Bally’s Corporation has set the record straight on an “inaccurate and premature” FAQ letter distributed to Tropicana Resort Las Vegas employees that informed them of job losses.
A letter to employees circulating on social media earlier this week informed members of staff that they will lose their jobs following a deal agreed with the Oakland A’s to create a ballpark on the site.
However, a Bally’s spokesperson reached out to SBC Americas to set the record straight on the letter, noting that it was sent out erroneously.
The spokesperson said: “The FAQ circulated yesterday was issued prematurely and was inaccurate. The FAQ issued today accurately conveys the current situation. The plans regarding the recently announced agreement with the Oakland Athletics are in very preliminary stages, and our focus at this time is on continuing to operate the Tropicana. We will be prepared to support Tropicana employees if and when the need should arise.”
This week, Bally’s confirmed reports that it had agreed a deal with the Oakland A’s to construct a $1.5bn, around 30,000-seat retractable roof stadium on nine acres of the 35-acre site.
It comes as Las Vegas increasingly diversifies its economy with the introduction of a growing sports base in the city, with MLB looking to establish itself after the NFL found success in Sin City.
Bally’s told staff that, while development work takes place, Tropicana will close without a phased approach, and that employment will end simultaneously for all staff.
The operator anticipates receiving legislative approval for the development before the Nevada session, which ends on June 5, with a bill expected to be filed this week.
As staff were told they would lose their jobs, they were also notified that any closure would not take place for around 18-24 months and said it “hopes you continue your employment with us for as long as practically possible”.
The company added in its updated FAQ remarks: “If we need to close, employees will have an opportunity to find employment across the
Bally’s portfolio.
“The new casino hotel resort and baseball park would create new employment opportunities and we would share information about career opportunities and job openings.”
Bally’s completed its acquisition of Tropicana for $148m last year, completing a deal with GLPI and Penn. Following the completion of the redevelopment and construction of the ballpark, Bally’s anticipates more than 2.5 million fans and visitors annually.
