LAS VEGAS (AP) - Casino operator Las Vegas Sands says it has
laid off nearly 200 people in Las Vegas.

Company spokesman Ron Reese says the layoffs came this week and
are an attempt to adjust staffing levels to meet the "current economic environment."

He says the 194 layoffs affect various departments.

Like other casino operators, the Las Vegas-based company has struggled as gamblers have pulled back on their spending and decided to frequent local casinos more regularly during the recession.

The company laid off 280 people in March.

Las Vegas Sands owns the Venetian and Palazzo hotel-casinos on
the Las Vegas Strip, as well as Sands Macao, Venetian Macau and
Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem in Pennsylvania.