Casino Omaha closes its doors but for regulation breach or refurbishment

Wednesday 1st July 2009

The Iowa Indian tribe has closed the CasinOmaha following a recommendation by the National Indian Gaming Commission. No details have been released as to the exact nature of the violation of the Commission's rules.

The closure of the Casino has led to the lay off of 205 workers. Workers were told they would be entitled to unemployment benefits but some are still believed to be forming a petition that will call for the Tribal council members to receive no salary while the Casino is closed.

The Casino first opened in 1992 and by anyones count must be ready for the refit that the Tribe are currently planning, stating it should take around forty five days to complete.

"We understand the impact of this decision on our employees and guests, but we are certain to reopen with a much improved casino" said Jim Hunt, General Manager of CasinOmaha.

"This is a bad day for the economy in our area, that casino brought in a lot of customers to the surrounding area and without it all of those businesses are going to struggle more than they normally would." said Vern Halder.

Maybe we are being too cynical but a closure forced by a violation of the Gambling Commission’s rules just at the same time as a planned refurbishment and the loss of all those staff cost's during construction does seem a little coincidental.

So let’s all just look forward to a newer and better CasinOmaha and all those laid off workers getting back to the gaming tables as soon as possible.

Written by Casino Tim