As the United States falls deeper into recession, more and more businesses have to close or make drastic changes. The Choctaw Indians of Mississippi have who run the Golden Moon Hotel and Casino has had to cut five hundred and seventy jobs and open the casino online three days a week in order to save money.

The plan was announced yesterday by Paul Harvey, the president and chief executive of Pearl River Resort. Pearl River manages the Golden Moon and Silver Star Hotel and Casino. The changes and layoffs were due to several factors. The economy, gaming revenue decline and the overexpansion of the Pearl River Resort.

The five hundred and seventy workers who are being laid off are not a part of the Choctaw tribe and will receive a letter in the mail. Starting this week the Golden Moon will only be open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays each week.

Harvey commented that the Silver Star is surviving and maintain good business but the Golden Moon has struggled. This strain in money has caused the tribe to have lower funds available for services provided for tribal members.


- 2009-01-06