Chavdar Vasilev is a journalist covering the casino and sports betting market sectors for CasinoBeats. He joined CasinoBeats in May 2025 and reports on industry-shaping stories across the US and beyond, including legislative debates, market...
Read Full BioAfter over three decades of operation on the Des Plaines River, the Hollywood Casino Joliet riverboat will permanently shut its doors at 5:59 p.m. CDT on July 29. The closure clears the way for the grand opening of a new $185 million land-based location on August 11, pending regulatory approval.
The riverboat casino first opened in the early 1990s as the Empress Casino. Illinois was the second state to legalize riverboat casinos in 1990, with casinos only allowed to operate on water. In 1999, the state changed the law to allow riverboat casinos to operate while docked.
Penn notes that in addition to the casino shutting down on July 29, the adjacent hotel will stop taking reservations on July 26. Customers can cash out any unused chips from the riverboat location at the new casino’s cage until the end of the year.
The Future: Hollywood Casino Joliet on Land
Penn acquired the Empress in the early 2000s and later rebranded it under its Hollywood Casino banner. In 2019, Illinois gambling law changes allowed riverboat casinos to relocate their operations to land-based locations.
That set the stage for Penn’s new development, part of the Rock Run Collection at the I-80/I-55 interchange, about 45 miles southwest of downtown Chicago.
Penn says the new property will deliver a dramatically upgraded experience, featuring:
- Approximately 1,000 slot machines
- 43 live table games, including high-limit and baccarat rooms
- Full-service ESPN BET sportsbook
- 10,000-square-foot event center
- 1,300+ parking spaces
- Dining options such as Sorellina by Giada De Laurentiis, Antique Taco, Lucky Goat, Pretty Cool Ice Cream, and Five50 Pizza
Penn also expects to increase local employment by 200, bringing its total staff in Joliet to over 600.
In a press release, Penn Entertainment CEO and President Jay Snowden reflected on over 30 years of operating in Joliet, and added:
“We look forward to continuing to create best-in-class experiences for our loyal customers, welcoming new guests, and supporting this community for years to come.”
A Suburban Bet as Bally’s Goes Urban
The Joliet expansion comes at a pivotal time for the Illinois casino industry, which is undergoing rapid expansion. Penn also plans to relocate its Hollywood Casino Aurora riverboat to a land-based site.
Meanwhile, rival operator Bally’s is developing a $1.7 billion downtown Chicago casino-resort, slated to open in 2026. The project targets city traffic and international visitors, offering an urban luxury gaming experience in the heart of Chicago.
In contrast, Penn’s approach focuses on regional convenience and accessibility. It seeks to serve suburban residents and travelers with ample parking and access just off the interstate.
