Bally’s, Maverick Gaming Partnering on Rhode Island Poker Room

Posted on: July 8, 2024, 03:55h. 

Last updated on: July 8, 2024, 03:55h.

Todd Shriber @etfgodfather Read More
Expertise: Financial, Gaming Business, Mergers and Acquisitions.

Bally’s and Maverick Gaming announced today that they are partnering on the poker room at the regional casino operator’s Twin River, R.I. gaming venue.

Bally's Rhode Island casino credit line
Bally’s officials celebrate the completion of the company’s $100 million overhaul of its Twin River Lincoln casino in Rhode Island in April 2023. The operator is partnering with Maverick Gaming on a poker room there.(Image: The Providence Journal)

Under the terms of the agreement, the poker room will be named the Bally’s Maverick Poker Room. Financial terms of the accord weren’t disclosed. Washington-based Maverick is led by CEO Eric Persson who is an accomplished poker player.

Our goal is to elevate the gaming experience of our poker room by tapping into the knowledge and experience of Maverick Gaming to attract world-renowned poker players and position the Bally’s Maverick Poker Room as the premier poker destination in the region,” Tony Rohrer, regional vice president and general manager of Bally’s Twin River, said in a statement.

Maverick owns several casinos in Colorado and Nevada as well as nearly two dozen card rooms in its home state. The poker room at Bally’s Twin River will have daily tournaments with buy-ins ranging from $50 to $450 and cash games as well.

Bally’s, Maverick Gaming Have History

Bally’s and Maverick Gaming share history. In 2020, Maverick attempted to acquire the Eldorado casino hotel in Shreveport, La. ahead of that operator’s merger with Caesars Entertainment, but that venue was ultimately sold to Bally’s.

In May 2023, Bally’s and Maverick announced plans for the Maverick Gaming Poker Room at the Tropicana on the Las Vegas Strip, but that effort didn’t gain momentum because the integrated resort was shuttered earlier this year to potentially make way for a Major League Baseball stadium — an increasingly unlikely prospect.

Additionally, Persson frequently appears on “Bally’s Big Bet Poker,” which features high stakes poker games.

“Our long-term plan is to eventually, with proper regulatory approval, hold tournaments seven days a week, with varying buy-ins to accommodate all types of recreational and professional players,” said Persson in the press release. “Additionally, Bally’s Twin River is an ideal setting for our twice-annual circuit event that likely will attract more than 3,000 players.”

Bally’s Bolstering Rhode Island Casino

The poker room partnership with Maverick Gaming is one example of Bally’s ongoing efforts to bolster its Twin River property. The company has spent $60 million sprucing up the venue, including the addition of non-smoking gaming space.

“We recently introduced an Asian food hall, Korean-style spa, gaming addition, and new no-smoking areas. These enhancements underscore our ongoing efforts to innovate and exceed expectations, providing guests with unparalleled comfort and enjoyment,” added Rohrer.

The expenditures at Bally’s Twin River were part of $100 million in spending pledged by the operator to improve its Rhode Island venues. The other is located in Tiverton.