The Eastern Shoshone Tribe is laying off employees, reducing hours and implementing other cost-cutting measures at its casino in Wyoming.
According to the tribe, the measures are needed in order for the Shoshone Rose Casino and Hotel to meet its financial obligations. Without changes, the facility is in danger of "losing operational viability," a press release on Friday stated. "This has been a difficult process for the SBC but we will do everything we can to bring back these jobs once the casino stabilizes," Chairman Vernon Hill of the Eastern Shoshone Business Council said in the release. The cost-cutting measures include the closure of table games, the end of shuttle bus service, a shutdown of the banquet department and staff reductions of 15 to 20 people. Additionally, the casino will close during the "graveyard" shift from Sunday through Thursday. An informational meeting will take place on June 18 to discuss the casino and tribal finances, among other items. The tribe opened the casino in 2007. The facility debuted a $30 million expansion in 2016 that includes a 61-room hotel, more gaming space and expanded hours. According to news reports from the time, the project was financed by the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community. As recently as April, the Minnesota-based tribe awarded a $300,000 grant to the Eastern Shoshones for continued operation of the casino, according to a press release.