You’re driving south from Vegas toward the California border, the neon glow of the Strip fading in your rearview mirror, and suddenly, out of the shimmering heat of the Mojave, this massive wooden roller coaster appears. It looks like a fever dream. If you’ve ever done the slog between Los Angeles and Nevada, you know exactly what I’m talking about. We’re talking about Buffalo Bills Las Vegas—or, more accurately, Buffalo Bill’s Resort & Casino in Primm.
It isn't actually in Las Vegas. Not by a long shot.
Primm is about 40 miles south of the city, sitting right on the state line. It’s that weird, wonderful, and sometimes slightly dusty oasis that serves as the last bastion of gambling before you hit the nothingness of the desert. For decades, it was the go-to pit stop for families, gamblers who lost their shirt and needed a cheap room, and thrill-seekers looking to ride the Desperado.
But things have changed. A lot.
Honestly, the "Buffalo Bills Las Vegas" experience is a bit of a time capsule. When the property first opened in 1994, it was a legitimate powerhouse. It was owned by the Primm family before being sold to MGM (then MGM Mirage) and eventually landing with Affinity Interactive. It was designed to capture that rugged, Wild West aesthetic that was so popular in 90s themed architecture. You’ve got the giant buffalo-shaped pool and the log-cabin vibes, but it's the Desperado roller coaster that really put this place on the map.
At one point, that coaster was one of the tallest and fastest in the entire world. It’s a 209-foot drop. Imagine hitting 80 miles per hour while looking out at a dry lake bed. It’s intense.
Why People Still Obsess Over Buffalo Bills Las Vegas
There is a specific kind of nostalgia attached to this place. If you grew up in Southern California, Buffalo Bill's was the signal that you had finally "made it" to Nevada. It was the gatekeeper.
Lately, though, the conversation around the resort has been less about the gambling and more about the "will they, won't they" of its operations. During the pandemic, the Primm properties—which include Buffalo Bill’s, Primm Valley Resort, and Whiskey Pete’s—went through some serious dark times. People were literally driving by and posting on Reddit asking if the place was abandoned because the lights were off and the coaster hadn't moved in years.
The good news? It’s back. Mostly.
Affinity Interactive poured a significant amount of money into a massive renovation that wrapped up recently. We aren't just talking about a fresh coat of paint. They completely redid the hotel rooms, updated the casino floor with roughly 600 of the newest slot machines, and—perhaps most importantly for the foodies—brought in a massive Tree Bar and a variety of dining options like BB’s Kitchen.
But here’s the thing most people get wrong: they think it’s just a "budget" version of the Strip. It’s not. It’s a completely different vibe. It’s more relaxed. You aren't fighting through crowds of bachelor parties or paying $25 for a mediocre cocktail. It’s the kind of place where you can grab a beer, play some blackjack, and actually hear yourself think.
The Desperado Dilemma
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. Or rather, the roller coaster in the desert.
The Desperado is the soul of Buffalo Bills Las Vegas. When it’s closed, the energy of the whole town of Primm feels off. Maintenance on a hyper-coaster sitting in the middle of a desert is a nightmare. The heat expansion on the steel tracks, the wind, the sand—it all takes a toll.
As of early 2026, the coaster's status has been a point of contention among theme park nerds. While the resort is open, the coaster often operates on a limited, seasonal, or "maintenance-permitting" schedule. If you are planning a trip specifically to ride it, you have to call ahead. Don't trust the website. Honestly, don't even trust Google Maps. Call the front desk and ask a human being if the cars are running.
Staying at Buffalo Bill's: The Reality Check
Look, if you’re expecting the Wynn or the Bellagio, you’re going to be disappointed. That’s just being real. Buffalo Bill's is a mid-tier, themed resort.
The rooms are clean now, thanks to the renovation. They have that "western chic" thing going on. You get a bed, a TV, and a bathroom that doesn’t look like it’s from 1985 anymore. It’s perfect for a one-night stay or if you’re attending a concert at the Star of the Desert Arena.
That arena is actually one of the best "secret" venues near Vegas. It holds about 6,500 people. Because it’s out in Primm, you can often catch huge acts—think Snoop Dogg, Brooks & Dunn, or REO Speedwagon—for a fraction of what you’d pay at T-Mobile Arena on the Strip. Plus, the parking is free. In today's world, free parking is basically a luxury amenity.
