Sep 10, 2013 2 min read

FARMINGTON – Pennsylvania’s newest casino is laying off 15 percent of its 450 employees, citing “slower than expected” business since it opened only two months ago.

Nemacolin Woodlands Resort would not specify how many employees at its Lady Luck Casino are being eliminated, but 15 percent would be about 70.

Lady Luck Casino opened July 1 at the posh resort in Fayette County, about 40 miles southeast of Pittsburgh. But unlike most of the other 11 casinos in the state, it is not open to the general public. Patrons must be guests of the resort, a customer at its restaurants or other facilities, or be willing to purchase a $10 resort gift card.

St. Louis-based Isle of Capri Casinos Inc., which operates the resort, said in a statement that customers have been “resistant” to the plan that limits access to the casino.

Lady Luck generated $2,357,083 in gross revenue during its first month of operation, but experienced a $340,610 dropoff in August to $2,032,473.

Joseph A. Hardy III founded Nemacolin Woodlands Resort. His daughter, Maggie Hardy Magerko, is the owner and operator.

Hardy, 90, is the founder and chief executive officer of 84 Lumber Company, the third-largest home improvement chain in the country. He opened his first lumber yard in 1956 in Eighty Four, which is still operating. The corporate headquarters are there as well.

Hardy also was a Fayette County commissioner from 2004-08, and resides there.