Ghost-town casinos near Las Vegas get stunning rescue after family finds last-minute buyer

Members of the Primm family shared exclusively on Monday with Fox News Digital that they've signed an agreement with Las Vegas-based Terrible's, another private company, to operate its hotel-casino and related properties in Primm, Nevada.

Cory Clemetson, grandson of Primm's founder and president of the Primm South Real Estate Company, said, "We're pleased that we were able to secure such a qualified and like-minded partner for our properties at Primm."

Tim Herbst, president of Terrible's, said in a statement shared with Fox News Digital, "Primm has long been one of Nevada's most recognizable destinations. This partnership reflects our commitment to preserving that legacy while creating new opportunities for growth, investment and tourism. We believe Primm's best days are still ahead."

Affinity Interactive CEO Scott Butera recently told the Gaming Control Board that Primm is "just not viable as a casino operation," the Nevada Independent reported.

"I think [my grandfather] would just be mortified [if] that had taken place," he said.

"We hope our new operator, [together with] us, will be able to transition in a much more responsible way ... for the sake of the hardworking paycheck-to-paycheck employees that have really, in many cases, given their lives to Primm," he added.

Fox News Digital previously reached out to Affinity Interactive for comment.

The shuttering of Whiskey Pete's was followed by Buffalo Bill's Resort & Casino limiting its operations to special events in July 2025.

When asked why so many visitors remain nostalgic about Primm to this day, Clemetson said, "I think people just remember the great days when they stopped [by] as kids."

"We used to have a roller coaster that was operational," he shared.

"It was affordable for many families, even by Las Vegas standards."

Clemetson chuckled as he recounted fond memories from his childhood of his grandfather.

"He had a toupee, and I used to steal the toupee and run around, and he'd chase after me and kind of laugh," Clemetson said.

Now, Clemetson is banking on a new airport in development near the town of Primm. 

Southern Nevada Supplemental Airport (SNSA), previously known as Ivanpah Valley Airport, would be located along Interstate 15 (I-15) right near Primm.

Construction is expected to begin by 2029, with completion as early as 2035, according to reports.

"Primm will have an advantage that very few Las Vegas casinos even today have," he said.

Future plans may include property renovations, upgraded traveler amenities, enhanced food and beverage offerings, infrastructure improvements and other investments.

Clemetson said that today, he's "bullish on the long-term prospects."

"I know our family wants to do everything they can to preserve that legacy," Clemetson said. 

"We don't know exactly what the future is going to hold - but we are giving it our very best to get back to better days."

Andrea Margolis, Kelly McGreal and Teresa Mull of Fox News Digital contributed reporting.