Earlier this week, the Joliet City Council granted permission for a new Illinois casino to be established at Rock Run Crossings.
A 309-acre piece of land in Joliet has been approved for the construction of Hollywood Casino, along with a 570-unit apartment complex. The project will include restaurants, stores, and offices to cater to a variety of needs and interests in the area.
The newly renovated Illinois casino and its surrounding establishments will be situated near the intersection of I-55 and I-80, providing easy access for residents of the Chicagoland area.
Hollywood Casino Nearly Left Joliet
In his recent State of the City address, Joliet Mayor Bob O’Dekirk emphasized the significance of the Rock Run development, stating that it played a crucial role in retaining Hollywood Casino in the area. Mayor O’Dekirk revealed that the gaming operator was on the brink of leaving Joliet before being swayed by the appeal of the Rock Run project.
O’Dekirk said:
An earnest effort was made to persuade Hollywood to relocate from Joliet to different cities.
Instead, the Penn Entertainment-owned casino will relocate approximately four miles from its current location to a new site. Cullinan Properties, the developers of Rock Run, are labeling the location a “super-regional” project due to its potential to draw in visitors from all over Illinois.
Revised laws allow Hollywood casino to move inland
In 2019, Illinois implemented a significant gambling expansion that allowed 10 riverboat casinos to relocate from the water. However, it was only in October of last year that Jay Snowden, the president and CEO of Penn, revealed the company’s plans to move Hollywood Casino Joliet to Rock Run.
The approval from both the Illinois Gaming Board and the Joliet City Council means that Hollywood Casino’s relocation is now officially confirmed.
The construction of the new venue will come with a price tag of $185 million and will offer the following features:
- 800 slot machines
- 45 live table games
- Barstool Sportsbook
- Several restaurants and bars
- 10,000-square-foot event center
Penn also has ownership of Hollywood Casino Aurora, which previously faced restrictions due to being a riverboat casino. However, the Aurora location is now in the process of transitioning to a new venue.
Construction of a new $360 million Aurora casino, located adjacent to the Chicago Premium Outlets mall off I-88, is set to begin in late 2025.
Hollywood Aurora will offer a greater variety of gaming options and amenities compared to the Joliet casino. Some of the features at Hollywood Aurora will include:
- 900 slot machines
- 50 live table games
- Barstool Sportsbook
- Hotel with 200 rooms
- Full-service spa
- Several bars and restaurants
- 10-square-foot event center
