Elko Casinos Set to Close Nov. 30 as Founder Plans Buyback

Two casinos in Elko, Nevada, are set to close Nov. 30, putting 239 jobs on the line. Eric Persson, who co-founded and controlled the bankrupt company that holds both properties, says the shutdowns are a paperwork step, not a permanent end. He plans to buy back the Maverick Casino Hotel and the Gold Country Inn and Casino.

The move mirrors his plan for eight Washington cardrooms that employ about 850 workers.

Persson expects the Elko buyback to close within three weeks. Until then, the layoff notices issued to workers remain in effect.

Nevada regulators are monitoring the transfer.

WARN Notices Put 239 Elko Jobs at Risk After Chapter 11

RunItOneTime LLC, the company Persson co-founded in 2017 and controlled through a parent company, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in July 2025. Its affiliate, Maverick NV LLC, filed WARN notices with the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation last week. The federal WARN Act requires 60 days' notice before a plant closing or mass layoff.

Under the notices, the Maverick Casino Hotel at 2065 Idaho St. would lose 198 employees, while the Gold Country Inn and Casino at 2050 Idaho St. would lose 41. Human Resources Director Leticia Flores signed both notices. Each notice says a change in ownership could alter the outcome. In that case, the closure "may not occur, or alternatively, the closure could be delayed."

Washington Cardrooms Follow Same Plan Amid Bankruptcy Dispute

Persson is using the same approach for eight Washington cardrooms, which also received WARN notices listing a Nov. 30 closure date. They include Great American Casino in Everett and three Lakewood venues: Chip's Casino, Macau Casino and Palace Casino.

Persson said the Washington layoff notices reflect a transfer between companies, not permanent closures. "I'm trying to make sure these properties stay open, these jobs stay in place," he said. Those transfers require approval from the Washington State Gambling Commission.

Persson said he expects no major obstacles and disputes reports that his current company is bankrupt. "Maverick Gaming is not a party to the bankruptcy," he said. "We're a separate company."

The bankruptcy case, however, lists RunItOneTime LLC, which did business as Maverick Gaming. An entity Persson manages has since won an auction for three of the bankrupt company's Washington locations with a $28 million bid.

Persson Promises Seamless Transition as Regulators Watch

Persson told The Nevada Independent the Elko transition will be seamless. "There will be no disruption, and all the employees will be rehired," he said. He said a similar process will apply to three other Nevada properties: the High Desert Inn in Elko and the Wendover Nugget and Red Garter in West Wendover.

The Nevada Gaming Control Board is tracking the transfer closely. Board Chairman Mike Dreitzer said the agency is "very involved" in the matter. In June, the board also fast-tracked a license for Terrible's so Primm Valley Resort could stay open after Affinity Gaming abandoned the property.

Rural casinos account for a small share of the $1.27 billion Nevada casinos won in August. For Elko, though, the buyback decides the fate of 239 jobs.