Hollywood Casino Joliet Transitions to Land-Based Venue
After over thirty years operating on the Des Plaines River, Hollywood Casino Joliet, one of Illinois’ pioneering riverboat casinos, is set to debut on solid ground.
Subject to final approval from the Gaming Board, the new $185 million Hollywood Casino Joliet is slated to open on Monday at the Rock Run Collection, a vast 310-acre mixed-use development near the busy I-80 and I-55 interchange.
The expansive 189,000-square-foot casino complex will offer 1,000 slot machines, 43 table games, a retail sportsbook, a 10,000-square-foot event space, and establishments featuring celebrity chef cuisine, marking a fresh chapter in gaming for the southwest suburbs.
Ruben Warren, the general manager of Hollywood Casino Joliet, remarked, “It’s very different than being on a riverboat. The old boat had two levels, floated on water, and was 30 years old. This is a brand new facility.”
Facility Features and Dining Options
The project began construction in December 2023, and the riverboat ceased operations on July 29 to facilitate the move to this new prime location. The understated design of the new casino complements its setting within a modern suburban shopping area, serving as the anchor tenant amid various restaurants, retailers, residential spaces, and a future hotel.
Inside, visitors can look forward to an impressive 50,000-square-foot gaming area showcasing new gaming tables, a dedicated baccarat room, a selection of new and classic slot machines, and a significant retail sportsbook boasting what Warren describes as the largest big-screen TV bar in the Chicago region.
Celebrity Chef Ventures and Diverse Menu Offerings
Culinary highlights include the Italian eatery Sorellina, co-founded by celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis. Notably, private dining events are scheduled with De Laurentiis shortly after the opening, featuring exclusive interactions with attendees.
The newly established Boulevard Food & Drink Hall will feature popular culinary ventures, including Antique Taco and Pretty Cool Ice Cream, alongside a burger restaurant, Lucky Goat, by renowned chef Stephanie Izard. Known for her innovative dishes, Izard promises elevated versions of classic comfort foods.
Future Prospects and Market Context
As the first land-based casino in the southwest suburbs, Hollywood Casino Joliet is poised to enhance its market share in an increasingly competitive environment marked by recent casino expansions across Chicago. Following its opening, plans are underway for a test event, with the full public launch anticipated shortly thereafter.
With a significant history dating back to its inception as the Empress Casino in 1992, Hollywood Casino Joliet is evolving its brand to adapt to modern trends in gaming, ensuring a vibrant future amid a competitive landscape.
