Cripple Creek casino closes; 62 people lose jobs

CRIPPLE CREEK — The Wild Horse Casino in Cripple Creek has closed its doors following a year of steady losses for Colorado casinos.

The casino said it was giving out final paychecks to its 62 employees on Saturday.

In the three historic mining towns where gambling is allowed, revenue has fallen every month this year. Operators blame a smoking ban which was extended to casinos this year as well as the weak economy and high gas prices.

However, casinos in Cripple Creek have also faced more competition with the opening of the new Wildwood Casino at the entrance to town. While Cripple Creek revenue hasn’t fallen off as much as in Black Hawk or Central City, that revenue is now split among more slot machines than before.

Casinos are hoping they’ll be able to do better if voters pass Amendment 50 in the election. It would allow gambling towns to vote on whether to raise the $5 single bet limit anywhere up to $100 and on whether to allow casinos to add new games and stay open through the night. Currently, casinos must be closed between 2 a.m. and 8 a.m.