LAS VEGAS — A spokeswoman for the Golden Nugget hotel-casino in downtown Las Vegas says the building has lost power, forcing patrons to stop gambling at slot machines and table games.

Golden Nugget spokeswoman Amy Chasey told The Associated Press on Thursday that some people were still inside the building, but others left as a fire alarm went off and gambling areas were shut down.

Chasey says patrons are being allowed back inside but many haven’t come back in because there’s nothing to do.

Chasey says parts of the building are running on emergency generators.

Gary Pollock, a 66-year-old tourist from West Newton, Pa., says he was told to evacuate the casino by a waiter while he was waiting for a salad at a restaurant. He says he was allowed to go back inside about 30 minutes later.