The economic slump in Puerto Rico has claimed its latest gaming victim, as the popular Condado Plaza Hilton announced it is closing its once-thriving casino. It is the seventh Puerto Rican casino to close in the last five years, as the commonwealth has failed to attract new tourists.
An estimated 45,000 illegal slot machines, said to be preferred by locals because of better odds, also have contributed to the gaming slump in Puerto Rico, where regulated slot revenue has fallen by 40 percent over five years.
The latest closing resulted in layoffs of around 144 casino workers. Management is considering other uses for the casino space, including possible ballroom, banquet and meeting space.
