Temecula, California (AP) -- The Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula plans to lay off about 400 of its 4,700 workers, blaming tough economic times. The casino, the second-largest private employer in Riverside County, draws customers from across Southern California. Economist John Husing says people spend less on entertainment during an economic downturn, and the region has been hit hard by the housing slump and overall economic downturn.

Greektown Casino today announced 89 employees will be laid off as part of USD 7.8 million in annual cost savings identified by the casino's managers and financial consultants. Most of the furloughed employees work in table games, and 70 are part-time employees. "Greektown Casino managers, owners and financial consultants are examining every possible way to make the casino a more efficient and profitable business," said Greektown Casino CEO Craig Ghelfi in a statement.

Halifax - More than 100 people will lose their jobs at Casino Nova Scotia in Halifax in the coming weeks and the casino will start closing for six hours a day later this month, a spokesman for the casino’s owner said Tuesday. Great Canadian Gaming Corp., based in Richmond, B.C., will cut 15 per cent of the roughly 800 full- and part-time workers, company spokesman Howard Blank said. He said 100 to 120 positions will go.

(Detroit Free Press - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) - The luxurious MGM Grand Detroit is laying off workers just six months after opening its permanent casino, hotel and entertainment complex. MGM Grand Detroit spokesman Scott Grigg said "under 100" employees had been laid off starting March 7. Most of the layoffs were limited to food and beverage operations, though some are tied to the hotel...