Iowa Tribal Casino Closure Could Hurt Local Economy

Another day, another casino closure in the US. This time, however, the economic conditions in the country were not the main factor in the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska's decision to close CasinOmaha in Iowa. Instead, it was violations of commission regulations.

The National Indian Gaming Commission had recommended to the tribe that the casino be closed. neither the commission nor the tribe would elaborate on what regulations the casino was in violation of.

"This is a bad day for the economy in our area," said Vern Halder, "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."

The tribe laid off 205 workers during the closure. They assured the workers that they would be eligible for unemployment benefits, but that did not stop former employees from voicing their displeasure. Several of the employees are formulating a petition that asks that council members receive no salary while the casino is closed.

The tribe claims that they will be renovating the casino, which opened in 1992. They plan on improving all areas of the casino and upgrading the slot machines. It is a process that they feel will take about forty-five days.

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

July 1, 2009
Posted By April Gardner
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
Submit News!