Binion's closing Las Vegas hotel; casino remains

The Associated Press LAS VEGAS—A Binion's Gambling Hall & Hotel spokeswoman says the downtown Las Vegas property that used to host the World Series of Poker will mothball its 365 hotel rooms in a cost-cutting move. TLC Casino Enterprises spokeswoman Lisa Robinson said Monday that Binion's casino will remain open, along with the poker room, sports book and well-known Binion's Ranch Steakhouse. Robinson says about 100 of Binion's 800 workers have been notified they'll be laid off when the Binion's hotel and former Mint tower close Dec. 14. The Binion's Original Coffee Shop will also shut down, and keno operations will cease. Robinson calls the decision a result of the economic downturn and a decrease in room rates and hotel occupancy at Las Vegas-area hotels.