Mississippi Choctaws eliminate 570 gaming jobs

Monday, January 5, 2009  

The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians will lay off 570 gaming employees and cut back operations at one of its casinos.

The tribe cited the economy as one of the reasons for the downsizing. A press release said revenues at the Silver Star Hotel & Casino remain strong but that the new Golden Moon Hotel and Casino is floundering.

"Silver Star was and continues to be a strong business; however, the decision to build the Golden Moon, championed by the prior Tribal administration and Resort management, has overextended the Tribe financially. The Golden Moon has dragged down profits for the entire Resort operation since it opened," said Paul Harvey, the chief executive officer for the Pearl River Resort.

The press release blamed former chief Phil Martin for pushing for the Golden Moon casino, whose operating hours will be restricted to weekends. Miko Beasley Denson, the tribe's current leader, said no tribal members will be laid off.

Get the Story:
Choctaw casino lays off almost 600 workers (WLOX 1/5)