Eric Persson Steps Forward to Acquire Eight Washington Casinos and Safeguard Hundreds of Jobs

Eric Persson, owner of Maverick Gaming, has moved to purchase eight Washington state casinos that faced scheduled closure on November 30, 2026, a step designed to maintain operations while protecting approximately 850 positions across the properties. The transaction comes as those venues prepared for shutdown, yet the ownership transfer is expected to finalize within roughly three weeks and deliver uninterrupted service for both staff and patrons.

Details of the Properties Involved

The eight locations span several regions of the state and include the Great American Casino in Everett along with the All Star Casino in Silverdale, the Casino Caribbean in Yakima, the Crazy Moose Casino in Pasco, and Coyote Bob’s Casino in Kennewick. Three additional sites sit in Lakewood: Chip’s Casino, Macau Casino, and Palace Casino. Each of these establishments has contributed to local employment and community activity, and the acquisition aims to preserve that continuity without any pause in daily functions.

Observers note that the move consolidates these venues under Maverick Gaming ownership once more, a change that aligns with broader patterns of casino operators adjusting portfolios to sustain regional presence. The properties represent a mix of urban and smaller-market facilities, and their continued operation supports steady access for customers who rely on nearby gaming options rather than traveling longer distances.

Timeline and Operational Continuity

According to statements tied to the agreement, the ownership change should close in approximately three weeks from the announcement, a window that places finalization comfortably before the previously planned November 30, 2026 closure date. During this period, no alterations to staffing, game offerings, or customer amenities are anticipated, which means regular visitors will encounter the same environment they have come to expect.

Those familiar with similar transfers point out that seamless handovers often hinge on early coordination between outgoing and incoming operators, and the current plan appears structured around that principle. Because operations remain active throughout, employees avoid any gap in pay or benefits while the legal details finalize.

Employment Impact Across Regions

The roughly 850 jobs at stake stretch across multiple counties, from Snohomish and Kitsap in the west to Yakima, Franklin, Benton, and Pierce in central and eastern portions of Washington. These positions cover a range of roles including dealers, floor staff, security, food service, and administrative support, all of which contribute to the economic fabric of their respective communities.

Data from state gaming reports show that casino employment often serves as a stable anchor in areas where other hospitality sectors fluctuate seasonally, and the preservation of these roles prevents potential ripple effects on local businesses that depend on worker spending. The decision to retain the full workforce aligns with the goal of keeping each property fully functional from day one under new ownership.

Background on the Transaction

Maverick Gaming had previously held interests in several of these same locations before regulatory or market shifts prompted plans for closure under prior ownership structures. The return of the eight casinos to Persson’s portfolio marks a direct reversal of that trajectory, executed through a purchase that prioritizes ongoing viability rather than liquidation. Industry observers have noted similar repurchases in other states when operators identify renewed value in established sites.

The process involves standard regulatory review by the Washington State Gambling Commission, which oversees licensing and ownership changes for all gaming facilities in the state. Approval timelines for such transfers typically allow for thorough background checks and financial reviews, yet the three-week target suggests both parties have prepared documentation in advance to meet that schedule.

Conclusion

The acquisition of the eight Washington casinos by Eric Persson ensures that operations at the Great American Casino in Everett, All Star Casino in Silverdale, Casino Caribbean in Yakima, Crazy Moose Casino in Pasco, Coyote Bob’s Casino in Kennewick, and the three Lakewood properties continue without interruption while maintaining around 850 positions. With the ownership transfer slated to conclude in about three weeks and the previous closure date of November 30, 2026, now avoided, the venues remain open to customers across the state. Further updates on the final regulatory steps can be tracked through official channels such as the Washington State Gambling Commission and World Casino Directory.