The wait is finally over for gambling and entertainment enthusiasts in Joliet, Illinois. The new Hollywood Casino opens Monday.
The new Hollywood Casino Joliet is situated in the Rock Run Collection, a large new area for shopping and living, located near the intersection of Interstate 80 and 55 in Joliet.
To say that this casino is huge is an understatement. It covers almost 200,000 square feet, which is much bigger than the old riverboat casino it replaces.
Ruben Warren, Hollywood Casino Joliet general manager and vice president, told NBC 5 Chicago,“I am excited, we still need to go through regulatory approval. But after that, we cannot wait to welcome our first guests to our new casino.”
The new casino in Joliet opens as work continues on a Bally's Casino in Downtown Chicago. It is expected to open late next year. Wind Creek is also one of Illinois' newer casinos,
Hollywood Casino Joliet Offers More Than Just Gaming
Building the new casino cost nearly $200 million and created 600 new jobs in the area.
It's home to more than 1,000 slot machines and 43 live table games. For those looking for higher stakes, there are special high-limit games and a room just for baccarat. Sports fans will love the ESPN BET sportsbook, where they can catch the latest games and place bets.
This place isn't just about gambling, though. It's where you'll find all kinds of entertainment. Even if gambling isn't your thing, there's plenty to enjoy, and the developers want it that way.
There are large areas designed for events like concerts and weddings, making it great for anyone looking to have a good time. As Warren puts it, "you're not gonna want to leave."
Food lovers will find multiple options like Sorellina, led by celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis, along with Antique Tacos and Asian cuisine by Red Lotus.
Old Riverboat Makes Way For New Joliet Casino
The old Hollywood Riverboat Casino closed after 30 years. Hollywood Casino announced the closure on its X (formerly Twitter) Account.
Moving from the riverboat to a building on land is part of a new trend in Illinois, thanks to a law passed in 2019. The legislation allows all riverboat casinos to transition to land-based establishments.
The latest May 2025 saw a 22.7% year-over-year increase in Illinois casino revenue, reaching $176.5 million, significantly boosted by the opening of two new casinos (Wind Creek Illinois and Fairmount Park Casino & Racing).
Hollywood Casino Joliet Billed as a Family-Friendly Entertainment Hub
One of the casino's unique features is its family-friendly environment.
Venues like Sorellina and the Boulevard Food & Drink Hall welcome visitors of all ages, helping to transform the area into an entertainment hub for families. With its mix of gaming, dining, and entertainment, the new Hollywood Casino in Joliet is expected to become a go-to destination for locals and tourists alike.
New Casino Opens as IGB Cracks Down on Advertising
The new casino in Joliet is set to open in the wake of a significant decision by the Illinois Gaming Board. The IGB has introduced new rules to tighten advertising restrictions for casinos, video gaming, and sports betting. These rules ban ads on college campuses and aim to protect vulnerable groups like young people and problem gamblers.
The goal is to promote responsible gambling and ensure that ads are clear and honest. Operators must keep records of their ads and include responsible gambling messages. These measures build on past rules to create a safer and more ethical advertising environment, especially for minors and those at risk of gambling issues.
There are also ongoing talks about the expansion of sports betting and casino-style gambling options throughout Illinois.
The political battles do not appear to be curbing the excitement in Joliet in any way. As casinos continue to thrive in the Prairie State, the newest one will be joining good company.
