Nevada regulators have approved Terrible’s Gaming as the new operator of the Primm resort complex, ensuring the border casino community remains open and avoids an imminent shutdown.
The decision was made following hearings by the Nevada Gaming Control Board and later confirmed by the Nevada Gaming Commission in a 5-0 vote. The approval clears the way for Terrible’s to take over operations from Affinity Gaming, which had planned to wind down activity at the property.
The licensing process was completed under an accelerated timeline due to the urgency of the situation. Regulators issued a one-year license, giving the operator time to stabilize operations while developing longer-term plans for the site located along Interstate 15 at the Nevada-California border.
Board officials described the intervention as necessary to prevent the area from going dark on July 4, a key travel period for the region.
Job preservation and reopening plans drive transition
A central element of the agreement is the preservation of more than 300 jobs tied to the Primm properties. Terrible’s has already begun onboarding staff ahead of the operational transition and confirmed continued employment and housing support for workers at the resort community.
Tim Herbst, president of Terrible’s, said the company initiated discussions after learning of the planned closures. He stated that the objective was to support both the Primm family and the workforce.
“We just felt it was our obligation to call the Primm family and see if there’s anything we could do to help keep those employees employed,” Herbst said.
He also said the company has already brought on approximately 300 employees in preparation for the transition.
Terrible’s is expected to assume operational control in early July, with service stations projected to reopen first, particularly ahead of the Fourth of July travel period. Casino reopening timelines remain less defined, although phased restarts are being considered.
Future use of casino properties still under review
Plans for the individual properties remain in early stages. Buffalo Bill’s may reopen intermittently for special events, while portions of Whiskey Pete’s are also being evaluated for limited use. Regulatory approval will depend on life-safety and infrastructure assessments, including considerations such as whether major attractions like the Desperado rollercoaster can be safely operated.
Herbst emphasized that initial efforts will focus on stabilizing operations rather than immediate redevelopment.
“It’s a short-term vision at first and a long-term vision second,” he said.
He also noted that infrastructure and safety assessments will determine how quickly different parts of the resort can return to service.
Strategic importance of the Primm location
The Primm resort cluster sits on one of the busiest travel corridors into Nevada, with millions of vehicles passing annually along Interstate 15. Terrible’s has highlighted the site’s strategic importance as a gateway to Las Vegas.
Herbst pointed to long-term development potential tied to transportation and regional growth, while stressing that immediate priorities remain operational continuity and employment.
“It’s the gateway to Las Vegas and the worst thing in the world would be if that place was shut down and those travelers or tourists show up there and it’s dark and out of fuel,” he said, according to The Nevada Independent.
The Primm family, which owns the land and leased operations to Terrible’s, has also expressed support for the transition, citing job preservation and community stability as key outcomes.
Terrible’s Gaming, part of the Terrible Herbst group, operates convenience stores, fuel stations, and gaming properties across multiple U.S. states. The company previously operated the Primm casinos between 2007 and 2010 before losing control during bankruptcy proceedings.
The current agreement marks its return to the property more than a decade later. Regulators and company executives have described the deal as a stabilizing step for a region facing uncertainty following Affinity Gaming’s exit plans.
Affinity had previously indicated that Primm was no longer viable as a casino operation, prompting the need for a new operator to prevent closure.
Next phase for the Primm community
With licensing secured, Terrible’s now faces the challenge of restoring full operations across a property that includes casinos, service stations, retail outlets, and entertainment facilities.
While immediate efforts focus on reopening key services, longer-term development options remain under evaluation, including potential infrastructure upgrades and expanded visitor offerings.
Regulators will continue to oversee the transition under the one-year license structure, with future approvals dependent on operational performance and compliance.
For now, the decision ensures that the Primm resort community remains active, preserving jobs and maintaining operations at one of Nevada’s most visible entry points.