Eight Washington Casinos Get a Second Chance—Here's How

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-10-07

### The Unexpected Twist That Saved 850 Jobs You know that feeling when you're sure something's over, and then it turns around at the last minute? That's basically what just happened in Washington State's casino industry. Eight casinos were all set to close on November 30. Workers had already received official WARN notices—those dreaded letters that tell you your job is ending. But then Eric Persson, the owner of Maverick Gaming, stepped in with a plan that could keep the doors open and save roughly 850 jobs. Sometimes the story isn't over until someone decides it isn't. ### What Actually Happened Let's break this down without the corporate jargon. Maverick Washington LLC had filed Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification notices for these eight properties. That's a legal requirement when a company plans mass layoffs or closures. Once those notices go out, it usually means the decision is final. But Persson wasn't ready to let go. He moved to buy the properties back from the lenders who had taken control. It's a bit like selling your house to pay off debts, then figuring out how to buy it back before the new owner changes the locks. According to Persson, the ownership transfer should close within about three weeks. During that transition period, operations will continue as normal. No interrupted service, no sudden shutdowns. ### Why This Matters More Than You Think Casinos aren't just gambling halls. They're employers. They're community anchors. In many smaller Washington towns, a casino might be one of the largest employers around. When 850 jobs are on the line, that's 850 families wondering how they'll pay rent, buy groceries, or cover their kids' school supplies. It's local businesses that rely on casino traffic. It's tax revenue that funds public services. The ripple effect of a closure goes way beyond the building itself. Here's what's at stake if this deal goes through: - **850 jobs preserved** across eight locations - **Local economies** that keep their revenue streams - **Community stability** in areas that can't easily absorb mass layoffs - **Continuity of operations** for regular customers and employees That's not nothing. That's everything for the people involved. ### The Bigger Picture for Casino Workers This situation highlights something important about the gaming industry. Ownership changes happen. Financial pressures mount. But sometimes, the people at the top actually fight to keep things running. Persson could have walked away. He could have let the lenders liquidate the assets and moved on. Instead, he's working to bring these properties back under Maverick's umbrella. Now, I'm not saying this makes him a hero. Business is business, and there are probably financial incentives at play. But from the perspective of those 850 workers, the outcome is what matters. > "Operations will continue during the transition." — Eric Persson That single sentence means paychecks keep coming. Health insurance stays active. Life goes on. ### What Comes Next If the deal closes as expected, these eight casinos will remain open under Maverick Gaming's ownership. The transition should wrap up in about three weeks, assuming no last-minute complications. For now, employees can breathe a little easier. Customers can keep visiting their favorite spots. And the communities that depend on these casinos can plan for a future that includes them. It's a reminder that even when things look bleak, there's sometimes a path forward. You just need someone willing to take it. Whether you're in the casino industry or not, that's a lesson worth holding onto.