Casino boss defends closure of iconic Primm resorts amid backlash from founding family

Primm’s remaining casino hotel is set to close July 4, leaving hundreds of workers without jobs.“We’ve tried many things here,” said a senior executive.(Ethan Miller)

“It’s been losing money, and we’ve been investing a lot of money over the years to no avail,” Butera said.“We’ve tried many things there, including building a new sign and new slot machines.”

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Butera was pressed by Mike Dreitzer, the Gaming Control Board chair, who told him the board was monitoring the situation “with grave concern for the community.”

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“This is of critical importance to the state, and good faith is not only requested, but it’s required,” said Dreitzer, the Nevada Independent reported.

“We’re hoping that we’ll have a transition on the property, but we are exiting as the tenant.”

Butera said Affinity is “working very closely with the landlord,” and cited a “potential suitor” who might revitalize the property.

“We’re hoping that we’ll have a transition on the property, but we are exiting as the tenant,” he said.

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Affinity Interactive and its principal owner, New York-based private equity firm Z Capital, have leased andoperated the Primm propertiesfor nearly 15 years.

The closure drew criticism from the Primm family.

The Nevada town was known for casino resorts, outlet shopping and attractions that once drew plenty of tourist traffic.(iStock)

Cory Clemetson, president of Primm�

“If the Primm properties go dark, so does the welcome they have provided over the decades,” Clemetson said.

“It is contrary to our values to let that happen withoutexploring all options,” he said.

Clemetson added that he and his family are working “tirelessly” to explore ways to revive the Primm properties.

“Be assured that we’re working toward a revitalized Primm and a return to better days,” Clemetson said.

The closure of Primm Valley Resort &Casino follows the earlier shutdowns of Whiskey Pete’s and Buffalo Bill’s Resort &Casino.(Ethan Miller)

The first two casinohotelsto shut down — Whiskey Pete’s and Buffalo Bill’s Resort &Casino — closed in December 2024 and scaled back to special-event operations in July 2025.

Primm has seen “a slow decline�

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“A lot of people used to stop there,” said Amanda Belarmino, an associate professor of hospitality at UNLV.

The Primm Valley Casino Resorts will close 624 hotel rooms and suites this summer.(iStock)

“Since casinos are more readily accessible, Primm lost some of that appeal.”

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