Despite being one of the healthiest states in the country, the impact of the coronavirus remains widespread across every part of the US.
Hollywood Casino, situated in Charles Town of Jefferson County, West Virginia, made headlines last week by announcing its decision to lay off approximately 40% of its workforce.
Similar to numerous businesses in West Virginia and across the nation, the financial impact of the COVID-19 shutdown has been significant. Casinos, like many others, are compelled to implement cost-saving measures, resulting in unfortunate staff reductions.
Hollywood Casino’s parent company, Penn National Gaming, has announced that a significant number of furloughed employees may face permanent job cuts. This move could potentially result in the elimination of over 540 out of the casino’s 1,300 job positions.
The implementation of the layoffs is scheduled to commence in August.
Due to its intended reduction in workforce, Penn National was required to inform the Jefferson County Commission. In total, the company has laid off more than 3,000 employees across all of its establishments.
Despite the reopening of various establishments in the state, the repercussions of the coronavirus are still prevalent across all areas.
Although some sports have resumed, the betting figures at WV sportsbooks have experienced an increase. However, they are still far from reaching the figures they once generated.
Although local casinos have reopened, the revenue is still down due to limited capacity and restricted markets at sportsbooks.
As a result, Hollywood and numerous other establishments have been compelled to downsize their regular workforce.
WV MetroNews reported that Eric Schippers, Penn National’s senior vice president, explained the reasons behind their inability to rehire everyone.
Despite being able to reopen most of our properties on a limited scale, it is important to note that due to ongoing social distancing measures and unpredictable business volumes, we cannot foresee a return to normal operations in the near future.
Hollywood Casino Employee Layoffs
Naturally, the financial strain on casinos is significant when they can only accommodate half of their regular crowds. Furthermore, the limited availability of slots and table games further reduces the overall amount of money being gambled.
Due to the recent increase in new cases across the US, businesses that involve large gatherings are proceeding cautiously. Despite West Virginia’s status as one of the healthiest states in the nation, it is essential to exercise utmost caution during this ongoing pandemic.
Due to the anticipated resurgence of COVID-19 after the summer, casinos find it challenging to guarantee a complete workforce moving forward, as predicted by numerous experts.
It is our hope that the nation can steer towards the correct path, enabling every individual to resume their work.
Luckily, Hollywood employees facing layoffs are not left without support as both Penn National and Jefferson County are offering assistance to those impacted by the virus.
The owner of Hollywood announced that they would extend healthcare and pharmaceutical benefits for those who have been laid off until the end of August.
Penn National’s decision has been praised by Annette Gavin Bates, CEO of the Jefferson County Convention and Visitors Bureau, who spoke highly of it.
Penn’s ongoing dedication to their employees’ health insurance is truly phenomenal and highly commendable.
The Jefferson County Development Authority is committed to facilitating assistance for individuals facing unemployment as well.
Local DVM was informed by Director Dennis Jarvis about their plan to provide assistance.
Our aim is to serve as a liaison between the casino and racetrack, ensuring that their employees have access to a comprehensive range of employment services, training programs, and educational opportunities.
WV Online Casino Gambling
The entire nation is experiencing the effects of the coronavirus. It is likely that the retail casino industry will take a significant amount of time to return to its normal operations.
Schippers from Penn National discussed their future prospects during the conversation. He expressed
In the face of immense challenges, both personally and professionally, we have taken decisive actions thus far and have future plans in place. Our primary goal is to position our Company and the majority of our team members to endure these difficult times and emerge even stronger.
Although losing a job is undoubtedly difficult, Jarvis from Jefferson County remains optimistic about the future prospects for residents in this region. He firmly believes that there will be ample opportunities for them.
Jefferson County receives a significant portion, twenty percent, of the tourism tax dollars generated in the entire state. Our county is witnessing the growth and expansion of various employers. We are actively promoting our industrial park and available properties to attract investment. Additionally, the housing market in our county is experiencing a strong and thriving condition.
Undoubtedly, times are currently complex, but there is optimism that things will soon revert back to a state closer to normal.
There is some positive news in West Virginia as the state has now entered the realm of online casino gambling.
Although DraftKings Casino WV paved the way as the first to launch, several others are expected to go live shortly. The introduction of the mobile casino further enhances the already existing three online sports betting apps available in the WV market.
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