Biloxi – Beau Rivage Casino announced layoffs this week of an undisclosed number of employees, primarily assistant managers and managers.

„In light of the current economic environment that we are all currently experiencing, Beau Rivage has had to make tough decisions, not unlike other companies,“ Beau Rivage President George Corchis said. „We continuously evaluate our business and make appropriate efficiencies when needed.“

Fall is traditionally a slower season in the tourism industry, and other Coast casinos have also reduced their staff in the past several weeks.

Bruce Nourse, vice president of public affairs for MGM Mirage Mississippi Operations, was one of the employees released at Beau Rivage.

„It’s been a pleasure working for the Beau Rivage and MGM Mirage over the past eight years,“ Nourse said. „Although times are tough now, I’m optimistic that the Coast will prosper and at the appropriate time, I hope to return to work in this exciting industry in my home state of Mississippi.“

Also this week, the September earnings for Biloxi casinos were released, showing that hurricanes and the economy had a negative impact. Compared to September 2007, revenues were down 26 percent. The numbers were expected to be considerably lower because the casinos were closed for three days because of Hurricane Gustav over Labor Day weekend and Hurricane Ike shortly afterward.