Oasis hotel and casino

History

The Oasis started as the Western Village Truck Stop in the 1960s, featuring 28 motel rooms and 23 slot machines. William “Si” Redd, founder of International Game Technology, purchased the struggling property in 1976 and transformed it into Peppermill's Western Village. By 1990, it was the only casino in Mesquite, dominating the local gaming market. Renamed Si Redd’s Oasis in 1993, the resort underwent a major renovation in 1995, expanding to 900 hotel rooms and over 33,000 square feet of gaming space. Two golf courses—the Oasis Golf Club and Conestoga Golf Club—added to its appeal.

Business Model and Operations

The Oasis operated as a traditional land-based casino resort, generating revenue from slot machines, table games, a race and sports book, hotel accommodations, dining, and recreational amenities. At its peak, it employed approximately 900 people and served as the primary gambling destination in Mesquite. The property also hosted events and featured an arcade and gift shop.

Decline and Closure

Competition arrived in 1990 with the opening of Virgin River, but Oasis remained the largest operator until the early 2000s. In 1996, Redd handed control to his son-in-law Alan Green, leading to management instability. Randy Black Sr. purchased the Oasis in 2001 for $31 million, giving Black Gaming control of 91% of Mesquite’s casino hotel rooms. However, financial losses mounted as the resort struggled to compete with newer properties. Employee morale suffered from salary cuts and rebire practices. By December 2008, portions of the resort closed; the casino shut permanently in 2010. The hotel continued to house overflow guests from Black Gaming's other casinos until the entire complex was demolished in 2013.

Legacy

No trace of the Oasis remains at the Mesquite site. The property is a notable example of a once-dominant regional casino that could not sustain its market position after competition and ownership changes.