Posted on: October 13, 2025, 04:24h.
Last updated on: October 13, 2025, 04:52h.
There are rumors circulating in the roller coaster community that Gene Staples has made a substantial offer to buy the iconic Desperado coaster from Buffalo Bill’s casino in Primm, Nevada. The roller coaster community is quite enthusiastic about Staples and his endeavors.
The Champion of Amusement Parks
Gene Staples, a commercial real estate developer based in Chicago, comes to the rescue of distressed amusement parks when enthusiasm wanes among thrill-seekers. Since 2018, he has taken on several historic amusement parks struggling to stay afloat, focusing on classic coasters.
For instance, in 2020, Staples’ company, IB Parks & Entertainment, acquired Indiana Beach in Monticello, Indiana, a popular lakeside amusement park that dates back to 1926, just before it was set to close due to financial troubles. Under his ownership, classic rides like the Cornball Express and the Lost Coaster of Superstition Mountain were preserved, and he revitalized the All American Triple Loop, boosting the park’s attendance by around 25%.
Staples has since expanded his portfolio by purchasing Clementon Park in New Jersey and Niagara Amusement Park & Splash World in New York, continuing his mission of rejuvenating classic amusement park attractions.
Rumors Clarified
However, Staples clarified in an email to Casino.org that the rumors regarding his acquisition of Desperado are unfounded. “We had discussions earlier this year about the coaster and the remarkable Buffalo Bill’s property, but nothing came of it,” he stated.
A Look Back at Desperado
Desperado, designed by Arrow Dynamics and constructed by Intermountain Lift, opened in 1994 as the tallest coaster in the world at 209 feet, featuring a dramatic drop of 225 feet through an underground tunnel. Despite its accolades, Desperado was deemed unsafe by Clark County in December 2019, leading to its closure.
With Buffalo Bill’s casino recently closing and the overall decline in Primm’s business, the fate of Desperado hangs in the balance. Affinity, the owner, is hoping a new airport to be built north of Primm will revitalize interest in the area, but it won’t be operational until at least 2037.
While a deal with Staples could have led to a potential relocation of Desperado to one of his parks, the absence of such a deal leaves hope for its eventual reopening at its original site. Staples expressed optimism about the future of the rides, stating that Affinity is dedicated to maintaining the rides for possible future use.
