LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — Nevada regulators have given the green light to Terrible’s takeover of Primm casinos and rest stop operations, averting a closure of the state line enclave.
The Nevada Gaming Control Board and Gaming Commission voted Thursday to grant Terrible’s a non-restricted license to operate the three casinos: Primm Valley Resort, Whiskey Pete’s and Buffalo Bill’s.
Terrible’s reached an agreement with the Primm family, which owns the land, and Affinity Gaming, which had been operating the casinos, to assume operations.
Affinity planned to close the resorts, the Flying J gas station, the Primm Travel Center, and a lottery store in California by July 4. A total of 344 employees would have been terminated, many of whom live in apartments in Primm.
Scott Butera, CEO of Affinity, told regulators in May that business has been declining for years, despite efforts to invest in the resorts with new slot machines and a new digital sign. Only Primm Valley Resort has been operating on a full-time basis in recent months.
The Gaming Control Board said they still had serious concerns about the closures, however, particularly with how it would affect employees.
On Thursday, Tim Herbst, president and CEO of Terrible Herbst, told the Gaming Control Board that the deal to transfer control is unorthodox. He said Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo and Clark County Commissioner Michael Naft reached out to avert the closure and keep the workers employed.
“It all comes down to Nevadans helping Nevadans,” Herbst said.
He said the Primm family and Affinity are still in negotiations regarding what will be left behind, but Terrible’s is ready to assume control of non-gaming assets by July 4.
On Primm’s future, Herbst said he believes the Brightline West train and a supplemental airport would help revitalize the town.
“I think it’s a bright future for the Primm family,” Herbst said. “I think there’s a lot going on there. It may take a little time to figure out the family’s objectives and long-term ranges out there, but I can’t imagine – they’re a smart group of people. I think the state of Nevada and Clark County and the industry will all look favorable about what happens there soon.”
Gaming Control Board member George Assad said the goal was to make sure nobody in Primm lost their job.
“It’s just an example of how we can all move together and move forward and do the right thing,” Assad said.