A once-thriving Nevada vacation resort and casino complex is set to become America's latest ghost town after its final hotel shuts its doors. Primm Valley Resorts, the last remaining casino among a trio of gambling establishments near the California-Nevada border, has informed employees it will close in less than two months, according to a termination of lease agreement letter obtained by 8 News Now.
The notice, issued on Monday by Primadonna Company LLC, instructed workers residing at the nearby Desert Oasis Apartments to vacate their rentals by July 6, as Primm Valley Resorts officially closes on July 4. The Primadonna Company LLC, owned by Affinity Gaming, told staff their leases would be terminated, offering a 60-day notice instead of the standard 30 days 'as a courtesy,' the letter stated.
'We recognize this is an extraordinarily difficult time, and we are deeply grateful for the dedication each of you has brought to the Primm Valley Casino Resorts property,' wrote Chantelle Mark, chief people officer for Affinity Gaming. Affected employees will not have to make any further rent payments, according to a notice of business closure and employment termination letter obtained by the Daily Mail.
The company also pledged employment support, planning a transition alongside the State of Nevada Rapid Response Team to coordinate government assistance for laid-off workers, the documents revealed. It remains unclear how many employees will be affected.
Other Properties Also Closing
The notice also informed staff that four other properties owned by Primadonna Company LLC—Buffalo Bill's Resort & Casino, Whiskey Pete's Hotel & Casino, Primm Center, and Flying J—will close. Buffalo Bill's switched to event-only operations in July 2025, and Whiskey Pete's shut down in December 2024. The Primm Center, a gas station and dining hub, and Flying J, a truck stop, both on Interstate 15, will officially close on July 4.
The termination announcement came just days after Primm Valley Casino Resorts posted videos and images on Facebook showcasing its gambling floors, appearing to be thriving. 'This weekend at Primm Valley Casino and Buffalo Bills Casino was packed with excitement and big wins—our guests are enjoying thrilling jackpots and unforgettable moments,' one post read. On April 26, the casino shared a similar message: 'Jackpots are hitting nonstop at Primm Valley Casino! Another guest just scored a massive $10,598 grand jackpot on the Dragon Link slot machine. It’s been a winning weekend, and we’re open 24/7 to keep the excitement going.'
Decline of a Once-Popular Destination
The Primm casino complex was once a popular, more affordable gambling alternative to ritzy Las Vegas. However, after the Covid-19 pandemic halted tourism in Sin City's gambling world, Primm's casinos began to decline. Additionally, casinos have emerged in other parts of the US, including California and New York, intensifying competition.
In September, renderings of a potential $3 billion complex showed what wealthy developers have planned for Coney Island. Once America's largest amusement park, the now less-popular area could see a major upgrade. The renderings depicted an argyle-patterned casino and hotel skyscrapers beside Nathan's hotdog stand, Cyclone rollercoaster, and Wonder Wheel. Despite the proposal, residents fear a casino would dwarf the boardwalk and replace their centuries-old beachside community with a 'soulless' casino.
Meanwhile, human casino dealers in Las Vegas are being replaced by electronic gaming systems. In October of last year, the Golden Gate Casino transitioned to an all-virtual gaming floor to appeal to tourists, Gen-Z, and locals. The marketing strategy, 'The Night Starts Here,' began during the pandemic but has only recently gained attention, according to owner Derek Stevens. This move is one of several attempts to revive struggling Las Vegas, which has seen declining visitor numbers.
When contacted by the Daily Mail for comment, Affinity Gaming provided the termination letter sent to employees.
