Primm, Nevada's Buffalo Bill's Casino Shuts Down Permanently
Primm, Nevada, a town once bustling with tourists and casinos, is currently experiencing a downturn in its economy. The closure of several casinos and the near-abandonment of the Primm Outlets mall have left the area in a state of decline. However, there is a glimmer of hope on the horizon.
The proposed Southern Nevada Supplemental Airport, expected to open by 2037, six miles north of Primm, is seen as a potential resurgence for the town. The airport, which is projected to handle up to 35 million travelers a year, could bring much-needed development and ancillary businesses to the area.
In the meantime, Primm Valley Resort remains the last operating hotel-casino in Primm. The resort, owned by Affinity Gaming, has absorbed the full-time casino and hotel operations previously run by Buffalo Bill’s Casino, which has shifted from 24/7 operations to operate only during concerts and special events at its Star of the Desert Arena.
The future prospects for Primm Valley Resort and the town of Primm are uncertain, but Affinity Gaming and local officials are hopeful that the airport, along with other infrastructure projects, could spur a resurgence for the town in the coming years. In the near term, Primm continues to struggle with declining business and relevance.
The closure of Buffalo Bill’s Casino has left Primm Valley Resort as the last casino resort not "shifting from 24/7 operations" in Primm. The resort, with its 1,242 rooms, continues to operate as the anchor of the local casino and hospitality market.
The Desperado roller coaster at Buffalo Bill's casino resort, which closed in 2019 and never reopened, serves as a reminder of the town's past glory days. The closure of other properties such as Whiskey Pete’s Casino and the permanent shutdown of the Primm Valley Golf Club in 2024 have further added to the economic downturn in the area.
Despite the challenges, Affinity Gaming is focusing resources on Primm Valley Resort to maintain a viable presence during this interim period. A spokesperson for Primm Valley Resorts stated that Buffalo Bill's is not permanently closing, but rather "shifting from 24/7 operations."
Affinity has also applied for a waiver from Clark County to keep Whiskey Pete’s casino closed for up to three years, with the intention of doing the same with Buffalo Bill’s. The website for Buffalo Bill's isn't accepting hotel reservations after Sunday, July 6, indicating that the closure is imminent.
As Primm Valley Resort continues to operate as the last remaining casino resort in Primm, the town's economic recovery depends largely on future infrastructure projects and tourism development. The Southern Nevada Supplemental Airport, if developed, could be the key to reviving visitor interest and economic vibrancy in the region.
- The Primm Valley Resorts, currently the last operating hotel-casino in Primm, has taken over the full-time casino and hotel operations previously run by Buffalo Bill’s Casino.
- The proposed Southern Nevada Supplemental Airport, expected to open by 2037, could potentially bring much-needed development and ancillary businesses to Primm, Nevada.
- Whiskey Pete’s Casino, like Buffalo Bill’s, may close temporarily, as Affinity Gaming has applied for a waiver from Clark County for up to three years of closure.
- The casino culture in Primm, Nevada, has significantly changed, with the closure of iconic establishments like Whiskey Pete’s Casino and the permanent shutdown of the Primm Valley Golf Club.
- The success of the town of Primm, particularly the casino-and-gambling industry, depends on future infrastructure projects and tourism development, with the Southern Nevada Supplemental Airport serving as a potential key facilitator.
