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Lady Luck Casino Laying Off 15% Of Employees

FARMINGTON, Pa. (AP) - Pennsylvania's newest casino is laying off 15 percent of its 450 employees, citing "slower than expected" business since the resort casino opened two months ago.

The Lady Luck Casino at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort opened July 1, but unlike most others in the state, it is not open to the general public.

Instead, patrons must be guests of the posh resort, about 40 miles southeast of Pittsburgh, a customer of the resorts restaurants, or other facilities, or be willing to purchase a $10 resort gift card.

St. Louis-based Isle of Capri Casinos Inc., which operates the resort, says in a statement that customers have been "resistant" to the plan that limits access to the casino.

Lady Luck Casino released a statement about the layoffs saying, "We have received high marks from our customers related to their experience at Lady Luck Nemacolin. However, customers have been resistant to the access plan. We continue to work closely with the resort to establish admission procedures that conform to state regulations that are as customer-friendly as possible.Business has been slower than expected and we must make some changes to keep our expenses in line with business levels as we move into the slow winter season. As a result a number of positions are being eliminated. The layoffs represent a small percentage of our workforce and we remain one of the largest employers in Fayette County."

The company wouldn't specify how many employees are being eliminated, but 15 percent of its workforce would be about 70.

(Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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