The year-old Lucky Dragon Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas – which had been in financial duress – shut down its gaming and restaurant operations Thursday morning, saying the off-Strip Asian-themed property was “beginning the process of reorganization.”
In a statement posted to its Twitter account, Lucky Dragon operators called the closures “temporary” but was keeping the 200-room hotel and gift shop operations open. The areas “will remain fully operational, including room service, morning tea and coffee. In addition, Cha Garden will remain open and continue to feature both its full bar at night and an expanded food menu.”
The moves comes six weeks before the Chinese New Year celebration brings thousands of Asian visitors to Las Vegas. The Lucky Dragon opened with great fanfare in December 2016, but the crowds never materialized.
These signs are posted all over the @luckydragonlv casino this morning. Hotel employee tells me both casino and restaurant shut down around 7am. Unknown when they will reopen @8NewsNow pic.twitter.com/hf4WDXlnXC
— Nia Wong (@NiaWong) January 4, 2018
In December, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported that the property was financial trouble and the casino had cut back on staffing.
In Thursday’s statement, Lucky Dragon officials said all staff laid off Thursday “will have the opportunity to rejoin the (Lucky Dragon) team” when gaming and restaurant operations resume.”
The organization anticipates that the reorganization will take approximately six months.
“While this is a difficult decision,” the statement read, “this reorganization paves the way for Lucky Dragon to establish new partnerships that will enhance the property’s long-term positioning and provide a better guest experience.”
All chip and ticket redemptions can be done through the hotel’s front desk.
