Golden Entertainment, a company operating a diversified entertainment platform that includes gaming and hospitality assets, announced that it has reached a definitive agreement to sell its operating assets to its CEO and founder, Blake Sartini, along with his affiliates. In addition, seven of Golden Entertainment’s casino real estate properties will be sold to VICI Properties Inc. through a sale-leaseback arrangement.

Golden Entertainment to Sell Its Assets

The proposed take-private transaction values the company at $30.00 per share, reflecting a 40% premium over its closing price on November 5. As part of the transaction, VICI will assume and repay up to $426 million of the outstanding debt under the Company’s Senior Secured Credit Facility.

Golden Entertainment stated that an Independent Committee of the Board of Directors was established to review the transaction, and that the Committee unanimously recommended that shareholders approve both the take-private deal and the sale-leaseback. As part of the proposed agreement, the company will continue to pay shareholders regular quarterly cash dividends of $0.25 per share until the transaction is finalized.

The proposed transaction is anticipated to close in mid-2026. It is subject to customary closing conditions, including obtaining regulatory approvals and approval from a majority of Golden’s stockholders. Blake Sartini, Blake Sartini II, and affiliated trusts, who collectively hold about 25% of the voting power of Golden’s outstanding common stock, have entered into a voting and support agreement in favor of the transaction.

Officials Comment on the Deal

Sartini stated that the transaction maximizes value for shareholders by offering a significant premium over the company’s current share price. He expressed enthusiasm for combining Golden’s high-quality Nevada casino real estate with one of the country’s most attractive experiential real estate platforms, highlighting the partnership’s potential to unlock value and explore future opportunities. 

Since founding Golden in 2001, Sartini has focused on delivering exceptional service to guests across the Las Vegas Strip, Nevada regional resorts, local casinos, and the company’s leading taverns. He emphasized that this mission will remain unchanged and expressed honor in leading Golden’s 5,000 employees into the next stage of the company’s evolution as a private entity.

Meanwhile, Charles Protell, president and chief financial officer of Golden, noted that over recent years, the Board of Directors and management have prioritized creating superior shareholder value through strategic actions, including divesting non-core assets, repaying debt, and returning capital via dividends and share repurchases. Protell stated that the company is pleased to have reached an agreement with Sartini to acquire Golden at a significant premium to its current share price, with VICI providing capital support through a tax-efficient sale-leaseback structure.

Lastly, John Payne, president and chief operating officer of VICI, stated that the acquisition of Golden Entertainment’s casino real estate assets further strengthens VICI’s market-leading Nevada gaming portfolio. He expressed enthusiasm about expanding the company’s presence in the attractive and growing Nevada market. Payne further highlighted the long-term value these properties are expected to provide as Nevada continues to develop as one of the nation’s premier leisure and entertainment destinations.