BANGOR, Maine — After reorganizing as many staff members as possible, Hollywood Slots Hotel and Raceway was forced to lay off about 3 percent of its work force, or 12 employees, it announced this week.
Amy Kenney, director of marketing and public affairs for Maine’s only gaming facility, said the layoffs were as minimal as could be expected in such a difficult economy.
“We’re trying to stay positive and keep our morale up,” she said.
Penn National Gaming Inc., a Pennsylvania-based company that operates several gaming facilities throughout the country, owns Hollywood Slots. It is not clear whether any other facilities have laid off employees recently, but other New England casinos have been struggling. Mohegan Sun in Connecticut halted construction of a new hotel recently, and Foxwoods, also in Connecticut, laid off 700 people last month.
Also last month, Maine’s Gambling Control Board determined the economy has significantly affected gambling revenue in the state. Looking at the average amount of money being bet at each slot machine in Bangor shows the numbers have been cut almost in half from the first week of $3,500 per machine to about $1,800.
A state panel drafted a first estimate that concluded revenues from the racino will be down $3.6 million this year, and that revenues for the two-year budget cycle should be reduced by about $4.5 million a year. Those revenues were projected based on the amount of money bet at each machine.
Hollywood Slots employs about 350 people, more than 90 percent of whom are full-time employees, according to Kenney.
On 11/15/08 at 4:21 AM,
Mainelyme wrote:
Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden
So the city of Bangor can now steal the building for taxes and the Bangor Community Developement Office can use it as a parking garage for visitors to the Paul Bunyon Statue.
Talk about win win!
On 11/15/08 at 4:38 AM,
downbeat wrote:
Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden
I can't believe people go to this place in light of the economy, our high taxes etc.....More layoffs will be coming.. Too bad for employees...
On 11/15/08 at 7:27 AM,
musician wrote:
Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden
BDN: I'd like to see you do a story on how lives have been negatively affected by gambling.
On 11/15/08 at 8:13 AM,
Rick32 wrote:
Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden
Musician, they'd do a story on the negative impact if there was any ......
On 11/15/08 at 8:17 AM,
Bangorian wrote:
Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden
I've been wondering how their business is. I noticed that they built the parking garage in a way that prevents you from being able to see how many cars are in it. That wasn't the case when they were still at Miller's.
On 11/15/08 at 8:43 AM,
LincolnMOM wrote:
Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden
The economy changes all the time and adjustments have to be made...it happenes everywhere. They said Foxwoods laid off 700 ppl...so its not just Hollywood Slots. Furthermore they had hired way too many people for the grand opening period and make sense to cut back now that they are getting a feel for the area. I think the place is great...if you CAN afford to go ...do it...if you can't stay home. The night I went the place was hopping and our group had a wonderful relaxing & fun time!! It is not a thing you would want to do every day...but hey parents need a little fun & excitement in their busy lives. You have to put your priorities first and whatever is left...enjoy your life. Our group did GREAT we all won.
On 11/15/08 at 9:35 AM,
zachary wrote:
Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden
With maine being the highest taxed state in the nation (thanks for nothing Baldacci} along with the price of oil, Holywwod Slots is also going to see hard times. Its inevitable!
On 11/15/08 at 10:33 AM,
Mainelyme wrote:
Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden
I said before it was built that the casinos and gambling rsorts were all closed or closing down in upstate New York.
That goes also for what Slum Creek wants to destroy Northern Maine to do.
Speaking of Bibles;
Does anyone else remember the collection that was taken up to fund a shoe factory on outer Hamond Street back in the 1950s, and people actually sold their familiy Bibles to make a contribution?
Where are all the shoe factories now?
Tear Hollywood Slots down and build a parking lot.
As Bob Brandow, The late Executive Director of the EMMC once said in a BDN Headline: "We build good parking lots!"
On 11/15/08 at 11:57 AM,
knine620 wrote:
Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden
WHY are the cutting jobs when they have like 3 job listings in the classifieds?!?
On 11/15/08 at 12:08 PM,
usafbangormaine wrote:
Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden
weird considering their website says its hiring, about 12 or 13 new positions...
On 11/15/08 at 2:50 PM,
Bangorian wrote:
Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden
Good to hear that potential gamblers are thinking twice before spending their money during tight times.
On 11/16/08 at 6:46 AM,
guest000 wrote:
Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden
awwwwwwwwwwwwwww to bad like to see them lay off the entire staff all together. shut it completely down. Have the casino in washinghton county. We can use the economy and jobs. shut it down, shut it down shut it down
On 11/16/08 at 12:48 PM,
whatever wrote:
Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden
Great idea- just what Washington County needs- I know that everyone was saying a casino downeast would help those who had lost their jobs at the mill. Hmm, I am trying to envision one of the millwrights that I know dawning a cocktail waitress apron. No, I think not.
On 11/17/08 at 10:13 AM,
Chastings wrote:
Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden
Its funny to see how many people are opposed to Casinos in Maine. A lot of people voted the one down in Oxford and they don't even live in the area. I'm a native of the Oxford Hills area and I would have loved to see the Casino bring in jobs and attract new businesses. But back to the topic at hand the casino is here and as far as I have seen (I now live in the Orono/Bangor area) the Casino has not increased crime or destroyed lives as some people may believe.
Besides gambling has been around a while in the state of Maine. Maine State Lottery anyone?
Post a comment about this story
You must be logged in to post a comment.
click here to log in.
