Bally’s and Maverick Gaming Launch Premier Poker Room as Part of Rhode Island Casino Renovation

The latest strategic move in the booming casino industry comes from Bally’s and Maverick Gaming, as they announced a collaboration to launch a poker room at the Twin River Casino in Rhode Island, operated by the regional casino operator.

The birth of this exciting venture marks the completion of a major milestone in the casino industry. Marking the culmination of Bally’s ambitious $100 million renovation of its Twin River Lincoln casino, the new poker room reinforces the operator’s reputation for high-quality gaming experiences. The milestone was sealed in April 2023 with a grand celebration, attended by illustrious industry stalwarts and enthusiastic patrons.

Once the new partnership was finalized, the poker room was named Bally’s Maverick Poker Room. While detailed financial details remain confidential, the companies involved have clearly identified their roles and contributions. Maverick Gaming, led by CEO and accomplished poker player Eric Persson, forms the backbone of the casino’s knowledge and expertise.

In an official statement highlighting their shared goals, Tony Rohrer, Regional Vice President and General Manager of Bally’s Twin River, said, “Our goal is to enhance the gaming experience at our poker room by leveraging the knowledge and experience of Maverick Gaming. We want to attract world-class poker players and position Bally’s Maverick poker room as the premier poker destination in the region.”

Maverick Gambling, with its vast asset base that includes numerous casinos in Colorado and Nevada, as well as nearly two dozen card rooms in Washington state, brings invaluable industry experience. The new poker room promises daily tournaments with variable buy-ins ranging from $50 to $450, as well as exciting cash games.

Bally’s and Maverick Gaming share a rich history that saw Maverick attempt to acquire the Eldorado hotel and casino in Shreveport, Louisiana. That particular attempt fell through, as the hotel ultimately found a home at Bally’s. In an effort to build on their shared past, Bally’s and Maverick announced plans for a unique poker room at the Tropicana on the Las Vegas Strip in May 2023. However, those plans were temporarily derailed due to the resort’s temporary closure to pave the way for a potential Major League Baseball stadium.

Pointing to the future of Bally’s Twin River, Persson said, “Our long-term plan is to run tournaments seven days a week, with regulatory approval. With a variety of buy-ins, we want to accommodate all types of amateur and professional players.” He also discussed the possibility of the venue hosting their biannual event, which could potentially attract over 3,000 players.

The partnership with Maverick Gaming is a testament to Bally’s goal of adding value to its Twin River property. The company has invested $60 million to beautify the property, including the addition of a smoke-free gaming area. Rohrer noted recent enhancements, such as an Asian food court, a Korean-style spa and a gaming expansion. He called the improvements a continuing effort to “innovate and exceed expectations, providing guests with unparalleled comfort and enjoyment.”

Bally’s financial investment in Twin River is part of the operator’s $100 million investment to enhance its Rhode Island locations. As the company continues to enhance and diversify its service offering, gambling enthusiasts can expect to enjoy a broader and more immersive gaming experience.