
The well-known Whiskey Pete's Casino in Primm, a sight familiar to those traveling between Nevada and California, has shut its doors temporarily. The decades-old establishment, which first opened in 1977 and experienced a $3.5 million facelift in 2016, ceased its operations with its parking lot sealed off from public access. According to a Channel 13 investigation, the closure took effect on Tuesday.
Affinity Gaming, the owner of Whiskey Pete's, is behind this decision, aiming to revamp the aging casino to better align with evolving consumer preferences. Despite the nostalgic echo its castle-like facade holds for many, the company is poised to inject new life into the facility. "As an initial step in the realigning of Primm Valley Resorts to meet the changing consumer demand, Affinity Interactive has temporarily closed Whiskey Pete’s Casino in order to feature new and ongoing investments at Primm Resorts and Buffalo Bills," read a statement obtained by News3LV. The future amenities aim to cater to both "new and current customers."
While the exact details of the renovation or the duration of the closure have not been disclosed, the move has touched a chord with local residents and frequent visitors. Kelly Joy Brown-Lewis reminisced to Channel 13 about the property’s magical allure as a child. Las Vegas resident, Lynn Sabbatini expressed a sense of loss to the same publication: "It's sad to see this because it's been an earmark place for so many people and for so many years." Many others share this sentiment, viewing Whiskey Pete's as more than just a stopover but a piece of the regional identity.
Concerns are now focused on the future of Primm's castle-bordered skyline, with Las Vegas resident Ralph Blackburn telling Channel 13, "It'd be like a little hole in your heart when you just pass by." He added, "With that being gone, you're going to be like, 'What's next?'" While Whiskey Pete's is temporarily closed, Affinity Gaming's other Primm-based properties, including Buffalo Bill's Casino and the Primm Valley Resort, remain open, keeping the area's gaming spirit alive. An official statement from Affinity Gaming regarding the closure and future plans is expected but has not yet been released.