Maverick Gaming co-founder in process to reacquire two Nevada casinos

Eric Persson, co-founder of Maverick Gaming and a Las Vegas professional poker player, is in the process of reacquiring two casinos in Elko, Nevada, according to an Oct. 9, 2026, report. The properties are the Maverick Casino Hotel and the Gold Country Inn and Casino. The deal is expected to close within three weeks, though financial terms were not disclosed, and Nevada gaming regulators are monitoring it.

The move follows Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification notices filed last week with the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation warning that the properties could shut by Nov. 30. Persson described the transaction as unusual because he is buying back his name and brand from lenders; he said an auction reacquisition of the Maverick brand would let him keep both casinos operating. He has signed a transition service agreement with lenders and said he is getting the assets back.

RRC Gaming Management LLC, led by former Caesars Entertainment CEO Tony Rodio, currently manages the properties. The Maverick Casino Hotel has 198 employees; Gold Country Inn and Casino has 41. Persson said those workers would technically lose their jobs but be rehired under new ownership. He said the goal is to exit Chapter 11 as quickly as possible. He cited a similar Washington state effort involving eight casinos and 850 preserved jobs.