The owner of Classic Island Casino in Kennewick abruptly closed the business Monday afternoon.

Jim Bakunowicz of Longview, Wash., told employees Monday afternoon that he had lost the lease on the building at 8524 W. Gage Blvd., Kennewick. A press release received Tuesday from the casino owner said it “closed due to financial hardship and an inability to pay rent and taxes. It has been an ongoing struggle with the current economy and high taxation.”

Calls to the business go to voice mail and there is no message about the closure. There is a sign on the door saying that the casino is closed. Classic Island Casino opened in Kennewick in June 2006.

Bakunowicz told the Herald in 2006 he had been in the gaming business for more than 25 years. He also owns Cadillac Island Casino in Longview.