By approving greater bets, the Washington State Gambling Commission recently gave a favorable hand to the state's commercial cardrooms. Gaming company Maverick Gaming has its headquarters in Kirkland and is situated in Washington. Of the 38 commercial cardrooms in the state, 23 are owned and run by the firm. Maverick last year asked state gaming authorities to permit bigger wagers at the company's cardrooms. The Gambling Commission decided to raise the maximum allowed stake for a commercial cardroom from $300 to $400 last Thursday after a contentious discussion.