Representatives for the Primm family say a decision on a new company to run the casino and hotel operations in Primm, the tiny border community between Nevada and California, is expected in the next few days.
New Operator for Primm Casinos Could Be Announced Within Days
Cory Clemetson, who manages the family’s business interests, said talks with several well-established Nevada gaming operators have gone far enough that an announcement could be made within a week, reported The Las Vegas Review-Journal. The potential partner would be a big name with a proven track record in the state’s hospitality and gaming industry, he said, without naming any specific group.
The development comes after current operator Affinity Gaming announced earlier this year that it would be shuttering operations across the area’s remaining venues by July 4. The casino and hotel, roadside services, and the California-side lottery outlet are all part of the planned closure, raising concerns about hundreds of lost jobs and the future of the community’s tourism stop on Interstate 15.
Properties such as Primm Valley Resort, Buffalo Bill’s, and Whiskey Pete’s – historically significant stops for travelers crossing the state line – are among those impacted. If the closure goes ahead as planned, more than 300 workers are expected to be affected.
Clemetson said the talks with possible operators are said to be at a very advanced stage, and the chance that the properties will continue to run beyond the announced closure date is growing more likely. He added that the focus of the efforts was on business continuity and protecting local jobs.
Potential Primm Casino Takeover Moves Forward with Regulatory Awareness
Regulators have been kept informed about the talks that are going on. The Nevada Gaming Control Board said it was aware of the transition talks and said it would support efforts to ensure stable gaming operations during any transfer of ownership or management.
LV Petroleum LLC, a logistics and fuel operator, is said to have been interested in earlier talks, but it is unclear whether that group remains in the running. The Primm family has also hired legal and advisory teams to draft a new operating agreement that would allow for a smoother transition.
The family would take a more active role in running the properties under the proposed setup than in recent decades. Clemetson said there would be no debt associated with the casinos, which would leave room for possible reinvestment and upgrades.
The Primm portfolio includes about 568 acres consisting of 15 parcels along the Interstate 15 corridor, which has historically served as the gateway between the Southern California and Nevada gaming markets. Family representatives pointed to long-term development prospects, especially in relation to the planned Southern Nevada Supplemental Airport in the Ivanpah Valley, which could eventually alter regional traffic patterns. The timelines for that infrastructure project are uncertain, but the family believes future construction activity could help support demand in the area. At the moment, the emphasis is on finding a partner to steady the ship and keep one of Nevada’s first major entry points for southbound travelers from shutting down altogether.