On the date of Thursday, June 9, 2020, we explored Primm and Jean, which are two neighboring towns located along Interstate 15, positioned between Las Vegas and the California state boundary.
Out of the four casinos in this particular region, only two are currently operational. Primm Valley Resort and Whiskey Pete's have kept their doors open, while Buffalo Bill's in Primm and Terrible's Roadhouse in Jean have unfortunately had to close down for the time being. Curiosity got the better of us, and we decided to pay a visit to see how things have transformed in these establishments.
Upon entering the Primm casinos, your temperature is promptly checked as a safety measure. As a pleasant surprise, you are then given a handy wristband displaying the current day of the week. This nifty accessory serves a purpose beyond mere adornment—it grants you the privilege of bypassing temperature checks for the rest of the day. This clever system ensures that you can freely enjoy your time at the casinos without any interruptions.
Our journey began at Whiskey Pete's, a renowned establishment in the area. To our delight, we discovered that their hotel now welcomes guests on Friday and Saturday nights, offering a comfortable stay for those seeking a memorable experience. As we made our way through the casino, we noticed that it operates daily from 7am to 2am, ensuring ample opportunities for entertainment. However, it's worth mentioning that the table games at Whiskey Pete's are currently closed indefinitely, perhaps due to unforeseen circumstances. Nevertheless, the tables still adorn the casino floor, waiting for the moment when they can once again bring joy to gamblers' hearts. Despite this setback, we observed that approximately 15 individuals were engaged in playing slots, their faces reflecting a mix of anticipation and excitement. Notably, the configuration of the slot machines had been altered to allow for proper spacing, ensuring the safety and comfort of all visitors.
Tonight at midnight, in accordance with Governor Sisolak's directive, all bars in Clark County will be forced to shut down. This means that every single machine in the bar, without exception, will be switched off. The order is clear and leaves no room for interpretation or negotiation. As the designated time approaches, the atmosphere in the bar becomes increasingly somber. Patrons and staff alike are aware that this will be a significant blow to the local nightlife scene. The once vibrant and lively establishment will be reduced to darkness, with no sounds of laughter, clinking glasses, or spinning machines. It's a bittersweet moment, marked by both nostalgia for the past and uncertainty for the future. The machines, once symbols of entertainment and potential fortune, stand silent and dormant, awaiting the day when they can be awakened again. The patrons, too, will have to find alternative ways to spend their evenings, at least for the time being. The bar, once a hub of social interaction and camaraderie, will now sit empty and devoid of life. It's a stark reminder of the current circumstances and the sacrifices that need to be made to ensure the safety and well-being of the community.
At Whiskey Pete's, you'll find two dining establishments that are currently open for business. The first one is IHOP, a beloved American chain famous for its all-day breakfast menu. Whether you're craving pancakes, omelettes, or a hearty burger, IHOP has got you covered 24 hours a day. The second option is Cuca's Mexican Food, a delightful eatery that specializes in authentic Mexican cuisine. If you're planning to visit on a Friday, you can enjoy their delectable dishes from noon until midnight. On Saturdays, they open their doors at 10am and continue serving until midnight. Lastly, if you're in the mood for a Sunday brunch or an early dinner, Cuca's is open from 10am to 6pm. So whether you're an early bird or a night owl, Whiskey Pete's has the perfect dining options to satisfy your cravings at any time of day.
We made our way to Primm Valley, where we found a slight increase in activity. The table games were up and running, but I noticed that the pit area had shrunk by half compared to when I surveyed it last year.
Last year, when I conducted my assessment, Primm Valley Resort boasted an impressive assortment of 16 table games. However, the current landscape reveals a slight shift as there are now only eight tables available for players to enjoy. Among these, a charming mini craps table beckons players with a reasonable $15 minimum bet, accompanied by enticing 3-4-5 times odds. The Field, known for its allure, grants the privilege of doubling one's winnings on the elusive roll of 12. Additionally, there is a solitary roulette table, featuring a double zero, and a modest $10 minimum bet. For those seeking a different kind of thrill, both Three Card Poker and four blackjack tables, employing a 6:5 payout, offer a $10 minimum bet. However, standing proudly amid the crowd is a lone 3:2 blackjack table, demanding a slightly higher minimum bet of $25.
During my previous trip, I noticed a glaring absence of several table games that I had grown fond of. The beloved Pai Gow Poker, Mississippi Stud, and even a roulette table were nowhere to be found. Additionally, the once bustling area that housed the large craps table now stood desolate and devoid of any activity. To my disappointment, four 6:5 blackjack tables and the popular Free Bet Blackjack table were also missing in action. It was disheartening to see the vacant space where these vibrant tables once stood, providing endless entertainment and opportunities for excitement.
During our visit, we found that the food court at Primm Valley Resort was closed, which limited our restaurant choices. However, the Primm and Proper diner was open seven days a week, providing us with an option for dining. Operating from 6am to 10pm daily, it offered a range of delicious meals. While Mrs. Fields was listed as open in the mornings on Primm Valley's website, serving baked goods, yogurt, and coffee, all other dining options were unfortunately closed. Interestingly, the website erroneously indicated that a pizza place was open daily, but like the rest of the food court, it was closed during our visit.
Jean appears to be experiencing negative news.
Last month, I compiled a comprehensive directory for the reopening of Las Vegas. It contained detailed information about all the casinos in the area, along with their anticipated dates of reopening. Interestingly, Terrible's in Jean has remained silent, failing to make any official announcement regarding its reopening plans. Unlike other establishments, which have already resumed operations, Terrible's has chosen to keep its doors closed since March 17, when the state order was implemented.
When the Terrible's Roadhouse shut down, they took down their website and disconnected their phone number. Curiously, sometime in early June, I discovered that their phone number had been redirected to a Ramada call center. However, the employees there seemed unaware of any future plans for the property when I contacted them. In an attempt to gather more information, I reached out to the casino through their Facebook page, inquiring about a potential reopening date. Unfortunately, I did not receive a response from them.
On June 27, via Facebook Messenger, I managed to connect with a representative from Terrible's who verified that the establishment was indeed closed indefinitely.
Several days later, I received a response on the company's Facebook page from an individual who appeared to be a former staff member. According to his comment, the establishment had ceased operations indefinitely and was currently on the market for potential buyers. Intrigued by this revelation, I promptly replied to inquire further, and to my surprise, other users chimed in with their own questions, prompting a lively discussion among individuals who seemed to possess insider knowledge.
On July 5th, I decided to take matters into my own hands and reach out to Terrible's through their Facebook Messenger. In my message, I brought up the previous responses and inquired about their accuracy. Surprisingly, I never received a response from the account. It seemed like they were intentionally avoiding the issue. Frustrated by their silence, I turned to the Facebook page's administrator and noticed that they had deleted the entire discussion surrounding the matter. It was as if they wanted to erase any trace of the controversy. Determined to get some answers, I decided to escalate the situation further by sending an email to Terrible's corporate headquarters. However, to my disappointment, I never heard back from them either. It felt like my efforts were being met with a wall of silence, leaving me with more questions than answers.
The status of the casino remains uncertain as there is no official information available about its reopening or potential closure like Nevada Landing.