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What about the "Vegas" part?
People search for "Buffalo Bills Las Vegas" because they want the proximity to the city without the price tag. Here is the reality of that commute:
- Distance: It is roughly 40-45 miles to the South Strip.
- Time: On a Tuesday at 2:00 PM, it’s a 35-minute breeze.
- The Friday Nightmare: If you are trying to drive from Primm to Vegas on a Friday afternoon when all of Los Angeles is also driving to Vegas, God help you. That 40-mile drive can take two hours.
- The Sunday Slog: The same applies in reverse. If you stay at Buffalo Bill’s on a Sunday and try to head back to Cali, you are sitting in the infamous "Primm Bottleneck."
If you’re staying here, stay here. Enjoy Primm. Go to the Fashion Outlets of Las Vegas (which are right across the street, though sadly much emptier than they used to be). Check out the Bonnie and Clyde Death Car over at Whiskey Pete’s. Yes, the actual car. It’s riddled with real bullet holes and it’s free to look at. It’s weird, macabre, and peak Nevada history.
The Financial Side of Primm
It’s worth noting that the business of Buffalo Bills Las Vegas is a bellwether for the regional economy. When people have extra cash, they stop in Primm to gamble their "gas money." When times are lean, they drive right past.
Affinity Interactive’s investment shows they believe in the "drive-in" market. They are betting that people are tired of $500-a-night rooms on the Strip. By positioning Buffalo Bill's as a renovated, affordable alternative with a "wow" factor (the coaster and the arena), they are carving out a niche that the mega-resorts have abandoned.
They also lean heavily into the "local" California crowd. For someone living in Barstow or Victorville, Buffalo Bill's is the weekend getaway. It’s their version of a staycation.
Eating in the Desert
You aren't going to find a Michelin-starred restaurant here. But you will find solid, "working man" food.
The new BB’s Kitchen is a significant step up from the old buffet days. Buffets in Primm were legendary for being cheap, but let’s be honest, they weren't exactly gourmet. The move toward fast-casual and sit-down Americana food fits the demographic better. You want a burger, you want some wings, and you want them to be under $20. You can do that here.
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Actionable Advice for Your Visit
If you’re actually planning to pull off the I-15 and spend some time at Buffalo Bills Las Vegas, do it right.
First, sign up for the A-Play Club. It’s their rewards program. Even if you only plan on playing $20 in slots, the rewards at regional casinos like this often accrue faster than they do at the big corporate spots on the Strip. You might end up with a free meal or a discounted room for your next pass-through.
Second, check the concert schedule before you book. If there is a big show at the Star of the Desert Arena, room rates will spike, and the vibe will be chaotic. If you want a quiet desert getaway, pick a midweek night when there’s no event. You’ll practically have the place to yourself.
Third, explore the "Primm Trinity." Your room key or player's card often has perks that cross over between Buffalo Bill’s, Primm Valley, and Whiskey Pete’s. There’s a monorail—though its operation is as hit-or-miss as the roller coaster—that connects the properties. If it’s running, take it. It’s a fun way to see the desert landscape without walking through the heat.
Finally, keep your expectations in check regarding the "Vegas" experience. This is Primm. It is quirky. It is a bit isolated. It is a place where you can see a historic death car, ride a 90s-era hyper-coaster, and play a hand of poker all within a few hundred yards of each other.
The "Buffalo Bills Las Vegas" experience is about the journey as much as the destination. It’s that weird, neon heartbeat in the middle of the Mojave that refuses to die. Whether you're there for the nostalgia of the Desperado or just a cheap place to crash before hitting the Strip, it remains a quintessential piece of Nevada’s roadside culture.
Next Steps for Your Trip
To make the most of your stop in Primm, start by checking the official Affinity Interactive website for the most recent Star of the Desert Arena lineup to see if a concert aligns with your dates. If you're traveling with a group, look into the "stay and play" packages which often bundle room rates with free slot play or dining credits. Always verify the current operating hours for the Desperado via their social media channels or a direct phone call 24 hours before arrival to avoid disappointment, as maintenance schedules fluctuate based on weather and wind conditions. For those driving from California, aim to arrive in Primm before 2:00 PM on a Friday to beat the massive traffic surge that typically clogs the I-15 through Sunday evening.