Twenty years after Randy Black helped transform Mesquite into a resort oasis, the desert town is falling on hard times.

Black’s vision for a resort community “halfway between where you are and where you’re going” turned the sleepy town with a population of about 2,000 into a booming town of more than 20,000. There were about 1 million visitors coming through each year pumping money into the casinos and the city’s coffers.

But as the economy soured, so too has the outlook of Mesquite. Last month, Black laid off 350 workers at the Oasis and closed most of the property. The other properties, CasaBlanca and Virgin River Casino aren’t in much better shape.

If problems persist, observers expect Black Gaming to file for bankruptcy protection soon.

By Casino Connection Staff