I recently came across a rather somber message on Facebook from Terrible's Casino in Jean, which seemed to convey a sense of finality. Dated November 22, 2021, the post informed players that the casino would not be reopening its gaming operations anytime soon. It was particularly noteworthy because it marked the first Facebook update from the company since the property was shut down on March 17, 2020, amidst the ongoing pandemic.
Nestled right in the heart of the stretch between the California state line and the bustling city of Las Vegas, lies the small and unassuming town of Jean. Positioned along the renowned Interstate 15, this quaint settlement boasts a variety of intriguing landmarks and establishments. Among them, one can find the grandeur of the world's largest Chevron station, a colossal oasis for motorists with an astounding 96 gas pumps. Adjacent to this behemoth lies a smaller, yet equally important, gas station catering to the needs of the local community. Emanating a sense of eerie desolation, Jean is also home to a vacant prison that looms silently over the landscape. Once a hub of activity, it now exists as a ghostly reminder of times gone by. Serving as a lifeline for the rural areas south of Las Vegas, the town's humble post office dutifully fulfills its role, connecting the scattered populace to the outside world. However, the most captivating feature of Jean is perhaps its private airport, specialized in adrenaline-pumping skydiving escapades. Thrill-seekers from far and wide flock to this aerial haven, seeking the exhilarating rush of freefall and breathtaking vistas. Despite its array of attractions, the population of Jean remains a perplexing mystery. As I wander through its empty streets and contemplate its enigmatic charm, I can't help but marvel at the paradoxical existence of a place that is simultaneously bustling with activity and yet devoid of human inhabitants. Jean, a testament to the allure of the unknown, stands as a captivating chapter in the vast tapestry of American landscapes.
At the gas station across the highway from the casino, there used to be a small slot casino. However, it's important to note that this Chevron is not included in the list of properties where players can claim their comps and points. If you have any comps or points, you are advised to visit other Jett Gaming properties within the next 90 days to redeem them.
Terrible's Casino, formerly known as Gold Strike.
I used to work at the Gold Strike Casino in Jean, which is now called Terrible's Casino. Back in 2015, Jett Gaming bought it from MGM, who originally owned it. Interestingly, MGM Resorts also owned Nevada Landing, located on the opposite side of the interstate. Unfortunately, they demolished it back in 2008, with hopes of developing something new that never actually happened. It's fascinating to see how things have changed over the years in this area.
Gold Strike, a renowned hotel owned by MGM Resorts, underwent a significant transformation before it changed hands. With the aim of enhancing the guest experience, the new proprietors took the initiative to revitalize the property. As part of this endeavor, they made the decision to temporarily close down more than half of the hotel's rooms. Through meticulous refurbishment, they breathed new life into the establishment, reopening some of the rooms that had been previously unavailable to guests. This strategic move not only ensured the hotel's continued success but also provided an opportunity to showcase the improvements made to the discerning clientele.
During the period when it was owned by MGM, Gold Strike Casino appeared to be a place where they dumped their old slot machines. The majority of the machines operated on coins, meaning that any game that didn't dispense coins had to be paid out manually. However, the coin-operated games often had excellent payout tables. Among them were quarter machines that offered full pay Deuces Wild and a version with a joker. Additionally, there was a machine that paid out in full for Jacks or Better. As for the $1 coin games, most of them were not too unattractive when it came to Deuces Wild.
In its remote setting, the property known as the MGM offered an enticing array of gambling options such as 3:2 blackjack, roulette, craps, and baccarat. Despite its location, the establishment boasted a well-maintained pit, which surprisingly attracted visitors who might have otherwise overlooked it. This success could be attributed to the appealing value proposition presented by the casino.
After acquiring the casino, we at Jett Gaming made the decision to remove all coin-operated video poker machines. Instead, we opted to keep a handful of coin reels and keno games, which were complemented by the introduction of new ticket-in/ticket-out machines. As part of this transition, we also implemented changes to the video poker pay tables, ensuring a more balanced and engaging gaming experience.
By the end, the table game pit at Terrible's Casino in Jean had been stripped down to feature only 6:5 blackjack and roulette. Even the payout for video blackjack had been lowered to 6:5. It was evident to me that there was no justification to halt the changes at that point. This notable decline in value appeared to be the downfall for Terrible's Casino in Jean.
Connected: In May of 2019, I released a detailed account of my visit to this particular casino.
A collection of pictures showcasing the photo gallery at Terrible's Casino in the year 2019.
The condition in Primm remains largely unchanged.
It appears that the unfavorable business circumstances extend beyond Jean, impacting Primm as well, which happens to be the sole interstate exit between Jean and the California state line.
Primm Valley Resort, one of the three Primm casinos, used to be under the ownership of MGM Resorts, but its glory days are long gone. However, amidst the chaos caused by the pandemic, it is the only casino that has managed to regain some semblance of normalcy. The hotel is now open every day, and a few dining choices are available to patrons seeking a break from their gambling adventures.
During my last visit, I had the opportunity to explore the offerings at Primm Valley Resort, the sole establishment in the area that still provides live table games. It was quite a change, considering that all three casinos used to have them prior to the pandemic. However, what caught my attention was the fact that all the blackjack tables now featured a 6:5 payout ratio, which was a departure from what I remembered. Nonetheless, there were still other options available, such as Three Card Poker, roulette, and even a mini craps table. It's worth noting, though, that the pit area was only operational on weekends, limiting the gaming experience for visitors during the weekdays.
During my previous trip, I noticed a massive arena featuring a state-of-the-art electronic blackjack table adjacent to the pit. Furthermore, I found it intriguing that this particular blackjack variant offered a 6:5 payout ratio.
Whiskey Pete's casino has resumed its operations, but the hotel has only been available for a limited number of weekends since June 2020, when casinos were allowed to reopen.
Buffalo Bill’s, the once-thriving amusement park that had sadly shuttered its doors long before the global pandemic struck, remains closed to this day. Regrettably, its concert arena, once a vibrant hub of live music, has yet to see the light of day. All the eagerly anticipated performances that were once scheduled have been indefinitely canceled.
I can't help but ponder if Primm's problem lies in the fact that prospective visitors are left clueless about what establishments are currently operational. When I navigate to the group's official website, I am able to access information regarding the rates of Buffalo Bill's and Whiskey Pete's hotels. Nevertheless, since both hotels are currently closed, the website simply displays them as "sold out" without providing any indication to potential visitors that the only open hotel is Primm Valley Resort. It would be more helpful if the website explicitly informed visitors about the availability of Primm Valley Resort as the sole operational option.
The dining section is quite chaotic, I must say. None of Buffalo Bill's restaurants listed are actually open during the available hours. This situation really makes me wonder about the accuracy of the other listings provided. Moreover, the section displays lounges that seem to be non-operational at the moment. It's all quite perplexing, to be honest.
Should visitors perceive a website as outdated, and if there are numerous indicators supporting the notion that the Primm website is indeed outdated, they will choose to continue their search elsewhere.
Buffalo Bill's 2019 photo album collection:
