PENN Entertainment has officially inaugurated its highly anticipated Hollywood Casino Joliet, a premier land-based entertainment destination, which formally opened its doors to the public on Monday, August 11.
This landmark development, representing a substantial $185 million investment, decisively replaces the company’s former riverboat property.
That historic vessel had operated along the shores of the Des Plaines River since its debut in 1992, and its replacement with this modern facility signals a significant evolution for gaming and entertainment within the greater Chicagoland area.
The grand opening was commemorated with a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by a host of distinguished guests, underscoring the project’s regional importance.
The event brought together state legislators, area dignitaries, and key officials from the Illinois Gaming Board to celebrate the milestone.
Adding to the star-studded atmosphere were executives from the Chicago Bears and Joliet’s own celebrated NFL legend, Tom Thayer, who joined dedicated PENN team members to mark the momentous occasion.
Following the official proceedings, the casino eagerly welcomed its first public guests at 4:00 p.m., inviting them to be the first to explore the expansive and luxurious new facility.
Spanning an impressive 189,000 square feet, the state-of-the-art property is meticulously designed to provide a comprehensive and unparalleled guest experience.
Visitors can immerse themselves in a vast gaming floor featuring approximately 1,000 of the industry’s newest and most popular slot machines, alongside 43 live table games offering various classics.
A central attraction is the cutting-edge retail ESPN BET sportsbook, providing a dynamic and immersive environment for sports wagering enthusiasts. Beyond gaming, the venue elevates its offerings with a curated selection of upscale dining options.
These include concepts led by both nationally recognized and beloved Chicagoland celebrity chefs, ensuring a premium culinary journey that complements the high-energy entertainment.
The project has also delivered a substantial and welcome economic boon to the Joliet community and its surrounding areas.
The construction phase alone was a significant undertaking, generating approximately 450 vital construction jobs. Now fully operational, the entertainment destination employs a dedicated team of around 600 permanent staff members, providing stable and valuable career opportunities.
Committed to delivering non-stop entertainment and excitement, Hollywood Casino Joliet operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, guaranteeing that the fun continues uninterrupted 365 days a year for all who visit.
Jay Snowden, CEO and President of PENN Entertainment, commented:
We would like to officially welcome players and guests to the all-new Hollywood Casino Joliet. After approximately 20 months of construction, we are thrilled to open the doors to this land-based entertainment destination. 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.
Todd George, Executive Vice President of Operations for PENN, said:
This opening marks an exciting new era of entertainment in Joliet. 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. We look forward to delivering an elevated experience with world class dining, entertainment, and gaming options for patrons across the region.
