The $250 million development is being billed as the first major casino to open on the eastside in more than ten years. The complex opened August 28 on the site of the former Nevada Palace along Boulder Highway. The casino features over 2,000 slot machines, 26 table games, a bingo hall, keno lounge, poker room and race and sports book. The complex also includes a 16-story hotel, 20,000 square feet of ballroom and meeting space and 6 distinct eating establishments.

Eastside Cannery Vice President Sal Semola said that all of the Palace’s employees were offered positions with Cannery, either at the new casino or one of the other Cannery properties. He believes that the current US economic picture will improve and hopes that the casino will boost the local economy.

“There are different cycles,” he said. “We just work through them. I think a fresh new product will be invigorating. We’ll certainly do our part to jump-start the flagging economy.”