Hollywood Casino Joliet riverboat to close July 29 ahead of new land-based facility launch

The long-running Hollywood Casino riverboat in Joliet is set to close its doors on July 29, marking the end of more than three decades of river-based gaming in the city. The closure comes ahead of the debut of a new $185 million land-based facility scheduled to open on August 11, pending final regulatory approval.

The current riverboat casino will operate with normal hours until it ceases operations at 5:59 a.m. CDT on July 29. The adjacent hotel will continue accepting reservations through July 26.

Originally opened in the early 1990s as the Empress Casino, the riverboat venue was part of Illinois’ early foray into legalized gaming following the 1990 Riverboat Gambling Act, which required casinos to operate on water. Amendments in 1999 permitted dockside operations, and further legislative changes in 2019 allowed riverboat casinos to transition fully onto land.

“As we transition to our new state-of-the-art facility, we reflect on 30+ years of operating in Joliet,” said Jay Snowden, CEO and President of PENN Entertainment, which owns and operates the casino. “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.”

The upcoming Hollywood Casino Joliet will be located within the Rock Run Collection, a commercial and residential development at the intersection of Interstates 80 and 55. The new venue will include approximately 1,000 slot machines, 43 live table games, a dedicated baccarat room, high-limit areas, and an ESPN BET sportsbook.

Dining and entertainment amenities will feature Sorellina by Giada De Laurentiis and the Boulevard Food & Drink Hall. Sorellina will offer a casual Italian menu, while Boulevard will house several Chicagoland favorites, including Antique Taco, Pretty Cool Ice Cream, and Lucky Goat, a new burger concept from Stephanie Izard, along with a café and full bar.

Render of the upcoming casino

A 10,000-square-foot event center and more than 1,300 parking spaces will also be part of the new complex.

Ruben Warren, Vice President and General Manager of Hollywood Casino Joliet, encouraged guests to visit the riverboat before it closes and to make use of nearby PENN properties during the transition.

“We thank all of our guests, loyalty members, and team members who have made our riverboat location special over the last 30 years and invite them to visit the riverboat one last time before July 29,” Warren said.

Customers can continue to redeem chips from the riverboat location at the new facility’s cage through December 31, 2025. Nearby locations, including Hollywood Casino Aurora and Ameristar East Chicago, will remain accessible and part of the PENN Play rewards program.

Hollywood Casino Joliet plans to launch a new website on July 29, providing restaurant hours, menus, reservation options, and details for a special dining event featuring celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis in mid-August.