Maverick Shuts Two More Washington Casinos, 132 Jobs Lost

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-06-08

Maverick Gaming is closing two more casinos in Washington state, and 132 people are losing their jobs. It's part of a bigger financial shake-up as the company works through Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The latest closures hit the Silver Dollar Mill Creek Casino in Mill Creek and the Crazy Moose Mountlake Casino in Mountlake Terrace. According to filings with the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act, those layoffs are set to kick in on July 31, as KIRO 7 News Seattle reports. This isn't the first round of cuts. And it probably won't be the last. The company's been struggling for a while now, and these moves are meant to help it survive. But for the workers and the communities that rely on these casinos, it's a tough blow. ### What's Happening at Maverick Gaming? Maverick Gaming is a big player in the Washington casino scene. But lately, it's been in rough waters. The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy earlier this year, which lets it restructure its debts while still operating. Think of it like a financial reset button. But it comes with costs. Closing casinos and cutting jobs is one way to trim the fat and focus on what's working. The Silver Dollar Mill Creek Casino and Crazy Moose Mountlake Casino are the latest to go. That means fewer places to gamble, fewer jobs, and less local economic activity. It's a ripple effect that hits suppliers, nearby businesses, and even local governments that rely on tax revenue from these spots. ### Why Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Matters Chapter 11 isn't the end of the road. It's more like a pit stop. Companies use it to reorganize and come out stronger. But it's not always smooth. For Maverick, it means closing underperforming locations and keeping the ones that make money. The goal is to pay off creditors and eventually exit bankruptcy. But for the 132 workers losing their jobs, that's cold comfort. Here's what bankruptcy protection typically involves: - A court-supervised process where the company proposes a plan to pay debts over time - The ability to break leases and close unprofitable locations without penalty - A chance to renegotiate contracts with vendors and lenders For Maverick, this is a survival strategy. But it's a painful one. ### Impact on Workers and Communities Losing a job is never easy. Especially when it happens fast. The WARN Act requires companies to give 60 days' notice for large layoffs, so workers have some time to prepare. But finding a new job in the current economy can be tough. Many of these employees have specialized skills in gaming and hospitality. They might need to relocate or switch industries entirely. The communities of Mill Creek and Mountlake Terrace will feel the loss too. Casinos often serve as local hubs, drawing visitors who spend money at nearby restaurants, gas stations, and hotels. When a casino closes, that traffic dries up. Local businesses suffer. And the tax base shrinks, which can mean less funding for schools, roads, and public services. ### What's Next for Maverick Gaming? Maverick still has other casinos in Washington. The company will likely focus on those, hoping to turn a profit and emerge from bankruptcy. But the industry is tough. Competition from tribal casinos, online gambling, and other entertainment options keeps pressure on margins. And with rising costs for labor and supplies, every dollar counts. For now, the company is in survival mode. More closures could come if things don't improve. But if the restructuring works, Maverick could come back leaner and more competitive. Only time will tell. ### Final Thoughts This story is a reminder that even big companies can hit hard times. Bankruptcy isn't just a financial term. It's real people losing jobs and communities adjusting to change. If you're affected by these closures, know that help is available. Job training programs, unemployment benefits, and local support services can make a difference. And for the rest of us, it's a chance to think about how we can support local economies in tough times.