Casino’s shutdown on Nevada-California border to last at least 2 years, possibly 3

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — When Whiskey Pete’s shut down in December on the Nevada-California line, it wasn’t known if the owner had any intention of reopening the hotel.

That became a little clearer on Tuesday as representatives of Affinity Interactive stood before Clark County commissioners seeking permission for a two-year closure, with the option of extending to three years. The company will continue operating the travel center/gas station at the site, including the slot machines that are technically part of Whiskey Pete’s.

Commissioners, acting as the Liquor & Gaming Licensing Board, approved the two-year closure. Vince Queano, Clark County director of business license, will make the decision on a possible extension when the time comes.

“The temporary closure is being requested due to staffing and marketing challenges,” Queano told commissioners.

It’s been years since the resort’s heyday when travelers on their journey from the L.A. area to Las Vegas would stop at the casinos along the way. Changing habits have taken their toll on an outlet mall, a roller coaster, and ultimately one of the three resorts along Interstate 15 at the border.

Now, the reason to stop might hinge on the weather or how long travelers have been sitting in I-15 traffic.

Affinity is hoping the economy in the area — too weak right now to support Whiskey Pete’s, Buffalo Bill’s Resort & Casino and Primm Valley Casino Resorts, officials said — has a rebound in its future with plans emerging for an auxiliary airport to take some of the pressure off of Reid International Airport in Las Vegas.

A letter emailed to the county from Erin Barnett, Affinity senior vice president and general 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.

Affinity intends to increase the number of slot machines inside the travel center from 22 to 40 in the coming months, according to Josh Carlson, Affinity vice president and general counsel. That will take advantage of unique licensing at the property, which was built in 1977 before current regulations kicked in for resort hotels.

Barnett’s letter said Affinity has approached the Nevada Gaming Control Board to make certain the arrangement with the slot machines will be allowed during the temporary closure of the casino.

Whiskey Pete’s closed on Dec. 18, and Tuesday’s action set the beginning of the approved two-year closure on that date, and ending on Dec. 18, 2026.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.