PENN Enters New Gaming Era with $185M Hollywood Casino Joliet Openings

A New Era for Gaming and Entertainment in Joliet

The city of Joliet, Illinois, has welcomed a new landmark with the grand opening of Hollywood Casino Joliet on August 7. This $185 million land-based facility marks a significant shift from the previous riverboat casino that had been operating along the Des Plaines River since 1992. The new location is set to redefine the landscape of gaming, dining, and entertainment in Will County.

The official ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by a wide array of notable figures, including legislators, officials from the Illinois Gaming Board, business leaders, and even Chicago Bears executives. Among the attendees was Tom Thayer, a Joliet native and NFL legend, who added a local touch to the celebration. The casino officially opened its doors at 4:00 p.m., inviting guests into its expansive 189,000-square-foot entertainment destination.

Jay Snowden, CEO and President of PENN Entertainment, expressed his excitement about the new venture. “After approximately 20 months of construction, we are thrilled to open the doors to this land-based entertainment destination,” he said. “We are proud of our 30-year history in Will County and are committed to continuing our investment in the community by creating new jobs, providing important tax revenue, and serving as a new attraction to bring even more visitors to the area.”

The new property has already created around 600 permanent jobs and approximately 450 construction jobs during its development. Operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the facility is expected to become a major entertainment draw for the region.

Modern Gaming Experience

Hollywood Casino Joliet offers a state-of-the-art gaming experience, featuring roughly 1,000 of the latest slot machines and video poker terminals, along with 43 table games such as blackjack, craps, roulette, and baccarat. One of the standout features of the casino is its ESPN BET™ sportsbook, which includes one of the largest TV screens in Chicagoland. Guests can also enjoy teller stations, wagering kiosks, interactive games, and a full-service restaurant and bar.

Todd George, Executive Vice President of Operations for PENN, emphasized the significance of the opening. “This opening marks an exciting new era of entertainment in Joliet,” he said. “We’re grateful for the support from the city of Joliet, the Illinois Gaming Board, and our business and community partners who contributed to the successful development of this new property.”

Culinary Partnerships With Celebrity Chefs

Dining has also taken center stage at the new casino, with partnerships featuring nationally renowned chefs and restaurateurs. Highlights include:

• Sorellina by Giada: Curated by celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis, this upscale venue blends Italian classics with California-inspired cuisine in a 170-seat setting.
• Boulevard Food & Drink Hall: Operated by McClain Camarota Hospitality, this food hall features concepts from James Beard Award-winning chefs, including Antique Taco, Pretty Cool Ice Cream, Five50 Pizza, and Lucky Goat, a burger brand created by Stephanie Izard.
• Red Lotus Asian Kitchen: Offering made-to-order Asian dishes in a sleek, modern open-kitchen format.
• &Vine: A 100-seat bar and entertainment lounge with live performances and distinctive beverages.

Events and Community Engagement

Beyond gaming and dining, the casino features a 10,000-square-foot event center with flexible configurations to host concerts, galas, weddings, community gatherings, and sports-related events. The all-ages venue is designed to provide Joliet with a versatile space for large-scale functions.

With its blend of modern gaming technology, celebrity-led dining, and entertainment options, Hollywood Casino Joliet is positioning itself as both a regional destination and a cornerstone of PENN Entertainment’s continued expansion in Illinois.