Upcoming Chicago-Area Casino Opening Early
A new casino in the Chicago region is set to open this summer, ahead of its original timeline. Hollywood Casino Joliet, currently located on a riverboat, announced plans to transition to its new land-based venue on August 11, pending regulatory approvals.
CEO’s Enthusiasm for the New Location
“The countdown to the opening of our newest casino begins today,” stated Jay Snowden, CEO and president of Penn Entertainment, in a press release. “Relocating from our riverboat will significantly enhance our offerings in the appealing Chicagoland market, allowing both current and new patrons to enjoy top-tier gaming, dining, and entertainment at this highly accessible new location.”
Construction Progress and Features
The construction of the new $185 million Hollywood Casino Joliet is nearing completion, situated in the expansive Rock Run Collection, a 310-acre mixed-use area near the interchange of Interstate 80 and Interstate 55. The facility will boast an increased gaming capacity, with 1,000 slot machines, 43 table games, a retail sportsbook, a 10,000-square-foot event center, and a variety of restaurants.
Future Plans for Hollywood Casino Aurora
In addition, Penn is also developing a new land-based entertainment venue for Hollywood Casino Aurora, scheduled to debut next year. This $360 million project, positioned near I-88 and the Chicago Premium Outlets mall, will feature 1,200 gaming positions, a 220-room hotel, a retail sportsbook, a spa, an outdoor entertainment space, a 12,000-square-foot event center, and dining options.
New Culinary Ventures
Both casinos will introduce new Italian restaurants in collaboration with celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis, along with food halls featuring the first suburban locations for Antique Taco, Pretty Cool Ice Cream, and a new burger spot called Lucky Goat, created by chef Stephanie Izard. These dining establishments are anticipated to be ready for the opening of Hollywood Casino Joliet in August, pending approval from the Illinois Gaming Board.
Historical Context and Regulatory Changes
Hollywood Casino Joliet and Aurora were established in the 1990s as riverboat casinos. However, a major gambling expansion bill in Illinois in 2019 permitted casinos to be constructed on land, leading Rivers Casino Des Plaines to be the first to transition from a riverboat to a land-based facility.
Performance of Illinois Casinos
According to recent data, Rivers Casino Des Plaines led the state’s casinos in April with $43.9 million in adjusted gross receipts. The newer Wind Creek venue in East Hazel Crest also saw significant success with revenue reaching $17.1 million. Meanwhile, Bally’s Chicago, which plans to open a $1.7 billion casino in September 2026, restarted construction after resolving regulatory issues.
