Layoffs at Evangeline Downs in Opelousas

An undisclosed number of employees were laid off on Tuesday at Evangeline Downs Racetrack and Casino in Opelousas. Reports are that 68 employees were let go and that number could be 200 by the end of the week.

However, David Strow, Vice President of Corporate Communications for Boyd Gaming, the facility's parent company, would not disclose specific numbers. He did confirm that the employees were notified of the layoffs on Tuesday.

"I can tell you it is a relatively small portion of the workforce," Strow said.

The company referred to the layoffs as "workforce adjustments".

"We've owned this property for several years now, and we're constantly reviewing, evaluating and fine tuning the operation," Strow said. "This is part of that process."

Strow would go on to say that the move is "absolutely not" related to the economy or the performance of the property. Conversely, Boyd has long term plans for Evangeline Downs and recently invested millions in the property, including building a couple of new restaurants and putting in place new administration.

"We believe in the long term growth potential of this property," Strow said. "We are as confident as ever in Evangeline Downs.

[KATC]