Gaming News

Minnesota's casinos hitting a dry spell

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota -- As reported by the Minneapolis Star-Tribune: "Minnesota's American Indian-run casinos offer more elbow room these days, Dan Moren has noticed.

"The Becker, Minn., man visits casinos to play slot machines four to six times a month with his wife, Jan. On a stop at Grand Casino Mille Lacs in early February, 'it seemed like there were more workers than customers. I practically had to chase the drink girl away,' he said.

"An evening of gambling may offer a welcome diversion from hard times, but casinos are finding they aren't immune from the recession, according to John McCarthy, executive director of the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association. He estimated that casino visits and revenues are down 3 to 5 percent since the slowdown took hold last fall.

"...Operators of several Minnesota casinos said they've trimmed payroll expenses by letting vacant positions go unfilled, and the tribe that runs Treasure Island Resort & Casino near Red Wing disclosed Friday that it has laid off 'a small number of people.' Expect fewer casino commercials for a while, too, as several operators said they've cut marketing budgets and are looking for other ways to tighten their belts..."

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