working at a top Las Vegas casino.

The River Palms resort, now being given a $20 million refit with a Bermuda theme, is looking to hire Bermudians for several key posts.

Managers at the luxury hotel and casino, already dressing their staff in Bermuda shorts and jackets, said they would open the door for top-calibre Bermudians.

Tycoon owner Allen Paulson, one of the world's most famous racehorse breeders, has 1,054 staff at the 1,000-room hotel in Laughlin, outside the Las Vegas gambling capital.

He is also filling the hotel with Bermuda palms and plants and selling Bermuda food and drink.

Other Bermuda images at the hotel include its pastel colours and white roof.

There are also plans for pink sand displays along the nearby Colorado River.

Tourism officials are even considering stocking the hotel with Bermuda brochures.

New York-based sales representatives are already in contact with the hotel and casino's senior executives.

And River Palms personnel manager Sherry Strawn last night said the Bermuda connection could be extended to new staff. She said: "Bermudians are definitely invited to apply for employment with us.

"We currently have numerous openings, especially with the food and beverage department where we are looking for cooks and food servers.

"We also have opportunities for bell men and security officers.

"The unfortunate thing as far as Bermudians are concerned is that we only hire someone after we've seen them in person.

"So anybody interested would have to come over and see us -- and we would not be able to refund the expenses of their trip.

"But anybody is invited to apply to us in writing and then they could come over for an interview. It's a shame that we cannot provide interview expenses from Bermuda but most people are duly interviewed as soon as they come in to see us.'' She said the hotel would help any outstanding candidates with their applications for working visas for the US.

"That shouldn't really be a problem,'' she added. "Although there is a fair amount of red tape to plough through for non-Americans wishing to come here to work.

"However, it's definitely not something that should deter any Bermudians from applying.'' Tourism Minister David Dodwell warned Bermudians with no US ties could find it difficult to get work permits.

He added: "There is the hurdle of the green card to consider. A Bermudian with no US links may find it difficult. But anybody with the ties should certainly apply.'' The hotel is scheduled for a grand opening on October 12 -- but the Bermuda redesign should be finished by September 12.

Miss Bermuda and her first and second runners-up have been invited to the official opening ceremony, due to feature stars of the screen and racing world.

Anyone interested in employment at the River Palms can write for an application form to: The Personnel Office, River Palms Resort, PO Box 77700, Laughlin, Nevada 89028.