Published on: June 26, 2026, 12:11h.

Updated on: June 26, 2026, 12:11h.

• Nevada gaming regulators expedited a temporary gaming license for Terrible’s to prevent a July 4 closure in Primm.
• This urgent action preserves 300 jobs as well as housing for the local workforce.
• New operator Tim Herbst is exploring the possibility of safely reopening long-closed attractions like Whiskey Pete’s and the Desperado roller coaster.

Nevada gaming regulators have approved an emergency agreement that prevents the closure of Primm Valley Resort during the upcoming July 4 holiday, transferring control of the town’s casinos and essential service stations to Terrible’s Gaming. This last-minute decision safeguards over 300 jobs and prevents an economic downturn in the small border town situated 40 miles south of Las Vegas.

During a specialized hearing on Thursday, the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) unanimously recommended Terrible’s for a one-year conditional gaming license to takeover operations from Affinity Gaming, which declared it would exit after 15 years. A mere three hours later, the Nevada Gaming Commission finalized their approval with a unanimous 5–0 vote.

This decision transfers control of Primm Valley Resort, Buffalo Bill’s, and Whiskey Pete’s, as well as the local service stations. (The Flying J travel center will continue its independent operations under Pilot Co.) Terrible’s is set to take over on July 1, providing them with scant time to stabilize a community on the brink of massive layoffs and closures.

Tim Herbst, the president of Terrible’s, informed regulators that their intervention was prompted by concerns from the Primm family about preventing an impending shutdown.

“We felt a responsibility to ensure those employees remain employed,” he remarked, adding that the company has already welcomed around 300 workers and pledged to maintain accommodations at the Oasis Apartments, which house most employees.

Regulators lauded this decision as a prime example of community-centric thinking, emphasizing that Primm serves as the first impression for millions of travelers each year crossing into Nevada.

“I commend you for prioritizing community and human concerns in an era where profit often takes precedence,” NGCB chair Mike Dreitzer stated to Herbst. “Such commitment is commendable and is a rarity.”

Future of Whiskey Pete’s

Herbst indicated that Terrible’s is assessing the feasibility of reopening Whiskey Pete’s, which was closed in 2024, once safety inspections are completed, and will continue to use Buffalo Bill’s for special events to keep its gaming license intact. Recently, only Primm Valley Resort remained operational.

Additionally, Herbst mentioned discussions with California State Lottery officials to keep the Primm Valley Lotto Store operational, as well as evaluations on reviving the long-dormant Desperado roller coaster, focusing primarily on safety assessments.

This coaster was once the tallest in the world when it debuted in 1994 but was declared unsafe by Clark County on December 14, 2019. According to reports from 2022, Affinity lacked the funds to conduct the necessary safety fixes, raising questions about the feasibility of the repairs.

Temporary Licensing Solution

This one-year temporary license reflects the urgent timeline regulators faced, allowing them less than 30 days for application evaluation. This provisional approval provides Terrible’s the necessary time to assess infrastructure needs, negotiate asset transfers with Affinity, and create long-term strategies for the 570 acres of land owned by the Primm family alongside Interstate 15.

Terrible’s previously had control of the Primm casinos from 2007 to 2010 but lost them during a bankruptcy restructuring that formed Affinity Gaming. Presently, the company operates a vast network of convenience stores, travel centers, taverns, and rural casinos across the state, including properties in Pahrump, Indian Springs, Fernley, and Searchlight.

Herbst envisions substantial potential for Primm’s future, especially with the anticipated Brightline West high-speed rail line and plans for a supplementary airport south of Las Vegas.

Cory Clemetson, the grandson of Primm’s founder Ernie Primm, noted that the family selected Terrible’s after reviewing various operators.

“Ultimately, the Herbsts proved to be the best match for us,” he stated, adding: “We believe Primm has a promising future and are eager to collaborate with Terrible’s team to modernize and revitalize this vital entry point to Nevada.”