On March 25, 2004, Barrick Gaming purchased, and began operating, several properties from Jackie Gaughan, a longtime Las Vegas casino owner, for $82 million.
While it was not announced at the time, Barrick shared ownership of the buildings with Tamares Real Estate Investments which also owns the land under these properties.
However, on May 31, 2005, the agreement for Barrick Gaming to acquire the Golden Nugget Laughlin expired without a final deal being reached.
As a result, Landry's Restaurants, Inc. would acquire the property as part of its agreement to purchase the Golden Nugget Las Vegas.
In a further development, on June 28, 2005, Barrick announced that it would sell its interest in the first four properties it acquired to the privately owned Tamares.