Maverick Gaming to Shut Eight More

Maverick Gaming, the Washington cardroom operator co-founded by high-stakes poker player Eric Persson, has notified state officials that it will close eight additional properties on Nov. 30. The move follows the previously announced shutdown of two locations in Tukwila, Washington, scheduled for Nov. 1.

What the Closures Mean

The company operates cardrooms in Washington state, a market where poker is offered under a specific regulatory framework that differs from Nevada or New Jersey. Cardrooms in Washington are generally limited in the types of games they can spread and are subject to state gambling regulations that have evolved over the years.

Maverick Gaming has been a significant operator in that market, and the loss of ten properties in a single autumn would represent a substantial reduction in the state's cardroom footprint. For players, fewer rooms typically means fewer tables, less game variety, and potentially longer wait times at the remaining locations.

Bankruptcy and the Poker Connection

Eric Persson is known in poker circles as a high-stakes cash game player and a frequent participant in televised and streamed games. He serves as CEO of Maverick Gaming and co-founded the company. The bankruptcy filing places the operator among a number of regional gaming companies that have faced pressure from rising costs, changing consumer habits, and a competitive landscape that includes tribal casinos and online options.

It is worth noting that poker room closures are rarely caused by a single factor. Typical drivers include lease costs, local tax treatment, declining foot traffic, and the broader economics of running a cardroom in a state with strict gaming rules. In Washington, the regulatory environment has been a recurring subject of debate, with operators sometimes arguing that restrictions on certain games limit their ability to compete.

What Happens Next

According to the notice given to state officials, the eight additional closures take effect on Nov. 30. The two Tukwila closures take effect on Nov. 1. Together, the ten closures would mark one of the larger single-operator contractions in the state's recent cardroom history.

For players who frequent these rooms, the practical advice is straightforward: check with individual properties before traveling, as schedules and last-day operations can change. For employees, closures of this scale usually involve layoffs, though specific numbers have not been widely disclosed.

A Broader Trend?

Regional cardroom operators across the United States have faced a difficult environment in recent years. Competition from tribal casinos, the expansion of online poker in some states, and higher operating costs have all contributed to consolidation. Washington's cardrooms occupy a unique niche, and their fortunes are tied closely to state law and local demand.

Whether Maverick's closures signal a wider retreat or a company-specific restructuring will become clearer as the bankruptcy process moves forward. For now, the immediate fact is a November 30 deadline that will remove eight more rooms from the state's poker map.

Poker players in the region should watch for announcements from remaining cardrooms about expanded schedules or promotions, as operators often adjust to fill the gap when competitors close. That said, no such announcements have been confirmed at this time.