The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians has consistently ranked among the top 10 employers in Mississippi but that could be changing with the downturn in the economy. The tribe is laying off 570 employees at the Pearl River Resort. Executives cited the poor performance of the new Golden Moon Hotel and Casino. "It was too much casino for one market," a casino director told The Jackson Clarion-Ledger. Poor showings at the Golden Moon led to a 25 percent year-to-year decline in gaming revenues, the tribe said. So the facility will only be open Fridays through Sundays. The more successful Silver Star Hotel & Casino remains open 24/7. The cuts were rumored for weeks but yesterday's announcement came as a shock to many in the area. "Seriously, it's going to be bad for the economy," one woman told The Meridian Star. Get the Story:
570 jobs gone at Choctaw resort (The Jackson Clarion-Ledger 1/6)
MBCI loses Golden Moon gamble (The Meridian Star 11/6)
Choctaws cut 570 jobs, partial shutdown of casino (AP 1/5)