Hollywood Casino Joliet riverboat sets closing date ahead of move to land
A $185m new land-based venue will replace the riverboat casino.
US.- Penn Entertainment’s Hollywood Casino Joliet riverboat in Illinois will close on July 29, ahead of the opening of a $185m replacement land-based property on August 11, pending customary regulatory approvals. The riverboat will maintain gaming operations until its closing date, while the hotel adjacent to the casino will accept reservations until July 26.
The new resort will form part of RockRun Collection, a commercial and residential development adjacent to the Interstate 80 and Interstate 55 interchange. The venue will offer 1,000 slots and 43 live table games, including high-limit slots and table games, a baccarat room and an ESPN Bet sportsbook. The property will also feature bars, restaurants, including Sorellina by Giada De Laurentiis and Boulevard Food & Drink Hall and an event centre.
Jay Snowden, CEO and president of Penn Entertainment, said: “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.”
Ruben Warren, vice president and general manager of Hollywood Casino Joliet, commented: “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. 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.”
Casino Queen Marquette to rebrand as Bally’s Marquette at new land-based property
Casino Queen Marquette, another of Iowa’s riverboats casinos, will be renamed as Bally’s Marquette for its relocation from the Mississippi River to a new permanent land-based property. The opening is planned for early 2026.
The new land-based casino is being built on land near the Mississippi River bridge. The $21m project includes the relocation of the 17,000-square-foot gambling floor, including more than 400 slot machines, two blackjack tables and several other table games. The property will add 12,000 square feet to the current dockside building. The existing casino will remain open during the transformation.
