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 BioIllinois’ newest land-based casino is off to a roaring start. Hollywood Casino Joliet reported a 48% increase in revenue for September compared to the same month last year. This increase followed its relocation from a riverboat to a land-based venue in August, which contributed to Illinois’ broader revenue surge.
Statewide, casino revenue rose 13.8% year-over-year in September, totaling over $158 million, according to the Illinois Gaming Board. Hollywood Joliet, which took in $11.2 million (compared to $7.6 million last year), was one of six out of 17 venues that posted positive results.
The performance marks an early validation of parent company Penn Entertainment’s $185 million investment to move the casino from its moored boat on the Des Plaines River to a new facility at the Rock Run Collection near Interstates 80 and 55.
From Riverboat to Land-Based Success
Hollywood Joliet closed its riverboat on July 29 after operating on the Des Plaines River for three decades, first as the Empress Casino.
The land-based casino officially opened on August 11. It features about 1,000 slot machines, 43 table games, and an ESPN BET Sportsbook. Also, it has new restaurants and expanded parking.
Penn executives said the move will allow the casino to compete with newer venues in nearby markets such as Aurora and Des Plaines. With the relocation, the project created roughly 200 new jobs, bringing the total workforce to about 600.
The new land-based casino’s debut drew big crowds and local fanfare. During the opening ceremony, Todd George, executive vice president of operations for PENN, said the move “marks an exciting new era of entertainment in Joliet.”
He added: “We look forward to delivering an elevated experience with world-class dining, entertainment, and gaming options for patrons across the region.”
Beyond casino games, Hollywood Joliet is also positioning itself as an entertainment hub. Rock legend Bret Michaels will perform the first concert at the property’s new 10,000-square-foot event center on October 18. Patti LaBelle will follow on November 14.
The concerts are part of a broader strategy to turn the casino into a regional destination. Management says the venue’s calendar will feature regular live music and comedy shows through 2026. It will pair events with hotel and dining packages.
Statewide Growth, Mixed Local Impacts
Hollywood Joliet’s momentum helped drive Illinois’ casino revenue to nearly $1.5 billion through the first nine months of 2025. The state’s 2019 Rebuild Illinois Act, a casino expansion law that allows riverboats to move ashore and authorizes new licenses, continues to reshape the competitive landscape.
Most properties saw declines, with only six of the state’s 17 casinos reporting year-over-year gains. Neighboring Harrah’s Joliet, which still floats on the Des Plaines River, saw a 17.6% decline in September revenue, falling from $9.7 million to $8 million. That suggests the new Hollywood property may have drawn local customers away.
Hard Rock Rockford, the third busiest casino, was also down 13%, from $13.7 million to $11.9 million. Wind Creek Chicago Heights, which opened in late 2024 and has no comps, generated nearly $16 million. That placed it second in the state. The state’s highest-generating casino, Rivers Casino, took in almost $41 million for the month, a 1% decline from last year.
Across the board, slot revenue climbed nearly 12%, and table games surged almost 20%, according to the Illinois Gaming Board.
Bally’s Chicago Looms on Horizon
The next significant addition to Illinois’s casino landscape will be Bally’s Chicago, the state’s first full resort within city limits. Bally’s currently runs a temporary casino at Medinah Temple. The property has underperformed according to initial forecasts, but saw a 7% increase in September to $11 million.
Bally’s expects to open its permanent $1.7 billion complex at the former Chicago Tribune publishing site by late 2026. After a slow start, construction is advancing, and the company expects to meet the state-mandated opening target.
Once complete, Bally’s Chicago will feature 3,400 slots and 170 table games. It will also include a 500-room hotel, a 3,000-seat theater, and a riverside walkway.
However, recent discussions within the Chicago City Council regarding the potential legalization of video gaming terminals (VGTs) could complicate Bally’s future revenue projections.
