Reopening of Hollywood Casino Joliet as a brick-and-mortar establishment scheduled for August 11 in Illinois
Hollywood Casino Joliet to Undergo Major Transformation
Hollywood Casino Joliet in Illinois is set for a significant upgrade, with plans to close its riverboat location on July 29, 2023, and reopen as a land-based casino on August 11, 2023. This transition marks an exciting new chapter for the casino, following Illinois’ 2019 legislation that allowed riverboat casinos to relocate on land, providing a new integrated resort experience in Joliet.
The new Hollywood Casino Joliet will be a testament to a $185 million investment by Penn Entertainment, located adjacent to the Interstate 80 and Interstate 55 interchange southwest of downtown Chicago. The new property is part of the Rock Run Collection, a super-regional commercial and residential development.
The new casino promises a modern, lively atmosphere with a food hall, entertainment venue, high-limit gaming areas, and an ESPN Bet Sportsbook featuring the largest screens in the Chicagoland area. It will house restaurants including Sorellina by Giada De Laurentiis and Boulevard Food & Drink Hall, both open to all ages.
The facility is expected to expand employment from about 400 to approximately 650 staff members. Hollywood Casino Joliet Vice President and General Manager Ruben Warren invites guests, loyalty members, and team members to visit the riverboat one last time before July 29.
Adjacent hotel reservations at the old property have ceased accepting bookings by July 26, 2023, in preparation for the transition. Special dining events like "Sorellina by Giada" are scheduled shortly after opening, starting August 12, 2023.
Any unused chips from the Hollywood Casino Joliet riverboat location can be cashed in at the new Hollywood Casino Joliet cage until the end of the year. During the brief transition, customers are encouraged to visit Hollywood Casino Aurora and Ameristar East Chicago locations, which are part of the Penn Play rewards program as Hollywood Casino Joliet.
The new casino will offer about 1,330 parking spaces and a midcentury modern-designed bar and cafe. It will also have an additional 10,000-square-foot all-ages event center with meeting areas. The new casino will feature about 1,000 slots and 43 table games, including high-limit slots and table games, a baccarat room, and an ESPN Bet sportsbook.
Boulevard will include Chicago favorites Antique Taco, Pretty Cool Ice Cream, and an all-new burger concept from Stephanie Izard, Lucky Goat. A ticketed event opportunity to dine with celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis at the new property is expected to be available in mid-August.
As the grand opening approaches, Jay Snowden, CEO and President of Penn Entertainment, expressed excitement about continuing to create best-in-class experiences for customers and supporting the community. Hollywood Casino Joliet looks forward to becoming the most attractive gaming destination in the Chicagoland region, reflecting a significant upgrade from the previous riverboat location which operated for over 30 years since the early 1990s.
The upcoming transition of Hollywood Casino Joliet will see a substantial investment in finance, as Penn Entertainment allocates $185 million for the development of the new land-based casino. Moreover, the casino's expansion into casino-and-gambling offerings will be enhanced with the addition of high-limit gaming areas, a baccarat room, and an ESPN Bet Sportsbook.
