SouthernWorldwide.com – The CEO of the company responsible for closing down a series of well-known Nevada casino properties has defended the decision, informing gaming regulators that the once-popular gambling destination is no longer financially viable.
Primm, Nevada, was historically home to three active properties that were widely considered budget-friendly alternatives to Las Vegas, situated just across the border from California.
This month, it was announced that the final remaining hotel, Primm Valley Resort & Casino, is slated for closure on July 4. This closure is anticipated to result in the loss of 344 jobs, according to Fox 5 Las Vegas.
Affinity Interactive CEO Scott Butera informed the Gaming Control Board on Thursday that Primm is “just not viable as a casino operation,” as reported by the Nevada Independent.
Butera cited persistent financial losses and unsuccessful investment attempts as the reasons behind the closure.
“It’s been losing money, and we’ve been investing a lot of money over the years to no avail,” Butera stated. “We’ve tried many things there, including building a new sign and new slot machines.”
Mike Dreitzer, the chairman of the Gaming Control Board, questioned Butera, emphasizing that the board was monitoring the situation “with grave concern for the community.”
“This is of critical importance to the state, and good faith is not only requested, but it’s required,” Dreitzer remarked, according to the Nevada Independent.
Butera indicated that Affinity is “working very closely with the landlord” and mentioned a “potential suitor” who might be interested in revitalizing the property.
“We’re hoping that we’ll have a transition on the property, but we are exiting as the tenant,” he explained.
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Affinity Interactive, along with its primary owner, the New York-based private equity firm Z Capital, has been leasing and operating the Primm properties for nearly 15 years.
The decision to close has drawn criticism from the founding Primm family.
“If the Primm properties go dark, so does the welcome they have provided over the decades,” stated Clemetson.
“It is contrary to our values to let that happen without exploring all options,” he added.
Clemetson further mentioned that he and his family are working “tirelessly” to explore avenues for reviving the Primm properties.
“Be assured that we’re working toward a revitalized Primm and a return to better days,” Clemetson affirmed.
The initial two casino hotels to cease operations were Whiskey Pete’s and Buffalo Bill’s Resort & Casino. They closed in December 2024 and were subsequently scaled back to special-event operations in July 2025.
“A lot of people used to stop there,” commented Amanda Belarmino, an associate professor of hospitality at UNLV.
“Since casinos are more readily accessible, Primm lost some of that appeal.”
