Primm, Nevada’s hotel-casino industry has been given a last-minute lifeline. A new agreement between the Primm family and Las Vegas-based Terrible’s will keep the town’s remaining gaming properties open, just weeks before a planned shutdown.
The Primm family announced a deal with Terrible’s, part of the Herbst family business, to operate hotel-casinos and related properties in the small border town.
The remaining operations in Primm were scheduled to close on July 4, 2026, which would have effectively ended gaming activity in the area.
Cory Clemetson, president of Primm South Real Estate Company and grandson of founder Ernie Primm, confirmed the partnership. He said the family is “delighted to partner with Terrible’s and the Herbst family” to help manage properties that are vital to Southern Nevada’s economy.
A Historic Gambling Stop on the Nevada-California Border
Primm is located along Interstate 15, about 45 miles south of Las Vegas. With a population of around 600, it has long served as a convenient stop for travelers between Southern California and Las Vegas.
The town began in the 1950s as a small roadside business built by Ernest “Ernie” Primm. Over time, the Primm family expanded it into a casino destination.
Key developments included:
- Whiskey Pete’s, opened in 1977
- Primm Valley Resort (formerly Primadonna), opened in 1990
- Buffalo Bill’s, opened in 1994
- These properties helped turn Primm into a popular travel stop, complete with gaming, lodging, shopping, and entertainment. The town was officially renamed Primm in 1996.
Years of Decline and Closures
Despite its early success, Primm has struggled in recent years.
Several factors contributed to its decline:
- Increased competition from Las Vegas
- Changing travel habits
- Economic pressure following COVID-19
By 2024–2025, major properties began shutting down:
- Whiskey Pete’s closed entirely
- Buffalo Bill’s significantly reduced operations
- The outlet mall lost most of its tenants
By mid-2026, only Primm Valley Casino Resort remained open, along with a few supporting businesses. Plans were already in place to close everything by early July.
Primm Valley Casino Saved By New Deal
The new agreement brings in Terrible’s, a well-known Nevada brand operated by the Herbst family. The company has deep roots in the state and a long history in both fuel and gaming industries.
This deal is also a return to familiar territory. The Herbst family previously operated the Primm properties in the late 2000s before a bankruptcy in 2010 led to a change in ownership.
Now, the partnership reunites two long-standing Nevada families with a shared history in the region.
What Happens Next
The agreement is expected to:
- Keep current casino operations running
- Preserve local jobs
- Support tourism traffic along I-15
Future plans may include:
- Renovations to existing properties
- Potential reopening of Buffalo Bill’s
- Long-term development tied to a proposed nearby airport
The deal still requires approval from regulators, including the Nevada Gaming Commission.
All of Southern Nevada Will Benefit
Primm may be small, but its location makes it strategically important. It serves as a gateway between California and Las Vegas, capturing millions of passing drivers each year.
Keeping the casinos open helps:
- Maintain jobs in a small community
- Support regional tourism
- Preserve a historic Nevada gaming destination
While challenges remain, this deal offers a path forward instead of a shutdown.
