The rumors have been flying for months now, but Tuesday, Golden Gaming, Inc., which owns the Pahrump Nugget, confirmed it has acquired the Saddle West Hotel, Casino, and RV resort.

"We are pleased with the opportunity to acquire the Saddle West Hotel, Casino, and RV Resort, which will be a great addition to our gaming portfolio," Blake L. Sartini, president and CEO of Golden Gaming, said in a prepared press release. "We are bullish on the long term growth prospects for the Pahrump market, and this acquisition further displays our commitment to growing with the community."

Golden Gaming acquired the Saddle West from Marnell Sher Gaming, LLC, which is comprised of a partnership between Saddle West Investors, LLC and Sher Gaming, LLC.

"We're excited to reach an agreement with Mr. Sartini and the quality team at Golden Gaming, Inc.," Anthony Marnell III, chairman, stated in a prepared press release. "We're confident (the Saddle West) will continue to be developed and thrive in conjunction with the community of Pahrump."

The addition of the Saddle West will make Golden Gaming one of the largest employers in Nye County with more than 500 employees.

The Saddle West will be the company's fifth casino in the Golden Casino Group, which has three casinos in Colorado in addition to the local Nugget.

Golden Gaming first came to Pahrump when it bought the Pahrump Nugget Hotel & Gambling Hall in November of last year.

It's acquisition of the Saddle West is currently pending licensing and regulatory approvals.

Spokesmen for both groups declined to answer questions.