Nevada: Buffalo Bill’s Resort and Casino shifting 24/7 operations to Primm Valley Resort & Casino

Buffalo Bill’s Resort & Casino in Primm, Nevada, known for its Old West theme, towering Desperado roller coaster, and large concert venue, is halting its regular day-to-day operations. Buffalo Bill's will shift 24/7 operations to Primm Valley Resort & Casino, Affinity Gaming announced in a statement.

The move marks the second casino in the Primm area that halts its regular day-to-day operations in six months, reshaping the small gaming town about 44 miles south of Las Vegas.

In December, Affinity paused operations at Whiskey Pete’s, its 777-room property on the opposite side of Interstate 15, citing long-term operational challenges. That closure followed approval from the Clark County Commission allowing the hotel to remain dark for up to two years, with the possibility of extensions.

The decision to shift Buffalo Bill's 24/7 operations to Primm Valley Resort & Casino was made "in order to deliver the best possible experience for today's guest expectations," according to the operator.

The 6,500-seat Star of the Desert Arena will remain in operation, set to resume with a fall performance schedule that includes shows by Amanda Miguel and Grupo Canaveral.

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— Primm Valley Resorts (@PrimmValley) July 2, 2025

Buffalo Bill's casino, hotel, and food and beverage options will be open for special events and concerts at the arena, the casino confirmed.

However, the fate of other iconic draws, the Desperado roller coaster, which once held the record as the tallest in the world, and the Adventure Canyon Log Flume, remains unclear. The Guinness Book of World Records in 1996 recognized Desperado as the tallest roller coaster in the world.

In a February letter to local officials, Affinity Senior Vice President and General Counsel Erin Barnett detailed the company’s evolving approach, noting that traffic patterns have become more weekend-focused and insufficient to sustain three full-scale casino hotels throughout the week.

“The positive news is that expected development of an airport and ancillary businesses has created the prospect of a resurgence for the area in the coming years,” Barnett wrote. “However, in the interim, it is not feasible to keep all three casino properties staffed, supported, and open to the public on a full-time basis.”

Barnett’s remarks referred to the planned Southern Nevada Supplemental Airport, slated for the Ivanpah Valley between Jean and Primm. The project, still in the early stages, is not expected to be operational until at least 2037. The first of three public hearings on the airport’s environmental impact will take place later this month, including a July 31 session at Primm Valley Resort.