Primm’s Buffalo Bill’s will suspend full-time hours and operate event-only beginning July 7
Prim, Nevada (Times Media Service) – Buffalo Bill’s Resort & Casino in Primm will end its around-the-clock operations on July 7, 2025, shifting its casino floor, dining venues, and bars to open only during concerts and special events at the Star of the Desert Arena.
A Landmark Shift for Buffalo Bill’s
Buffalo Bill’s opened in May 1994 as part of Affinity Gaming’s Primm Valley Resorts, featuring the record-breaking Desperado roller coaster and a log flume ride that once coursed through the casino floor. Its 61,372-square-foot gaming area once hosted over 1,700 slot machines, table games, and the 6,500-seat Star of the Desert Arena. On July 7, 2025, the property will no longer offer 24-hour gaming, opting instead for hours aligned with scheduled concerts and special events.
Reasons Behind the Hours Reduction
Affinity Gaming cites declining weekday traffic, increased competition from Southern California tribal casinos, and the cost of staffing a remote location for full-time service as primary factors in shifting Buffalo Bill’s to an event-only model. Its sister property, Primm Valley Resort across the boulevard, will maintain 24/7 operations for guests seeking continuous gaming and lodging. The decision follows Whiskey Pete’s permanent closure in December 2024, leaving Primm Valley Resort as the sole full-time casino in the area.
Impact on Road-Trip Travelers
For decades, Buffalo Bill’s served as a convenient stop for Californians making the 40-mile trek to Las Vegas, offering dining, fuel, and entertainment. With full-time doors closing, travelers without advance event tickets will now need to rely on the 24-hour services at Primm Valley Resort or find stops further south or north along Interstate 15. Local gas stations under restricted gaming licenses will continue to operate limited slot rooms, but these cannot match the scale of Buffalo Bill’s offerings.
Community Reaction in Las Vegas
While regulars and local tour-bus operators voiced disappointment, many understand the economics behind the change. On social media, one longtime visitor lamented that losing the 24-hour pit stop “felt like part of the journey disappearing.” Meanwhile, Primm’s tourism officials emphasize that Primm Valley Resort will continue to welcome guests around the clock, mitigating concerns about a complete service gap.
Future of Primm Valley Resorts
After July 7, Buffalo Bill’s will remain open only on concert nights and for special events at the Star of the Desert Arena, with the casino floor, restaurants, and bars reactivating as needed. Primm Valley Resort is completing renovations, including reopening its hotel towers and William Hill sportsbook within days of Buffalo Bill’s reduction in hours. The Bonnie and Clyde death car exhibit is expected to relocate back to Primm Valley Resort’s food court in the coming weeks.
Long-Term Implications for Primm
With Whiskey Pete’s closed and Buffalo Bill’s on event-only hours, Primm Valley Resort stands as the lone full-service gaming destination near the California border. Industry analysts predict that consolidating operations may help Affinity Gaming streamline staffing and maintenance costs, but they caution that reduced visibility on a major highway corridor could dampen spontaneous traffic generation. If event attendance remains strong, the model could be replicated at other low-traffic casinos nationwide.
Reaction and Outlook for Las Vegas Visitors
Local travel agencies are updating road-trip itineraries to highlight Primm Valley Resort’s 24/7 amenities, while advising clients to plan ahead for Buffalo Bill’s event schedule. Some bus lines are adding shorter stops or rerouting to include other off-Strip properties, reflecting a shift in regional tourism patterns. For die-hard fans of Buffalo Bill’s unique theme-park-casino hybrid, a final full-time visit by July 6 may become a cherished memory.
Ralph Stewart / Vegas Contributor (Times Media Service)
Born and raised in the Las Vegas area, Ralph has closely followed the evolution of casino resorts for many years, gaining a deep understanding of the tourism, lifestyle, politics, and financial dynamics that drive this remarkable region in southern Nevada.
rstewart@timesmediaservice.com
