HENDERSON, Nev. (KSNV) — Boyd Gaming has opened Cadence Crossing in Henderson, transforming what had been an old lot into the company’s first new property in the last 20 years.
The new locals casino is aiming to draw business from returning customers of the now-closed Joker’s Wild casino, which Boyd Gaming shut down in order to open Cadence Crossing, as well as from new families moving into the rapidly developing Cadence master-planned community.
“What locals are looking for is not just great quality but they are looking for great value. So we are going to offer that here at Cadence Crossing,” said David Strow, Boyd Gaming’s vice president of corporate communications.
Strow said the new casino reflects changes in the surrounding neighborhood after Joker’s Wild operated for about three decades.
“We are upping our game here, right? Joker’s Wild did very well for us for about 30 years but this neighborhood has evolved,” Strow said.
The area around the casino is also seeing construction on Boulder Highway aimed at boosting street safety and public transportation.
“It is one of the most dynamic corridors that we are seeing in terms of development and investment and families and individuals moving in,” Jeremy Aguero, principal at Applied Analysis, said to News 3 last December.
On Wednesday morning, lines out the door at Cadence Crossing were made up largely of longtime Joker’s Wild loyalists.
“Beautiful. Outstanding. Love it,” said patron Wendell Powell.
Patron Norman Gisclair said he arrived early. “I like it. I have been here since 6:30 so you know I like it,” he said.
Both Gisclair and Powell said they were especially pleased that Boyd Gaming brought all of Joker’s Wild employees to the new casino.
“That is what I like. All my favorites are here still. That is what I like,” Gisclair said.
“Those same people are here and I saw them and I appreciate that,” Powell said.
Liz McCrary, a server at Cadence Crossing, said former Joker’s Wild employees are part of the transition. “All our Joker’s family can join us at Cadence Crossing,” she said.
McCrary said she worked at the grand opening of Joker’s Wild and is now part of the opening of Cadence Crossing, which also marks her 33rd anniversary as a Boyd Gaming employee.
“It is amazing because we had been there for so long and they kept all the employees,” McCrary said.
One group of casino employees did not make the move: card dealers. The card games at Cadence Crossing are fully automated, with Strow citing the size of the casino floor.
“We have them electronically. It is just our size,” Strow said.
Strow said future expansion could be possible if the property performs well, including the potential for a hotel and additional amenities.
“If this property is successful, and we hope it is, that we have the option to add a hotel, add more casino space, add more restaurants. That, potentially, could be on the table,” Strow said.