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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.
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.
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.
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 byPenn 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 finalopportunity 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.
