The operator of the Sioux City Argosy Riverboat Casino has started sending out layoff notices to employees. Penn National Gaming spokesperson, Karen Bailey, says federal law requires a 60-day notification before a large layoff. The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission voted April 17th to set July 1st as the shutdown date for the riverboat casino. A different company is building a new Hard Rock Casino in downtown Sioux City to replace the riverboat. Riverboat operations manager, Zach Rosenbaum, says he’s preparing to sell his house and move as he doubts he will be hired by the new company.

Rosenbaum is an Elk Point native who has work for the Argosy for around 10 years and on the various gambling boats in Sioux City for 21 years.

Penn National failed in an attempt in court to stop the construction of the new land-based casino.  Bailey says the layoff notices do not change the company’s plans to continue other legal matters surrounding the riverboat casino. Operators of the Hard Rock Casino have not responded to a request for an interview about their hiring plans.