Connecticut | Opinion

Editorial: It's too risky to bet economy on tribal gaming industry

Monday, October 1, 2012

"Mohegan Sun's announcement Thursday that it is laying off more than 300 employees comes as no great surprise since the casino, like nearby Foxwoods Resort Casino, faces growing competition from gambling halls in surrounding states.

With slot revenues declining steadily over the past several years - in part because of new casinos in New York and New Jersey, and also because of a general economic slowdown - the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority is doing what any other business must to when revenues tumble: lower its overhead by reducing the work force.

In its heyday, Mohegan Sun employed more than 10,000. After the layoffs - 282 were let go immediately; another 46 will be let go next month when the casino closes Birches, a tribe-owned restaurant that will reopen under new ownership - the work force will number about 6,400."

Get the Story:
Editorial: A strong case for diverse economy (The New London Day 9/29)

Also Today:
After 2nd Wave Of Layoffs in 2 Years, Mohegans Look Beyond Gaming For Future Growth In State (The Hartford Courant 9/28)
Mohegan Sun casino layoffs in Connecticut get mixed reaction in Palmer (MassLive 9/28)
Mohegan Sun blames economy for layoffs (The Norwich Bulletin 9/29)
Despite layoffs, Mohegan eyes Palmer casino (The Boston Herald 9/29)
Soper prepared to meet challenge at Mohegan Sun (The New London Day 9/29)