Illinois Gets New $185 Million Hollywood Casino in Joliet

Illinois will soon add a new casino to its lineup. A brand-new Hollywood Casino is set to open in Joliet on August 11, offering an upgraded experience for gamblers in the Chicago metro area. The $185 million project replaces the existing Hollywood Casino, which has operated in the city since 1992.

Good to know

• The new casino will feature 1,000 slot machines and 43 table games.
• Around 600 people will work at the new site—200 more than the previous property.
• Online casinos are still not legal in Illinois, making retail venues a primary source of tax revenue.

Owned by Penn Entertainment, the new facility moves away from the riverboat setup and onto land, delivering a modern space for gaming, dining, and events. The expanded floor plan and upgraded amenities aim to attract both returning players and new visitors from across Chicagoland.

Penn CEO Jay Snowden said the company is ready to welcome guests to the new location. “The countdown to the opening of our newest casino begins today,” Snowden said. “The move from our existing riverboat significantly improves our offerings in the highly attractive Chicagoland market, and both our existing customers and new guests will be able to enjoy premier gaming, dining, and entertainment at this exceptionally accessible new location.”

While Illinois has legalized retail and online sports betting, lawmakers have not approved real-money online casinos yet. That leaves in-person casinos like the new Hollywood Casino as key revenue drivers for the state’s gambling sector.

With 1,000 slots, 43 tables, and more floor space, the new Joliet location is expected to become one of the busiest in the region, adding both jobs and options for casino players across Illinois.