Primm Family Seeks New Casino Partners

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-06-05

The small Nevada border town of Primm is at a turning point. The Primm family, which has owned and operated the area's hotels and casinos for generations, is now looking for new partners to take over. Affinity Gaming, the current operator, announced in May that it would close most of its leased properties by July 4. That includes Primm Valley Resort, Buffalo Bill's, and Whiskey Pete's. It's a big shift for a town that relies on these resorts for its economy. Cory Clemetson, president of Primm South and grandson of founder Ernie Primm, said the family has already received several proposals from potential operators. "We're evaluating all options," he told local media. "The goal is to find partners who can bring fresh energy and investment." The closures are set to happen just before the busy July 4 weekend, which is usually a peak time for tourism. ### What's at Stake for Primm? Primm sits right on the Nevada-California border, about 40 miles south of Las Vegas. Its three main resorts draw travelers driving between Southern California and Vegas. Without them, the town could see a big drop in visitors. That matters for local businesses, jobs, and tax revenue. - Primm Valley Resort: 621 rooms, a golf course, and a casino - Buffalo Bill's: 1,242 rooms, a roller coaster, and a casino - Whiskey Pete's: 777 rooms and a casino These properties employ hundreds of people. If they close without new operators, many workers could lose their jobs. The Primm family knows this, which is why they're moving fast to find replacements. ### Who Might Step In? Clemetson didn't name specific companies, but he said the family is talking to "multiple prospective partners." Some could be established casino operators from Las Vegas or Reno. Others might be new to Nevada, like tribal gaming groups or private equity firms. The key is finding someone with deep pockets and a solid plan. Affinity Gaming's decision to leave isn't a surprise. The company has been trimming its portfolio for years, focusing on properties it owns outright rather than leases. For Primm, that means finding a new operator who can handle the unique challenges of a border town location. ### What Happens Next? The July 4 deadline is tight. If no new operator is found by then, the resorts will close temporarily. That could hurt summer tourism, which is already a tough market. But Clemetson remains optimistic. "We've been here for decades," he said. "We'll get through this." The Primm family is also considering other options, like selling the properties outright or partnering with a developer for a mixed-use project. Nothing is off the table, but the priority is keeping the resorts open. For now, travelers should expect changes. If you're planning a trip to Primm this summer, check ahead. The situation is fluid, and new announcements could come any day. The town's future depends on finding the right partner, and fast.