PENN Entertainment to close Hollywood Casino Joliet Riverboat location on 29 July

(PRESS RELEASE) -- PENN Entertainment, Inc. announced today the expected closure of the Hollywood Casino Joliet riverboat property at 5:59am CDT on Tuesday, 29 July, in preparation for the grand opening of the all-new, $185 million land-based property set to open on 11 August 2025, pending customary regulatory approvals.

“As we transition to our new state-of-the-art facility, we reflect on 30+ years of operating in Joliet,” said Jay Snowden, CEO and President of PENN Entertainment. “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.”

The new Hollywood Casino Joliet is part of Rock Run Collection, a super-regional commercial and residential development conveniently located adjacent to the Interstate 80 and Interstate 55 interchange southwest of downtown Chicago. The facility will feature approximately 1,000 slots and 43 live table games, including high-limit slots and table games, a baccarat room and an ESPN BET sportsbook. Its unique bars and restaurants include Sorellina by Giada De Laurentiis and Boulevard Food & Drink Hall, both open to all ages. Sorellina will have Giada’s signature Italian touch and feature a light and casual atmosphere, while Boulevard will include local Chicagoland favorites Antique Taco, Pretty Cool Ice Cream and an all-new burger concept from Stephanie Izard called Lucky Goat, alongside a midcentury modern-designed bar, cafe and more. Additional features of the new property include an approximately 10,000 square foot, all-ages event center with meeting areas, and approximately 1,330 parking spaces.

“We are incredibly excited about our future at the new location, which enhances our ability to serve guests and creates a top entertainment, gaming and dining attraction in the region,” said Todd George, Executive Vice President of Operations for PENN Entertainment.

All gaming operations at the riverboat property will maintain their normal operating hours until closing at 5:59am CDT on 29 July. The hotel adjacent to the casino property will accept reservations until 26 July.

“We invite all of our customers to experience our nearby Hollywood Casino Aurora and Ameristar East Chicago locations during the brief transition before we open the doors to the new Hollywood Casino Joliet,” said Ruben Warren, Vice President and General Manager of Hollywood Casino Joliet. “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 29 July.”

Nearby Hollywood Casino Aurora and Ameristar East Chicago, just over the state line in Indiana, are part of the same PENN Play rewards program as Hollywood Casino Joliet. Any unused chips from the Hollywood Casino Joliet riverboat location can be cashed in at the new Hollywood Casino Joliet cage until the end of the year on 31 December 2025.

Hollywood Casino Joliet expects to launch its new website on July 29 to provide information on restaurant hours, menus and reservation systems, including details on a ticketed event opportunity to dine with celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis at the property in mid-August.