As Primm's last casino shuts down, employees struggling for housing, jobs

Hundreds of workers at the Primm Valley Casino Resort were upset to learn that their employment would be lost on July 4, 2026.

The situation worsened when they learned that, two days after the resort near the California-Nevada border closed, they and other tenants would have to vacate the apartments they rent from the casino operator.

Affinity Gaming, the operator of Primm Valley Casino Resort, stated in a statement to the state's Department of Employment, Training, and Rehabilitation (DETR) on May 5 that 344 workers will lose their employment as a result of the shutdown. Nearly 250 employees reside in the employee housing.

Some turned to crowdfunding or state agencies for financial assistance as they cope with the uncertainty. Others intend to relocate for employment to nearby Laughlin.

In an email, a representative for Affinity, stated that the business was "working closely with its employees." To provide information on public services accessible to Primm employees during the changeover, four meetings are planned.

In the 2010 bankruptcy restructuring of Herbst Gaming, the Primm casino operations were purchased by Las Vegas-based Affinity Gaming, which is controlled by a New York-based hedge fund. That fund, which owns three tiny casinos in the Midwest as well as the off-Strip Silver Sevens Hotel and Casino, has had difficulty running the complex throughout the pandemic and after the recession.

During a special hearing about the sportsbook at Silver Sevens, Nevada gaming regulators are likely to ask Affinity executives about the impending closure in Primm.

Executives at Affinity have refrained from commenting on Primm. Affinity informed workers residing in the units this week that rent and energy bills will not be withheld from paychecks after May 13.

According to a number of Primm employees and other sources, management instructed them not to discuss the impending shutdown with the media. Several employees consented to speak when media reporters visited Primm on May 13, although they requested to remain anonymous.

According to a DETR spokesperson, the agency's rapid response team will work closely with other state services to determine what options are available for Primm employees who are losing their jobs and homes. According to her, DETR is looking for ways to provide case management, emergency rental assistance, and reemployment programs to displaced workers and their families.

Drivers stopping at the Flying J Truck Stop on the north side of Interstate 15, where Whiskey Pete's has been shuttered for over a year and the hotel's marquee promotes messaging for the Rio Las Vegas, are wondering where to stop and refuel. Ten gasoline lines, many showers, and other amenities for vehicles are available at the location. A truck driver stated that he would depend on Flying J's corporate offices to supply substitute facilities.

Due to separate leasing arrangements from the casinos, a number of businesses in the Primm complex are not closing. Managers are worried, though, because several workers reside in the units that will shortly be closed.

Taco Bell runs a shuttle to and from Las Vegas, although some employees are affected by the apartment closure, according to local management. A manager at the Primm McDonald's stated that the store's future is still unknown.

Two years ago, the proprietors of Henderson's Legacy Golf Club purchased the neighboring golf courses, but they haven't been used since. The course entrance is walled off, many trees and other vegetation have died, and the fairways have dried up.

One longstanding employee who continues to work at Primm Valley said that the golf courses attracted a lot of frequent visitors. But he said that the majority of those patrons never came back after they closed.

Source:

“'It's kind of sad.' As Primm's last casino shuts down, employees struggling for housing, jobs” , Howard Stutz, thenevadaindependent.com, May 20, 2026.