Belterra Gaming warns of up to 361 layoffs in southwest Ohio

Layoffs could start in July, gaming center warns

Boyd Gaming is warning the state of Ohio that it could lay off about 25% to 60% of its Belterra Park Gaming & Entertainment Center employees unless conditions change soon.

“Because of mandatory closures, guest limitations imposed by various regulatory authorities, and overall economic conditions due to the pandemic, Boyd Gaming anticipates that it will conduct permanent layoffs that may impact between 25% and 60% of team members at the Belterra Park Gaming & Entertainment Center,” Chris Smith, Boyd’s vice president of corporate human resources, wrote in a letter dated May 22 to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.

Credit: CONTRIBUTED

Credit: CONTRIBUTED

“Some team members who are not laid off, we now reasonably expect the current furlough may last longer than six months from the date it began,” Smith also said, adding: “We anticipate that the layoff will take place between July 1 and July 14, 2020.”

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The state counts 361 employees who may be affected.

Large entertainment centers in Ohio — sites that typically draw big crowds — have been left in limbo by government closure and social-distancing orders, as well as public fears of COVID-19.

On its web site, Kings Island is telling customers: “We are in constant communication with our state and federal governments and are looking forward to welcoming you back just as soon as it is safe to do so.”

Kings Island said it has extended the validity of all 2020 season passes and season pass add-0n products through the 2021 season.

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