SouthernWorldwide.com – The chief executive of the company responsible for the shutdown of a collection of iconic Nevada casino properties has defended the decision, informing gaming regulators that the once-popular gambling destination is no longer financially viable.
Primm, Nevada, was formerly the site of three thriving establishments that were long recognized as budget-friendly alternatives to Las Vegas, situated just across the border between California and Nevada.
This month, it was announced that the final of the three hotels, Primm Valley Resort & Casino, is slated for closure on July 4. This closure is projected to result in the loss of 344 jobs, as reported by Fox 5 Las Vegas.
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Affinity Interactive CEO Scott Butera informed the Gaming Control Board on Thursday that Primm is “just not viable as a casino operation,” according to The Nevada Independent.
The executive pointed to 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.”
Butera was questioned by Mike Dreitzer, the chair of the Gaming Control Board, who conveyed that the board was observing 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,” Dreitzer remarked, as reported by The Nevada Independent.
Butera indicated that Affinity is “working very closely with the landlord” and mentioned a “potential suitor” who might be able to revitalize the property.
“We’re hoping that we’ll have a transition on the property, but we are exiting as the tenant,” he added.
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Affinity Interactive, along with its principal owner, the New York-based private equity firm Z Capital, has been leasing and operating the Primm properties for nearly 15 years.
The impending closure has drawn criticism from the 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 continued.
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Clemetson further elaborated that he and his family are working “tirelessly” to investigate 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—Whiskey Pete’s and Buffalo Bill’s Resort & Casino—closed their doors in December 2024 and were 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.”
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