The Michigan Gaming Control Board issued reopening guidelines in June for all state-licensed casinos to abide by. “In light of this new uncertainty, and the related economic realities, we have reached the conclusion that, to protect the long-term viability of our business, we must formally lay off associates.” “Although we remain optimistic about reopening soon, we do not know exactly when that will occur nor do we know how many associates we will be in a position to bring back to work initially or in the weeks following our reopening,” said David Turner, Motor City Casino vice president of human resources, in a notice. What’s more, the layoffs deal a significant blow to poker players hoping to get back to normal. While the casino is slated to reopen to the public on Wednesday, August 5th, the poker room is not part of the reopening plan. Motor City Casino has a popular poker room featuring a variety of poker games and tournaments. MGM Grand Detroit laid off 2,600 employees in May. The news comes on the heels of 621 layoffs announced recently at competing property Greektown Casino. While the layoffs are temporary, many could become permanent. Motor City Casino has announced plans to lay off more than 2,500 employees at the end of the month. More bad news for poker players hoping to see some live Texas Hold’em in Detroit.
