Clark County commissioners have given Whiskey Pete’s Hotel & Casino in Primm, Nevada, a longer break, allowing it to remain closed for up to three years. Affinity Gaming, the casino’s owner, cited weak weekday business as the primary reason. The approval lets the company keep the doors shut for two years, retroactive to December 18, 2024, with the possibility of two additional six-month extensions.
A Special Exemption for Whiskey Pete’s
Normally, casinos in Clark County must keep their gaming licenses active to stay in business. But with this waiver, Whiskey Pete’s gets to sidestep that requirement. Instead of fully shutting down its operations, the casino will keep its licensing alive through Whiskey Pete’s Stateline Stop truck stop, where 22 slot machines are still running.
There are even plans to nearly double that number. The truck stop could soon have 40 slot machines, ensuring that some level of gambling remains on-site.
Affinity Gaming Reshapes Its Strategy
Affinity Gaming, which also owns Primm Valley Resort and Buffalo Bill’s, is shifting its approach. The company is steering away from the traditional full-time resort model and is instead focusing on attracting highway travelers passing between Las Vegas and Southern California.
Senior Vice President and General Counsel Erin Barnett pointed to a possible bright future for the area. “The positive news is that expected development of an airport and ancillary businesses has created the prospect of a resurgence for the area in the coming years,” she said. But for now, keeping all three Primm properties open just isn’t feasible.
For weekend visitors, Primm Valley Resort and Buffalo Bill’s will remain open, continuing to serve those looking for entertainment at the state line. Whiskey Pete’s, however, will stay dark until the numbers make sense again.
The Future of Primm: Betting on an Airport
A key factor in Affinity’s decision is the long-term prospect of a new airport near Primm. The Southern Nevada Supplemental Airport, planned for the Ivanpah Valley, is expected to boost the region’s economy.
The catch? It won’t open anytime soon. Current projections suggest the airport won’t be operational until at least 2037.
Scott Butera, President and CEO of Affinity Interactive, acknowledged the shift: “The properties in Primm are undergoing an exciting transition.” That transition appears to be about patience—waiting for the infrastructure and demand to develop before making big moves.
No Opposition, but the Clock Is Ticking
During the public hearing, no one stood up to object to the extended closure. The Clark County Business Licensing Department will keep tabs on Affinity’s progress, overseeing any potential requests for further extensions.
Whiskey Pete’s, which first opened its doors in 1977, holds the title of Primm’s oldest casino. For now, it will remain in limbo as executives watch market conditions and decide its ultimate fate.
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