Layoffs Impact Table Game Dealers at Fontainebleau Las Vegas
Fontainebleau Layoffs: Unemployed Dealers and Expanding Legal Woes
May 29, 2025, 9:56h (Updated)
In an unprecedented blow to the gaming industry in Las Vegas, the Fontainebleau casino resort has laid off around 60 table game dealers, according to numerous sources. The dismissals came last Tuesday, May 26, with security personnel escorting the employees off the property.
The upheaval at the Fontainebleau was first revealed by the local news outlet, Las Vegas Locally, which also acquired an email sent to a terminated employee, requesting a "mandatory meeting with a Table Games Department leader."
The dismissals have been met with widespread criticism on social media, with some employees describing the process as humiliating and traumatic. Previous reports by Las Vegas Locally had hinted at the possibility of a class-action lawsuit by the affected employees, alleging discrimination and favoritism in the selection process.
The layoffs follow broader reductions in workforce at the $3.7 billion resort, which saw layoffs across various departments as early as November 2024. At that time, employees received only two weeks' severance pay, regardless of role or seniority.
A Troubled History
The Fontainebleau, which opened in December 2023, has faced numerous challenges, contributing to its ongoing struggles. These include:
- Location: Its position on the anemic north end of the Strip has resulted in subpar visitor numbers.
- Competition: Established luxury resorts, such as Wynn Las Vegas and the Venetian, have proven tough competitors.
- Legal Issues: Last week, it was reported that the casino was under investigation for potential anti-money laundering violations, a development that could cost the casino tens of millions in legal fees and fines.
In a statement to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Fontainebleau responded to the layoffs:
"We are constantly evaluating our business needs and making adjustments to our hiring strategy accordingly... Our commitment to our employees and associated vendors remains steadfast."
[1]: Source 1 on economic slowdown[3]: Source 3 on industry adjustments[4]: Source 4 on potential lawsuits[5]: Source 5 on industry trends and challenges
Despite the ongoing troubles, the Fontainebleau casino resort in Las Vegas, which opened in December 2023, added to its woes with a series of layoffs, specifically targeting 60 table game dealers on May 26, 2025. The distraught employees were escorted off the property by security personnel.
The LA Times reported that a class-action lawsuit by the affected employees may be imminent, alleging discrimination and favoritism in the selection process. This comes after the Fontainebleau also experienced layoffs across various departments as early as November 2024.
Despite these setbacks, the Fontainebleau remains a casino-and-gambling destination on the Las Vegas Strip, facing stiff competition from luxury resorts such as Wynn Las Vegas and the Venetian. Furthermore, last week's news of a potential anti-money laundering investigation could cost the casino tens of millions in legal fees and fines, as reported by CNN.
The Fontainebleau's struggles stem not only from its competition and legal issues but also its location on the anemic north end of the Strip, contributing to subpar visitor numbers.
In light of these developments, the Fontainebleau released a statement to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, pledging to remain committed to its employees in the midst of these challenges and adjustments in the industry.
