Primm Valley Casino Closed as Terrible’s Takes Over

Visitors to the Primm Valley Casino over the Independence Day weekend were met with closed doors, sparking confusion among gaming enthusiasts hoping to celebrate at the border town’s iconic gambling venue. A sign outside the casino stated the property was “closed for patronage,” and no reopening date has yet been announced.

The temporary closure comes as Terrible’s, a company with extensive holdings in convenience stores and casinos across Nevada, officially took over management from Affinity Gaming. The transition, completed in early July, followed months of negotiation and market assessment led by The Primadonna Company LLC, Affinity’s subsidiary.

Background on the Transition

Affinity Gaming cited persistent financial losses as a primary reason for relinquishing control. The company reported that the Primm property had incurred annual losses between $10 million and $15 million, and no agreement on rent adjustments could be reached with the property’s landlord, the Primm family. Affinity emphasized its long-standing ties to the Herbst family and efforts to sustain employment and maintain operations during prior restructurings.

Lisa Robinson, a spokesperson for Terrible’s, noted that while the casino remains closed, the company is working with regulators and intends to reopen as soon as feasible. “We are currently coordinating with regulators, and the property will reopen as soon as possible,” Robinson said.

The Primm family, who owns the land and leases it to Terrible’s, expressed confidence in the ongoing transition. According to Las Vegas Review-Journal, George McCabe, a family spokesperson, commented, “Everything is going to plan as far as I know.”

Operations Already Resumed at Supporting Businesses

Although the main casino remains shuttered, other businesses in the Primm cluster, including gas stations, a Lotto store, Starbucks, and the travel centers at Whiskey Pete’s and Buffalo Bill’s, have reopened under Terrible’s management. Approximately 300 employees from these locations were offered continued employment, and the on-site housing for staff remains operational.

Terrible’s management emphasized a long-term vision for the area, aiming to restore and enhance the casino properties while maintaining the viability of the broader roadside business network. The company has taken control of multiple Primm venues, including Buffalo Bill’s Casino and Whiskey Pete’s, as part of a phased reopening strategy.

Terrible’s plans for Primm Valley Casino, along with Buffalo Bill’s and Whiskey Pete’s, remain in development, with announcements expected regarding reopening schedules and further investment initiatives. Both the company and the Primm family have committed to infrastructure improvements, enhanced amenities, and introducing new experiences to strengthen the properties and support sustainable growth.