The casino at The Greenbrier Resort could face a temporary shutdown as state regulators review a refinancing transaction that would change the ownership structure behind the historic West Virginia property.
The Justice family expects a major refinancing deal tied to ongoing litigation surrounding The Greenbrier Resort to close this week. However, attorneys involved in the transaction say continued casino operations depend on approval from the West Virginia Lottery Commission. Without that approval, the casino may be forced to halt operations until regulators complete their review.
The issue centers on a financing agreement involving Kennedy Lewis Loan Management. The transaction is intended to address hundreds of millions of dollars in debt while providing additional funding for future improvements at the resort.
While the resort itself would remain open, casino operations are subject to separate regulatory requirements. That distinction has placed the casino’s future in question even as the broader refinancing deal moves closer to completion.
Casino employees have already been notified of the potential impact. Attorneys representing the Justice family said workers are receiving WARN notices as a precaution while the approval process continues.
The notices do not necessarily mean layoffs will occur, but they signal that job losses could become a reality if the casino cannot continue operating. Court filings indicate that about 90 casino employees could eventually be affected if approval is not granted and operations are suspended for an extended period.
Representatives for the resort emphasized that the concern applies only to casino staff. Other areas of The Greenbrier, including its hotel, conference facilities, restaurants, weddings, and events business, are expected to continue operating normally regardless of the casino’s status.
The situation highlights the importance of regulatory approvals in the gaming industry, where casino licenses can be tied to ownership structures, financial arrangements, and ongoing compliance reviews.
West Virginia Lottery Acting Director David R. Bradley responded publicly to concerns raised by attorneys involved in the transaction. Bradley said lottery officials require time to complete their due diligence and review financial documents connected to the ownership changes.
Lottery representatives also indicated that key transaction documents were not received until early August, leaving limited time for regulators to complete their analysis. Bradley suggested that the matter could potentially be considered during the Lottery Commission’s regularly scheduled meeting on Aug. 26 if outstanding questions are addressed.
Attorneys for the Justice family disagree with portions of the Lottery’s characterization of the process and argue they have been providing requested information for months. They also contend the refinancing would improve the resort’s financial position by eliminating significant debt obligations that previously raised concerns during licensing reviews.
The next several weeks could determine whether Greenbrier casino operations continue uninterrupted or face a temporary closure.
Attorneys involved in the financing deal have expressed hope that a temporary arrangement or expedited approval process could allow the casino to remain open while regulators complete their review. If such an agreement cannot be reached, casino operations may be paused until the Lottery Commission grants formal approval.
For now, both sides appear to be continuing discussions as they work through the regulatory process. The outcome will be closely watched given The Greenbrier’s status as one of West Virginia’s most recognizable resort destinations and a major employer in the region.
