Excitement is brewing in Joliet as the city prepares to welcome a dazzling addition to its entertainment landscape. On December 14th, 2023, a momentous groundbreaking ceremony marked the beginning of a new era with the upcoming Hollywood Casino in Joliet. This thrilling development promises not just a brand-new casino for locals but an immersive experience that blends gaming, entertainment, and the allure of Hollywood glamour.
From the groundbreaking ceremony onward, the anticipation for what’s to come has been palpable, and the community is buzzing with enthusiasm. The Hollywood Casino in Joliet is going to be 1 of 2 Hollywood casinos in Illinois moving from riverboat operations to land-based facilities.
Riverboat casinos have been a part of Illinois’ gaming landscape since the early 1990s. The state first introduced riverboat gambling in 1991 to boost the economy and generate revenue. The concept of riverboat casinos was an innovative solution to address concerns about the potential negative impacts of traditional land-based casinos.
Initially, riverboat casinos were required to cruise on the water, creating a distinctive and somewhat nostalgic gambling experience. However, over the years, the regulations evolved, allowing riverboat casinos to remain docked while still offering gambling services. Despite these adjustments, the limitations of operating on water presented challenges for both casino operators and the state.
In recent years, recognizing the changing dynamics of the gaming industry and the desire for more flexibility, Illinois has taken steps to modernize its approach to casino operations. The state legislature passed legislation allowing riverboat casinos to transition from water-based operations to land-based facilities.
The move to brick-and-mortar casinos was part of Illinois’ gambling expansion bill, which was authorized by Governor J.B. Pritzker in June 2019. This shift is seen as a strategic move to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of the casino industry in Illinois. Under the expansion bill, Illinois’s 10 existing riverboat casinos are now allowed to operate on land once the board gives approval and a fee of $250,000 is paid.
Recognizing the changing dynamics of the gaming industry and the desire for more flexibility, it is easy to see why the state has taken steps to modernize its approach to casino operations. Land-based casinos offer greater convenience and amenities for patrons, as they can be designed with more flexibility in terms of space, entertainment options, and infrastructure.
This change also aligns with the evolving preferences of both casino operators and visitors, providing a more contemporary and diverse gaming experience. The move reflects a broader gambling trend in the United States, where many states have been reevaluating and updating their gaming regulations to adapt to changing consumer preferences and market dynamics.
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What to expect from the Hollywood Casino Joliet
The landscape of Joliet, Illinois, is on the brink of a groundbreaking transformation as the city anticipates the rise of a new Hollywood Casino. The current Hollywood Casino Joliet, which is stationed on the Des Plaines River, is going to maintain normal operations while the new brick-and-mortar facility is under construction.
Nestled conveniently at the intersection of Interstate 80 and Interstate 55, this $185 million regional destination is set to replace the current riverboat casino, bringing forth a wave of innovation. The new Joliet casino will anchor RockRun Collection, a multi-phase commercial and residential development project conveniently located next to the Interstate 80 and Interstate 55 interchange in Jolie.
The Rock Run Collection site, sprawling across 309 acres, is not merely earmarked for gaming but envisions a comprehensive multi-use development that promises an array of offerings beyond the casino floor. Thanks to the accessible location, at least 230,000 vehicles are projected to pass by the Interstate 80 and Interstate 55 interchange in Jolie.
At the heart of this expansive development lie plans for residences, entertainment facilities, retail shops, and restaurants. The blueprint extends even further, envisioning a Regal cinema and 570 apartments within the residential precincts. The east end of the land is earmarked for warehouse space, creating a harmonious blend of urban living and functional infrastructure.
The Hollywood Casino in Joliet is expected to be a beacon of entertainment, offering an enticing range of amenities. Boasting 800 slot machines, 45 table games, a dedicated baccarat room, and the popular Barstool Sportsbook, the casino is designed to cater to diverse tastes. The experience extends beyond gaming, with bars, restaurants, meeting spaces, and a state-of-the-art events center forming integral components.
Penn National Gaming envisions this Hollywood Casino as an anchor tenant, contributing significantly to the Rock Run Collection’s appeal. The strategic location, adjacent to the interchange of two major interstates, adds an element of convenience, making it a compelling destination in the vibrant Chicagoland market.
Jay Snowden, CEO and President of Penn National Gaming, expressed excitement about the construction, emphasizing the advantageous location and the enhanced visibility and accessibility the new facility will offer. The new Hollywood Casino is also poised to create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and redefine the entertainment landscape in the region.
The journey doesn’t end with Joliet; Penn National Gaming is also set to relocate its Hollywood Casino in Aurora, whose ground broke in late November. The new Aurora Casino will be located on I-88 and Farnsworth Avenue and is expected to cost approximately $360 million to complete. Like the existing Hollywood Casino, the current Hollywood Casino riverboat in downtown Aurora will remain open all through the construction period.
The casino in Aurora will boast 900 slot machines and 50 table games. The casino hotel will also feature 200 luxury hotel rooms, several bars and eateries, as well as 10,000 square feet of meeting and convention space. Guests and punters will also have access to a Barstool Sportsbook, as well as a full-service spa.
Final Thoughts
The groundbreaking ceremony for the new Hollywood Casino in Joliet marks a pivotal moment in the city’s entertainment landscape. With the construction project now underway, the anticipation builds not only for the casino but for the overall transformation of Joliet into a dynamic and multifaceted destination.
In essence, the Hollywood Casino in Joliet is a beacon of progress, transforming a city and setting the stage for a new era in gaming and entertainment. As the construction progresses, Joliet and its residents can look forward to a dynamic destination that goes beyond the ordinary, creating a legacy of excitement, growth, and community vibrancy.
