After closing its long-running riverboat casino along the Des Plaines River, Hollywood Casino’s brand-new $185 million land-based facility in Joliet, Illinois, will officially welcome the public on Monday. The expansive new property, located at the intersection of Interstate 80 and Interstate 55, marks a major shift from the riverboat era to a modern entertainment destination designed to draw both local and regional visitors.
The casino spans a significant footprint and offers approximately 1,000 slot machines and 43 live table games. These include a dedicated baccarat room, a selection of high-limit slots and tables, and a state-of-the-art sportsbook operated under the ESPN BET brand. The development aims to cater to a wide range of gaming preferences, from casual visitors to serious high-stakes players.
Dining and hospitality form a major part of the experience. Among the notable additions is Sorellina, a restaurant by celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis, which will bring her signature Italian-inspired dishes in a light and relaxed setting. For quicker options, guests can visit the Boulevard Food and Drink Hall, which will feature popular Chicago-area establishments such as Antique Taco and Pretty Cool Ice Cream, alongside a midcentury modern bar. Also debuting is Lucky Goat, a burger concept from renowned Chicago chef Stephanie Izard, offering a creative take on American comfort food.
The property also includes an event center measuring about 10,000 square feet, suitable for meetings, performances, and community gatherings. Ample parking is provided with around 1,330 spaces, ensuring convenience for large crowds. This new facility officially replaces the Hollywood Casino riverboat location, which operated for 30 years before shutting down in late July.
City planners and local leaders view the casino as a key piece of a broader redevelopment effort. The facility is part of the Rock Run Collection, a large-scale commercial and residential development envisioned as a hub for entertainment, shopping, and living. Early renderings suggest that the area will integrate family-friendly attractions and other retail outlets alongside the gaming operations.
Economic experts note that the project’s potential goes well beyond gaming. By attracting diverse businesses, restaurants, and possibly new housing developments, the Rock Run Collection could become an anchor for sustained economic activity in Joliet and surrounding communities. Local residents are hopeful that the influx of visitors will translate into more jobs, increased tourism revenue, and expanded amenities for residents.
The opening of Hollywood Casino Joliet represents not just a new chapter for gaming in Illinois, but also a broader investment in transforming the region into a multifaceted entertainment destination. Positioned near Chicago and with easy interstate access, the new casino is poised to draw guests from across the Midwest. With a mix of high-end gaming, distinctive dining, and large-scale event facilities, it offers an experience designed to appeal to a wide demographic—from day-trippers and tourists to dedicated casino patrons.
As the doors open this week, anticipation is high that Hollywood Casino’s move to a land-based facility will mark the beginning of a new era for Joliet, reinforcing its place on the map as one of Illinois’ key entertainment centers while bringing fresh energy and opportunity to the area.
