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Key Takeaways
The primary goal of the deal will be to revive three businesses before their July 4 closing date
Terrible’s had previously purchased Primm and other businesses from MGM in 2007
The Nevada Gaming Control Board said it would do everything it could to help Terrible’s secure the proper licensing
A Las Vegas-based company reached an agreement to save an iconic soon-to-be-closed casino and business brand on the border of Nevada and California.
It was announced on Tuesday that Terrible’s struck a deal with the Primm family to operate its hotel-casino and business locations with less than one month until the July 4 closing date. The deal will preserve more than 300 jobs on-site, as well as one of the area’s most recognizable casino names.
Terrible’s is already familiar with Primm, having previously served as its operator.
Primm casino saved by Terrible’s
Terrible’s operates slot machines at more than 200 locations, including grocery stores, gas stations, and casino properties, now including Primm. It had previously acquired the casinos and several other businesses from MGM Resorts International for $400 million in 2007, while it was known as Herbst Gaming.
Cory Clemetson, the grandson of Primm founder Ernie Primm and president of the Primm South Real Estate Company, said that his family would partner with Terrible’s and the Herbst family to guide the casinos and businesses into their next chapter.
“Primm has long been one of Nevada’s most recognizable destinations,” said Tim Herbst, president of Terrible’s. “This partnership reflects our commitment to preserving that legacy while creating new opportunities for growth, investment and tourism for decades to come. We believe Primm’s best days are still ahead.”
Clemetson outlined a vision for the properties, which will begin with a restorative makeover and enhancements for all three properties: Primm Valley Casino Resort, Oasis Apartments, and The Lotto Store. The goal is to pull travelers who are crossing the border between California and Nevada and nearby guests.
He also said that the Primm and Herbst families’ primary goal is to ensure that the three businesses are not forced to close by the July 4 date outlined by previous operators Affinity Gaming and Z Capital, which announced in May that they intended to close the locations.
Lots of work to be done
The familiarity between Primm and Terrible’s has led to increased collaboration, with both parties hoping to leave the closure announcement in the past.
“We’re pleased that we were able to secure such a qualified and like-minded partner for our properties at Primm in just over a month after that unfortunate and poorly timed announcement,” Clemetson said. “Our families have a lot in common and share the same goals for Primm.”
Clemetson also noted that other operators expressed interest in helping to revive Primm, but he and his family ultimately decided to work with a familiar company.
“Although we were grateful for all the highly qualified operators that expressed interest in partnering with us at Primm, we were impressed with how the team at Terrible’s shared our goals and confidence in the long-term success of Primm.”
Terrible’s will need to receive the appropriate licensing from the Nevada Gaming Control Board before it can take over as Primm’s operator. Board Chairman Mike Dreitzer noted that the Herbst family “has a long history as a Nevada gaming licensee” and said the Board would “do everything [it could] to help ensure continuity of gaming operations at Primm.”
Primm Valley was the last of three casinos to shut down, following Whiskey Pete’s and Buffalo Bill’s. Pilot Co. still operates the Flying J travel center at Primm and said it was “encouraged” by the Primm family finding a replacement operator.
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