Regulators say Mississippi casinos lost about 2,300 jobs in the first 11 months of 2008.

Larry Gregory, executive director of the Mississippi Gaming Commission, says commission records showed 25,200 workers at the end of November, compared to 27,500 a year earlier.

If restaurant and hotel workers were included, the figure would be more than 32,000, officials say.

Gregory said gaming revenue decreased about 5.5 percent over the same period.

Ameristar Casino in Vicksburg has laid off 50 employees in recent months. Beau Rivage in Biloxi also had laid off workers but would not say how many.

Gregory said the commission has approved five casino projects, however, given the economy, none of the projects has moved forward.