#United States #Las Vegas #Golden Entertainment #Blake Sartini #Greenberg Traurig

Greenberg Traurig Represents Blake L. Sartini in Golden Entertainment Acquisition

In a landmark shift within the gaming and entertainment industry, Blake L. Sartini has successfully transitioned Golden Entertainment into a private family-owned entity. This significant operation was facilitated by the global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP, reflecting their strong legal acumen in corporate transactions. The transaction, completed on April 30, involved a strategic maneuver between Golden Entertainment and VICI Properties Inc.

As a part of the deal, shareholders of Golden Entertainment received a substantial cash dividend of $2.75 along with 0.902 shares of VICI stock for each share they owned in Golden. This financial strategy underscores the innovative approach that Sartini and his team are implementing to enhance shareholder value while paving the way for sustained familial control over the entertainment assets.

VICI Properties, recognized for its specialization in real estate related to gaming, acquired the real estate assets tied to seven of Golden Entertainment's casino resorts. Subsequently, Sartini's entities entered into a triple-net master lease arrangement, allowing Golden to continue managing its entire portfolio of casino and tavern operations without interruption. This unique business structure not only secures VICI's interests but also ensures that Golden Entertainment remains a pivotal player in the market under Sartini's leadership.

Michael J. Bonner, Co-Managing Shareholder of Greenberg Traurig's Las Vegas office, expressed his pride in representing Sartini, stating, "We were honored to represent Blake L. Sartini in returning Golden Entertainment to private family ownership. We congratulate Blake and the entire Golden Entertainment team!" This sentiment is echoed by the entire deal team that worked diligently on this transaction.

The legal representation for this deal was robust and multifaceted. Leading the Greenberg Traurig team were Tampa Corporate Shareholder Dmitriy A. Tartakovskiy and Las Vegas Co-Managing Shareholder Jim Mace, alongside contributions from notable members including Washington, D.C. Corporate Shareholder James Doyle and Denver Tax Shareholder Robert D. Simon. Their collective expertise spanned various sectors critical to the successful execution of this transition, showcasing the depth of talent within Greenberg Traurig.

Greenberg Traurig, established as a premier law firm with a presence in over 50 locations worldwide, continues to be recognized for its dedication to delivering innovative solutions across diverse industries. The firm has garnered accolades as one of the “Best of the Best Recommended Law Firms” by general counsels in 2025, highlighting its excellence in trust and relationship management.

Blake L. Sartini's return to managing Golden Entertainment as a privately held family operation marks a significant chapter in the company's history, one characterized by strategic growth and familial dedication. Returning to family ownership often allows for enhanced decision-making agility, a focus on long-term goals, and the ability to foster a culture aligned with the company's values. This shift could potentially lead to revitalized company strategies that prioritize both operational excellence and community engagement.

As the industry continues to evolve, all eyes will be on Golden Entertainment to observe how this new direction impacts its growth trajectory and market position. With Sartini at the helm and a robust legal framework supporting the transition, the future appears promising for Golden Entertainment as it charts its path in a dynamic market landscape.