Boyd Gaming opens Cadence Crossing casino in Henderson, its first new property in 20 years

Boyd Gaming has opened its Cadence Crossing Casino in Henderson, marking the company’s first new property in two decades as it looks to tap into growth in a rapidly expanding residential area.

The new locals-focused casino, which opened earlier than initially planned, is designed to attract both former patrons of the now-closed Jokers Wild venue and residents of the nearby Cadence master-planned community.

The 50,000-square-foot development includes a 10,000-square-foot gaming floor with 450 slot machines and no live table games, instead offering electronic versions of blackjack, craps, and roulette. The property also features dining outlets, including Tacos Los Gauchos and Tin Lizard Bar and Grill.

“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, Vice President of Corporate Communications.

Built in under a year following an April groundbreaking, the project forms part of a broader $100 million capital expenditure plan by the company.

Boyd executives said the development reflects changes in the surrounding neighbourhood, where population growth and infrastructure investment have accelerated in recent years.

“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 company plans to demolish the Jokers Wild property and convert the land into parking, while leaving open the possibility of further expansion.

“If this property is successful, and we hope it is, we have the option to add a hotel, add more casino space, add more restaurants. That, potentially, could be on the table,” Strow said.

Boyd Executive Vice President of Operations Steve Schutte described the opening as an early step in a broader development strategy.

“As excited as we are to get our doors open today, this is just the first step toward our ultimate vision for Cadence Crossing,” Schutte said. “We’ve got a lot of land to use here, and we plan to use it as the city and Cadence community continue to grow.”

The opening drew strong early interest, including loyal customers from Jokers Wild, many of whom were pleased to see familiar staff at the new property.

“All our Joker’s family can join us at Cadence Crossing,” said employee Liz McCrary. “It is amazing because we had been there for so long and they kept all the employees.”

Analysts said the location along Boulder Highway is benefiting from broader development trends.

“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.