PENN Entertainment has revealed that its brand-new Hollywood Casino Joliet will open to the public on Monday, August 11, far earlier than anticipated. Originally projected for a later launch, the $185 million land-based venue is arriving nearly half a year ahead of schedule, pending final regulatory approvals. Construction began in December 2023.

Located at 777 Hollywood Boulevard, the new facility is strategically positioned near the intersection of Interstates 80 and 55, an area with an estimated 230,000 vehicles passing through daily. This prime location places the casino at the heart of the emerging Rock Run Collection, a mixed-use super-regional development encompassing commercial and residential space.

“The countdown to the opening of our newest casino begins today,” said Jay Snowden, President and CEO of PENN Entertainment, in a company press release. “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.”

Expanded Gaming and Entertainment Offerings

The upcoming Hollywood Casino Joliet will showcase a robust selection of entertainment and gaming experiences. The venue will offer around 1,000 slot machines and 43 live table games, including a dedicated baccarat room. Also featured is a retail ESPN BET sportsbook, enhancing PENN’s integration of sports content into its casino footprint. For events and gatherings, the property boasts a 10,000-square-foot event center complete with meeting spaces, and guests will have access to approximately 1,330 parking spaces.

As part of the project’s workforce expansion, PENN expects to employ about 600 staff members at the new site—an increase of 200 over the existing riverboat facility. Additional operational details, including the official transfer of gaming activities from the current Hollywood Casino Joliet, which has operated on the Des Plaines River since 1992, will be coordinated with the Illinois Gaming Board as opening day approaches.

Culinary Partnerships Bring Renowned Flavors to Joliet

A major highlight of the new facility is its ambitious culinary lineup. PENN has teamed up with celebrity chef and television personality Giada De Laurentiis to launch Sorellina by Giada, her first restaurant in the Chicagoland region. This dining venue, with seating for approximately 170 guests, will feature a California-influenced Italian menu, complemented by a contemporary bar and curated wine selection.

In another strategic partnership, PENN has collaborated with McClain Camarota Hospitality to introduce several popular Chicago food brands to the Boulevard Food & Drink Hall within the casino. Among these offerings are Lucky Goat, a new burger concept by chef Stephanie Izard; Antique Taco, marking its first move into the suburbs; Pretty Cool Ice Cream, already a favorite in Logan Square and Lincoln Park; and Five50 Pizza, which blends New York and Neapolitan pizza styles.

“We’re thrilled to partner with these elite restauranteurs to bring amazing dining options to the new Hollywood Casino Joliet,” said Todd George, PENN’s Executive Vice President of Operations. “These concepts will create a vibrant atmosphere throughout the property and provide our patrons with an array of food and beverage offerings that are unmatched in the market.”

Funding and Broader Expansion Plans

To finance the construction of the new casino, PENN anticipates accessing roughly $130 million in funding during the third quarter from Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc., a key investment partner. The Joliet opening is part of a larger plan by PENN to relocate its Illinois riverboat casinos to land-based properties, with the Hollywood Casino Aurora still slated for an early 2026 debut.

This forward-looking strategy aligns with PENN’s broader mission to enhance guest experiences across its properties by integrating top-tier entertainment, hospitality, and sports betting. The company also recently announced a partnership with Shake Shack to bring the popular restaurant chain to ten of its venues, starting with Hollywood Casino Toledo in 2026.

As the August grand opening of Hollywood Casino Joliet draws closer, additional event specifics and operational updates are expected to be released by the company.