After more than three decades of continuous operation, Hollywood Casino Joliet’s riverboat will close its doors for good on Tuesday, July 29, at 5:59 a.m. CDT. The end of this long-running riverboat marks a significant milestone in Illinois’ gaming history, drawing to a close an era that began in the early 1990s along the Des Plaines River.

Joliet Riverboat Bids Farewell:

Launched in the early 1990s as the Argosy Empress Casino and later rebranded following its 2004 acquisition by Penn Entertainment, the riverboat was one of Illinois’ original floating casinos. Situated about 40 miles southwest of Chicago, it has been a staple of the local gambling scene, offering 900 slot machines and 18 live table games across its multi-deck gaming floor.

The closure is the result of changes initiated by Illinois lawmakers in 2019, which allowed riverboat casinos to transition inland. Under the gaming expansion law, operators could relocate their riverboat casinos to land-based facilities with municipal approval, a $250,000 state fee, and regulatory clearance from the Illinois Gaming Board.

Penn Entertainment, the owner of Hollywood Casino Joliet, decided to make that move and invest in a land-based replacement nearby. But for long-time patrons and staff, the news marks the end of a legacy that spanned over 30 years.

“We thank all of our guests, loyalty members and team members that have made our riverboat location special over the last 30 years and invite them to visit the riverboat one last time before July 29,” said Ruben Warren, Vice President and General Manager of Hollywood Casino Joliet.

Guests Invited for a Last Visit:

Until the official closure, the riverboat will continue operating under normal business hours, giving guests a final opportunity to revisit the historic site. The adjacent hotel will accept reservations through July 26 before also shutting down.

During the transition, Penn is encouraging patrons to visit nearby Hollywood Casino Aurora and Ameristar East Chicago. These properties, like Joliet, participate in the PENN Play rewards program, ensuring continuity for regular players.

While the focus now is on saying goodbye to the riverboat, plans are firmly in place for the debut of a new $185 million land-based Hollywood Casino Joliet on August 11, 2025, pending final regulatory approval. Located just two miles west of the current site near the I-80 and I-55 interchange, the soon-to-be-opened venue will feature over 1,000 slots, 43 live table games, a high-limit area, an ESPN BET sportsbook, a 10,000-square-foot event center, and restaurants including Sorellina by celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis. The property is designed to anchor the Rock Run Collection development, blending gaming with dining, entertainment, and family-friendly amenities.

For those holding unredeemed chips from the Joliet riverboat, Penn has confirmed that they can be cashed in at the new Hollywood Casino Joliet facility’s cage until December 31, 2025.

Jay Snowden, President and CEO of Penn Entertainment, expressed gratitude for the riverboat’s long history in the company’s press release: “As we transition to our new state-of-the-art facility, we reflect on 30+ years of operating in Joliet. We look forward to continuing to create best-in-class experiences for our loyal customers, welcoming new guests, and supporting this community for years to come.”

Though attention is already turning toward the upcoming land-based venue, the significance of the riverboat’s closure has not gone unnoticed. What began as part of Illinois’ first wave of legal gambling has seen countless jackpots, loyal visitors, and staff who helped shape the local casino culture.

Now, with its final day approaching, the riverboat’s departure invites both nostalgia and reflection from a community that has watched the industry evolve. While the lights will soon go out on the floating casino, its impact on Joliet’s entertainment landscape will be long remembered.