LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — When Whiskey Pete’s shut down in December on the Nevada-California line, it wasn’t recognized if the proprietor had any intention of reopening the lodge.
That grew to become a little bit clearer on Tuesday as representatives of Affinity Interactive stood earlier than Clark County commissioners searching for permission for a two-year closure, with the choice of extending to 3 years. The corporate will proceed working the journey heart/gasoline station on the web site, together with the slot machines which are technically a part of Whiskey Pete’s.
Commissioners, appearing because the Liquor & Gaming Licensing Board, authorised the two-year closure. Vince Queano, Clark County director of enterprise license, will make the choice on a doable extension when the time comes.
“The temporary closure is being requested due to staffing and marketing challenges,” Queano instructed commissioners.
Whiskey Pete’s. (KLAS)
It has been years because the resort’s heyday when vacationers on their journey from the L.A. space to Las Vegas would cease on the casinos alongside the way in which. Altering habits have taken their toll on an outlet mall, a curler coaster, and finally one of many three resorts alongside Interstate 15 on the border.
Now, the explanation to cease would possibly hinge on the climate or how lengthy vacationers have been sitting in I-15 site visitors.
Affinity is hoping the financial system within the space — too weak proper now to help Whiskey Pete’s, Buffalo Invoice’s Resort & On line casino and Primm Valley On line casino Resorts, officers mentioned — has a rebound in its future with plans rising for an auxiliary airport to take a few of the strain off of Reid Worldwide Airport in Las Vegas.
PRIMM, NV – FEBRUARY 20: Whiskey Pete’s Lodge & On line casino, Buffalo Invoice’s Resort & On line casino and Primm Valley Resort & On line casino are seen in an aerial view on Feb. 20, 2014 in Primm, Nevada. (Picture by Ethan Miller/Getty Photos)
A letter emailed to the county from Erin Barnett, Affinity senior vp and common counsel, on Oct. 18 reveals:
“In recent years, and particularly post-pandemic, the traffic at the state line has proved to be heavily weighted towards weekend activity and is insufficient to support three full-time casino properties. 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. 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. As a result, we are requesting your approval to close the Casino portion of the business, while continuing to operate the Truck Stop under the existing business licenses,” Barnett wrote.
Whiskey Pete’s closed check in December 2024. (KLAS)
Affinity intends to extend the variety of slot machines contained in the journey heart from 22 to 40 within the coming months, in response to Josh Carlson, Affinity vp and common counsel. That may benefit from distinctive licensing on the property, which was inbuilt 1977 earlier than present laws kicked in for resort lodges.
Barnett’s letter mentioned Affinity has approached the Nevada Gaming Management Board to make sure the association with the slot machines will probably be allowed through the non permanent closure of the on line casino.
Whiskey Pete’s closed on Dec. 18, and Tuesday’s motion set the start of the authorised two-year closure on that date, and ending on Dec. 18, 2026.