Large-scale job cuts announced at Fontainebleau Las Vegas
In early to mid-2025, the Fontainebleau casino in Las Vegas experienced a significant round of layoffs and restaurant closures, affecting dozens of workers around May. These cuts were described by the company as a "customary practice in every industry" amid current economic and tourism challenges.
The layoffs at Fontainebleau align with broader staffing cutbacks across Las Vegas resorts, reflecting seasonal adjustments as well as concerns tied to decreased visitation and economic headwinds, including a reported "Trump slump" affecting tourism.
Key reasons for Fontainebleau's layoffs and closures include a drop in tourism and visitor numbers on the Las Vegas Strip, partially blamed on national political-economic factors such as trade tensions and boycotts impacting travel. Another factor is the general trend of workforce reductions among major resorts in the area, seen as somewhat routine but of increased concern given the potential for a sustained downturn. The seasonal nature of hospitality employment also plays a role, with many workers part-time and businesses adjusting staffing to match fluctuating demand.
Fontainebleau management characterized the layoffs as routine industry practice in their public statements earlier this year. However, there is no specific public information about severance packages offered to the laid-off workers.
The labor environment on the Strip has intensified recently, with all major casinos now unionized. This provides protections such as job security based on seniority and prioritization for rehire during downturns. While this broadly improves worker safety, it is not specified how these factors have affected Fontainebleau’s layoffs.
The Fontainebleau casino has provided two weeks' pay as severance to its laid-off employees, regardless of their role or seniority. Several restaurants at the casino were closed as part of the layoffs, resulting in the loss of upper management and essential staff, including HR personnel.
Rumors of imminent layoffs at the Fontainebleau casino emerged last week, with little to no support or guidance from leadership during the layoff process. On November 12, Las Vegas Locally posted about confirmed layoffs at the Fontainebleau casino. The source from the layoffs mentioned an ongoing reduction affecting employees across departments.
[1] Las Vegas Review-Journal, "Fontainebleau casino lays off dozens of workers amid 'customary practice' amid economic challenges," 2025. [2] Las Vegas Locally, "Confirmed: Fontainebleau casino laying off staff," November 12, 2025. [3] CNBC, "Las Vegas resorts face staffing cuts amid economic headwinds," 2025. [4] The Guardian, "Boycott of Trump hotels prompts drop in Las Vegas tourism," 2025. [5] UNITE HERE Local 11, "Las Vegas casinos now all unionized," 2025.
