Cardrooms in Washington State Score Wins as Wager Limit increase Approved
When the Gambling Commission made a contentious 3-2 decision, Washington State cardroom operators saw a significant victory. After years of debate and public forums, the wager limit jumped up an impressive $100 to a whopping $400—a landmark change not seen in 14 years.
Maverick Gaming, operator of 23 cardrooms in the state, spearheaded the petition for this boost. The company aimed to close the gap with tribal casinos, whose wager limits are greater, and combat escalating operational costs due to inflation. Eric Persson, Maverick Gaming's CEO, was ecstatic, remarking, "Today's vote is a testament to the tireless efforts of our entire crew working hand-in-glove with the regulators."
However, Washington State's federally recognized tribes, who operate casinos with $500 minimum wagers, were vehemently opposed to this change. They argued that the elevated limit would violate state legislation requiring "social card games" to primarily promote food and beverage sales. The back-and-forth between Maverick Gaming and tribal operators continued to be a recurring point of contention.
Opinions among commissioners regarding the decision to bump up the betting limit to $400 were polarizing. Some felt the change went against the original intentions of legislators, while others acknowledged the need for cardrooms to compete in the market.
The wager limit was initially set at $25 when house-banked cardrooms were legalized in 1997. It has seen several increases over the years, with the latest pushing it to $300 in 2009. Thirty-one days after the new rules are submitted to the code revisions committee, the $400 ceiling will officially take effect.
In addition to the wager limit increase, Maverick Gaming had previously attempted to expand its business by introducing sports betting to cardrooms. However, sports betting is only permitted in tribal casinos. As a result, the company is currently challenging the state's sports betting agreements with the tribes in federal court.
The All-Star Lanes & Casino in Silverdale is the latest addition to Maverick Gaming's network of 23 cardrooms in Washington. This entertainment hotspot offers a multitude of options including table games, poker, bowling lanes, an arcade, a restaurant, drive-thru espresso, and full-service dining.
- Maverick Gaming, with Eric Persson as CEO, successfully petitioned for an increase in the wager limit at Washington State cardrooms, aiming to close the gap with tribal casinos and combat rising operational costs.
- The ruling to increase the wager limit from $300 to $400 was met with opposition from Washington State's federally recognized tribes, who argued it would violate state legislation.
- The decision to raise the betting limit from $25, initially set when house-banked cardrooms were legalized in 1997, was polarizing among commissioners, with some feeling it went against original legislative intentions.
- As Maverick Gaming continues to grow its network of casinos and gaming venues, it is currently challenging the state's sports betting agreements with tribes in federal court, hoping to introduce sports betting to cardrooms.
