Washington Casinos May Stay Open as Owner Plans to Buy Back Properties

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Maverick Gaming closed the Silver Dollar SeaTac Casino earlier this year

Maverick Gaming owner Eric Persson says about 850 Washington casino workers should keep their jobs after he moves to buy back eight properties that had been flagged for closure.

Persson told KIRO Newsradio the deal should close in about three weeks and said the sites will remain open through the transition. “From a customer standpoint, you know nothing changes,” he said. “The building never closes.”

What Casinos are Involved? 

The casinos involved are Great American Casino in Everett, Chip’s Casino, Macau Casino and Palace Casino in Lakewood, All Star Casino in Silverdale, Casino Caribbean in Yakima, Crazy Moose Casino in Pasco and Coyote Bobs Casino in Kennewick. 

Maverick Washington LLC previously filed WARN notices with state labor officials covering gaming, food service, security and management roles. 

‘Closure Could Be Delayed’

In the company’s letters, human resources director Christine Wisniewski wrote that if a site is transferred to a new owner, “the above-referenced closure may not occur, or alternatively, the closure could be delayed.”

Persson said the notices have created confusion among employees and customers because the company expects to rehire workers under the new ownership structure rather than end operations. 

He added that he is working with regulators and does not expect the transaction to face major obstacles. “I’m trying to make sure these properties stay open, these jobs stay in place,” he said. 

Maverick Gaming shut its Silver Dollar SeaTac Casino near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on June 30 and cut about 65 jobs.