J&J Gaming, through its affiliate Golden Route Operations, is poised to expand its gaming empire by acquiring 10 slot-only operations in northern Nevada, predominantly along Interstate 80. This move comes ten months after J&J’s acquisition of Golden Entertainment’s distributed gaming operations in Nevada, marking another significant step in its growth strategy.
Strategic expansion in the gaming sector:
The acquisition target, Reno-based Leisure Gaming, was established in 1993 and has since developed a robust presence in the region. Starting with the Pilot Casino in Fernley, which originally housed 30 slot machines, Leisure Gaming now boasts a collection of 10 casinos featuring over 640 slot machines across various locations. These establishments include notable names such as the Winnemucca Pilot, Roadhouse, Carlin Pilot, and others located strategically along I-80.
The impending deal, expected to close following approval from the Nevada Gaming Commission slated for November 21, has already received a nod from the Nevada Gaming Control Board. While the specifics of the transaction remain undisclosed, the strategic rationale behind the acquisition is clear. Jamal Goodrich, legal counsel for J&J, emphasized that this acquisition “is a natural extension of our existing business.”
Leisure Gaming will be integrated into J&J’s Golden Route operations, retaining all 70 employees who wish to remain with the company. This move underscores J&J’s commitment to workforce stability and regional economic contribution.
Ryan Albright, partner and vice president of operations at Leisure Gaming, reflected on the sale as a poignant moment for the company. “This pending transaction is bittersweet. We feel that we’re leaving the company in good hands,” Albright noted, highlighting the supportive collaboration with J&J and Golden Route Operations that facilitated a smoother transition.
A testament to American entrepreneurial spirit:
According to CDC Gaming, The Nevada Gaming Control Board’s Chair, Kirk Hendrick, lauded Leisure Gaming as “another great American success story,” a sentiment echoed by board member George Assad who compared the company’s journey to nurturing a child from birth to adulthood.
Broader implications and future prospects:
The acquisition not only enhances J&J Gaming’s footprint but also aligns with its reputation as a leader in the installation and operation of regulated gaming devices. The company, headquartered in Illinois and majorly owned by Los Angeles-based Oaktree Capital Management, has significantly extended its market presence. Following acquisitions in Nevada and Montana, J&J and its affiliates now manage 11,600 gaming terminals across more than 1,000 locations, serving approximately 3,600 locations in various regulated jurisdictions on a combined basis.
In a broader context, J&J Ventures Gaming, LLC, has been actively pursuing growth opportunities in the Western United States. The acquisition of Golden Entertainment’s distributed gaming segment has nearly doubled the number of locations J&J serves, underlining its commitment to expanding its leadership in North America’s distributed gaming sector.