A family steps in to save the dying casino town of Primm, Nevada
The town of Primm, Nevada, is attempting a comeback after years of decline caused by the proliferation of regional casinos. The Primm family, which owns the land, is partnering with a convenience store chain to revitalize the area after the final local resort announced its closure.
Why it matters
This story illustrates the economic fragility of single-industry towns in the American West and the challenges of maintaining tourism-dependent local economies.
Primm, Nevada, was once a beacon in the desert for travelers driving on Interstate 15 from Southern California to Las Vegas — a family-friendly destination, and the first place to gamble right over the Nevada border. The proliferation of casinos across America, however, has sent the town on a long decline. Today, Primm is nearly a ghost town, where the soundtrack is primarily cawing crows and trucks speeding by on the highway.
The article provides a balanced historical and economic overview of the town's decline and current revitalization efforts.
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