Illinois: Hollywood Casino Joliet set for physical reopening on August 11
The Hollywood Casino Joliet is set to undergo a significant transformation, with the closure of its riverboat property on July 29, 2025, paving the way for the grand opening of a new $185 million land-based property on August 11, 2025[1][3][4]. The new casino, located at 1401 Gateway Blvd., Joliet, Illinois, will be part of the Rock Run Collection, a super-regional commercial and residential development[1][2].
Key features of the new Hollywood Casino Joliet include approximately 1,000 slot machines, 43 live table games, including a dedicated baccarat room and high-limit table game area, an ESPN BET sportsbook, and unique dining establishments such as Sorellina by Giada De Laurentiis and the Boulevard Food & Drink Hall, open to all ages[1][2][3]. The casino will also boast a roughly 10,000 square foot all-ages event center with meeting spaces and about 1,330 parking spaces[1][2][3].
Jay Snowden, CEO and President of Penn Entertainment, expressed excitement about the new facility and the future of the casino in Joliet. Todd George, Executive Vice President of Operations at Penn Entertainment, also shared his enthusiasm about the new location[2].
In addition, Hollywood Casino Joliet expects to launch a new website on July 29 to provide information on restaurant hours, menus, and reservation systems[4]. 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[4].
A ticketed event opportunity to dine with celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis at the new Hollywood Casino Joliet property is planned for mid-August[1]. The new casino will also offer bars and restaurants, including Sorellia by Giada De Laurentiis and Boulevard Food & Drink Hall, both open to all ages[3].
The new Hollywood Casino Joliet is strategically located adjacent to the Interstate 80 and Interstate 55 interchange, southwest of downtown Chicago, positioning it for success in the regional market[1]. Hollywood Casino Aurora and Ameristar East Chicago, located in Indiana, are also part of the Penn Play rewards program as Hollywood Casino Joliet[1].
This transition marks a strategic shift from a 30-year-old riverboat facility to a modern land-based entertainment complex designed to increase regional market dominance and broaden customer demographic reach, reflecting Penn Entertainment's vision of evolving the casino into a comprehensive lifestyle and entertainment destination[2].
[1] Penn Entertainment Press Release, "Hollywood Casino Joliet Announces Transition to a Land-Based Property", July 1, 2025. [2] Chicago Tribune, "Hollywood Casino Joliet to close riverboat property, open new $185 million land-based casino", July 1, 2025. [3] Joliet Herald-News, "Hollywood Casino Joliet to open new $185 million land-based property in August", July 1, 2025. [4] Hollywood Casino Joliet Website, "Preparing for the Grand Opening", July 1, 2025.
With the grand opening of a new $185 million land-based property on August 11, 2025, the Hollywood Casino Joliet will enter a new era, featuring a wide range of casino-games like 1,000 slot machines and 43 live table games, including a dedicated baccarat room, high-limit table game area, and an ESPN BET sportsbook. The casino will also exhibit a casino-culture embraced by unique dining establishments such as Sorellina by Giada De Laurentiis and the Boulevard Food & Drink Hall, positioning itself as a key player in the casino-and-gambling industry.
