5,000 workers furloughed as coronavirus busts casinos – The Times of Northwest Indiana

It's a similar story at the Majestic Star casinos, owned by Indiana-based Spectacle Entertainment, which continued paying its employees through March 29, despite lacking the financial resources of its Region gaming competitors.

Spectacle also is paying 100% of the cost of employee health benefits through the end of April, according to a company announcement.

"Our team members are our most valuable asset and the champions of our business. Unfortunately, except for some security, surveillance and other critical personnel, we had no choice but to furlough approximately 95% of our workforce on March 30, in accordance with union and non-union guidelines," the company said.

"It is our sincere hope we can get through this critical situation and bring our team back together with as minimal hardship as possible."

Ameristar parent Penn National Gaming Inc. previously announced it had furloughed its employees March 31. Though the company is maintaining employee medical benefits until June 30.

Currently, the only Northwest Indiana casino still paying all of its employees is Michigan City's Blue Chip Casino, owned by Boyd Gaming.

Boyd announced March 27 it would continue employee pay and benefits until April 10. It has not said what will happen after Friday.

See original here:
5,000 workers furloughed as coronavirus busts casinos - The Times of Northwest Indiana