer rank and file (oh, wait, no union) will mean cleanliness will go down as well as service levels.
LA County residents should just keep their money in LA. And, Las Vegas is looking a lot more attractive again. Gas prices are lower there.
Other casinos are weathering the economic slide, what is Pechanga's problem?
Posted by: Original Pechanga | July 25, 2008 at 08:52 AM