Two Days to Go Until Hollywood Casino Joliet Opens New Complex

n just two days, Hollywood Casino Joliet will open the doors to its brand-new $185 million land-based complex, ending more than three decades of riverboat operations. The public opening is set for Monday afternoon, pending final licensing approval from the Illinois Gaming Board.

Good to know

• The 189,000-square-foot complex will anchor the Rock Run Collection, a 310-acre mixed-use development at I-80 and I-55.
• It replaces the riverboat casino, which permanently closed on July 29 after operating since 1992.
• The site features a 10,000-square-foot event center and an ESPN Bet sportsbook with the largest screen in Chicagoland.

From Riverboat to Land-Based Destination

General Manager Ruben Warren says the change is dramatic:

“The riverboat had two levels, it sat on water, and it was 30 years old. This is a brand new build.”

The casino’s history stretches back to 1992 when it opened as the Empress Casino. Penn Entertainment acquired it in 2005 and rebranded it as Hollywood Casino in 2009. Now, the move inland is part of Penn’s strategy to modernize and expand its Illinois footprint.

What’s Inside the New Complex

The new facility offers much more than gaming:

• 1,000 slot machines and 43 table games
• 10,000-square-foot event center for concerts and functions
• ESPN Bet retail sportsbook with a 43-by-9-foot screen, reclining chairs, and betting kiosks

Boulevard Food & Drink Hall debuting Antique Taco, Pretty Cool Ice Cream, and Lucky Goat — a burger concept by celebrity chef Stephanie Izard

Sorellina by Giada, an Italian restaurant by Food Network’s Giada De Laurentiis, featuring a high-end brick oven and exclusive dining events

Dining options are accessible to everyone — including non-gamblers — with separate entrances and hours from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

A Bigger Play for Penn Entertainment

This opening is part of Penn Entertainment’s broader investment in Illinois, which also includes a $360 million land-based complex in Aurora scheduled for 2026.

While Joliet ranked ninth among Illinois’ 17 casinos in the first half of 2025 with $43.4 million in adjusted gross receipts, Warren believes the prime location in a growing development will drive stronger results ahead.

Economic Impact and Local Excitement

The project is expected to create around 600 jobs and attract additional businesses to the area.

Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant said:

“It’s all going to be about growth there — more restaurants, more shops, hospitality.”

Economist Dr. Brian A. Thompson agrees, noting potential for surrounding retail and housing development.

Illinois allowed land-based casinos starting in 2019, leading to moves inland by properties like Rivers Des Plaines and new builds such as Hard Rock Rockford.

In the first half of 2025, state casinos brought in $954 million in adjusted gross receipts, up 15.3% year over year, with admissions rising 24% to 7.6 million.

FAQ

When will Hollywood Casino Joliet officially open?

Monday, August 11, in the afternoon, following final licensing approval.

What happened to the old riverboat casino?

It closed permanently on July 29 after more than 30 years of operation.

Will there be non-gaming attractions?

Yes — multiple restaurants, an event center, and family-friendly spaces.

How many jobs will be created?

Around 600 new positions are expected.

Summary

In just two days on Monday August 11, Hollywood Casino Joliet will launch a new era with its $185 million land-based complex, offering gaming, dining, and entertainment in a prime location. The move inland marks a major shift for the property and is set to bring economic benefits to the region for years to come.

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