Penn Entertainment Unveils $185M Land-Based Casino in Joliet, Illinois

Penn Entertainment is opening a new, $185M land-based casino in Joliet, Illinois, six months ahead of schedule. The casino will replace the company's aging riverboat property and is set to open on August 11. The new casino is a significant investment for the company and marks a major milestone in its expansion plans.

Penn Entertainment, Inc. (Nasdaq: PENN) has announced a significant milestone in its expansion plans, with the upcoming opening of a new, $185 million land-based casino in Joliet, Illinois. The new Hollywood Casino Joliet is set to open on August 11, six months ahead of the originally planned date of January 11, 2026 [1].

The closure of the current Hollywood Casino Joliet riverboat property is scheduled for 5:59am CDT on July 29, 2025. The new facility, located at 1401 Gateway Blvd., 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. The casino will also host unique bars and restaurants, such as Sorellina by Giada De Laurentiis and Boulevard Food & Drink Hall, both open to all ages. The new property will include an approximately 10,000 square foot, all-ages event center with meeting areas, and approximately 1,330 parking spaces [1].

The new casino 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 development is expected to enhance Penn Entertainment's ability to serve guests and create a top entertainment, gaming, and dining attraction in the region [1].

Penn Entertainment's CEO and President, Jay Snowden, expressed gratitude for the company's 30+ years of operating in Joliet and looked forward to continuing to create best-in-class experiences for loyal customers, welcoming new guests, and supporting the community. The company is inviting customers to experience nearby Hollywood Casino Aurora and Ameristar East Chicago locations during the brief transition before the new casino opens [1].

The new Hollywood Casino Joliet is expected to launch its website on July 29, providing 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 [1].

The new casino is a significant investment for Penn Entertainment, marking a major milestone in its expansion plans. The company's focus on organic cross-sell opportunities is reinforced by its market-leading retail casinos, sports media assets, and technology, including a proprietary state-of-the-art, fully integrated digital sports and iCasino betting platform, and an in-house iCasino content studio (PENN Game Studios). The company's portfolio is further bolstered by its industry-leading PENN Play™ customer loyalty program, offering its over 32 million members a unique set of rewards and experiences [1].

The new casino is expected to create numerous job opportunities in the Joliet area and contribute to the local economy. The development is also expected to enhance the region's entertainment offerings, drawing visitors from nearby areas and beyond.

Penn Entertainment's stock price has shown a positive reaction to the announcement, reflecting investors' confidence in the company's growth prospects. The new casino is expected to generate significant revenue for the company, contributing to its overall growth and profitability.

References:
[1] https://www.marketscreener.com/news/penn-entertainment-to-close-hollywood-casino-joliet-riverboat-location-on-july-29-ahead-of-new-land-ce7c5cd2dc8bf627
[2] https://www.stocktitan.net/news/PENN/penn-entertainment-to-close-hollywood-casino-joliet-riverboat-dpk0uaex8j9o.html