PENN Entertainment, Inc. is set to transform Joliet, Illinois, with the building of the new Hollywood Casino Joliet. This ambitious project, representing a substantial $185 million investment, is a significant milestone in redefining the region's entertainment and hospitality sector. The development of this land-based casino, which will replace the existing riverboat casino, marks a pivotal shift in the area’s development trajectory.
A Gateway to Entertainment
Nestled adjacent to the busy interchange of Interstate 80 and Interstate 55, Hollywood Casino Joliet is positioned to draw in traffic from a daily count of approximately 230,000 vehicles.
The casino is poised to be the cornerstone of the RockRun Collection, a burgeoning super-regional hub for commercial and residential development.
The facility will be a haven for gamers and entertainment seekers and will include:
- 850 slots, 44 live table games, baccarat room and retail sportsbook
- Top tier bars
- Diverse dining options
- 10,000 sq. ft. event center for hosting various events and meetings
- 1,330 parking spaces
The Company expects to create 450 construction jobs and 515 permanent jobs at the new facility, growing PENN’s current team in Joliet by 150 team members.
"We are very excited to be moving forward with construction on a new, state-of-the-art Hollywood Casino Joliet in an ideal location. Our close proximity to two interstates and surrounding mixed-use development will offer our modern facility with exceptional visibility and accessibility in the highly attractive Chicagoland market."
CEO & President of PENN Entertainment | Jay Snowden
The move onto land was predicated by a law signed in 2019 that allowed for riverboat casinos to relocate landside. The existing Hollywood Casino Joliet, which is located on the Des Plaines River, will maintain its normal operations while the new land-based facility is constructed, which is anticipated to take approximately 24 months. It features a 100 room hotel, a huge gaming floor, a comedy club, a sports bar, and a retail sportsbook.
The new Hollywood Casino Joliet is part of a previously announced plan for four new growth projects in Aurora, Illinois; Columbus, Ohio; and Henderson, Nevada. Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc. has committed up to $575 million towards the overall $850 million budget for all four growth projects.
The RockRun Collection, driven by Cullinan Properties, envisions a mixed-use development including entertainment facilities, residential spaces, and retail areas. Future plans include the addition of a movie theatre and a large number of apartments, which will enrich the development's appeal and utility.
The site’s transformation from the Empress Casino, a riverboat operation, to a modern land-based casino follows the evolution of gaming laws in Illinois. This transition reflects the state's adaptive approach to gaming regulations, allowing for more flexible and expansive casino operations.
As Hollywood Casino Joliet takes shape, it promises to herald a new chapter in Illinois' entertainment and economic story, positioning Joliet as a prime destination for entertainment and hospitality.
