WYOMISSING, PA & JOLIET, IL —PENN Entertainment, Inc. (Nasdaq: PENN) officially opened its new land-based Hollywood Casino Joliet on August 7, marking a significant milestone for both the company and the city of Joliet. The $185 million property replaces the long-standing riverboat casino that operated along the Des Plaines River since 1992 and ushers in a new era of gaming, dining, and entertainment in Will County.
The grand opening was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by legislators, Illinois Gaming Board officials, business leaders, and Chicago Bears executives, along with Joliet native and NFL legend Tom Thayer. The casino opened its doors to the public at 4:00 p.m., inviting guests into its 189,000-square-foot entertainment destination.
“After approximately 20 months of construction, we are thrilled to open the doors to this land-based entertainment destination,” said Jay Snowden, CEO and President of PENN Entertainment. “We are proud of our 30-year history in Will County and are committed to continuing our investment in the community by creating new jobs, providing important tax revenue, and serving as a new attraction to bring even more visitors to the area.”
The new property employs approximately 600 workers and created around 450 construction jobs during its development. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the facility is expected to serve as a major entertainment draw for the region.
A Modern Gaming Experience
Hollywood Casino Joliet’s gaming floor offers roughly 1,000 of the latest slot machines and video poker terminals, along with 43 table games such as blackjack, craps, roulette, and baccarat. A centerpiece of the property is its ESPN BET™ sportsbook, featuring one of the largest TV screens in Chicagoland, as well as teller stations, wagering kiosks, interactive games, and a full-service restaurant and bar.
“This opening marks an exciting new era of entertainment in Joliet,” said Todd George, Executive Vice President of Operations for PENN. “We’re grateful for the support from the city of Joliet, the Illinois Gaming Board, and our business and community partners who contributed to the successful development of this new property.”
Culinary Partnerships With Celebrity Chefs
The casino has also made dining a focal point of its offerings, partnering with nationally renowned chefs and restaurateurs to create a diverse slate of restaurants:
- Sorellina by Giada: Curated by celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis, this upscale venue blends Italian classics with California-inspired cuisine in a 170-seat setting.
- Boulevard Food & Drink Hall: Operated by McClain Camarota Hospitality, this food hall features concepts from James Beard Award-winning chefs, including Antique Taco, Pretty Cool Ice Cream, Five50 Pizza, and Lucky Goat, a burger brand created by Stephanie Izard.
- Red Lotus Asian Kitchen: Offering made-to-order Asian dishes in a sleek, modern open-kitchen format.
- &Vine: A 100-seat bar and entertainment lounge with live performances and distinctive beverages.
Events and Community Engagement
Beyond gaming and dining, the casino features a 10,000-square-foot event center with flexible configurations to host concerts, galas, weddings, community gatherings, and sports-related events. The all-ages venue is designed to provide Joliet with a versatile space for large-scale functions.
With its blend of modern gaming technology, celebrity-led dining, and entertainment options, Hollywood Casino Joliet is positioning itself as both a regional destination and a cornerstone of PENN Entertainment’s continued expansion in Illinois.
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