After greater than three a long time of steady operation, Hollywood On line casino Joliet’s riverboat will shut its doorways for good on Tuesday, July 29, at 5:59 a.m. CDT. The tip of this long-running riverboat marks a major milestone in Illinois’ gaming historical past, drawing to a detailed an period that started within the early Nineteen Nineties alongside the Des Plaines River.
Joliet Riverboat Bids Farewell:
Launched within the early Nineteen Nineties because the Argosy Empress On line casino and later rebranded following its 2004 acquisition by Penn Leisure, the riverboat was considered one of Illinois’ authentic floating casinos. Located about 40 miles southwest of Chicago, it has been a staple of the native playing scene, providing 900 slot machines and 18 reside desk video games throughout its multi-deck gaming ground.
The closure is the results of modifications initiated by Illinois lawmakers in 2019, which allowed riverboat casinos to transition inland. Beneath the gaming enlargement legislation, operators may relocate their riverboat casinos to land-based services with municipal approval, a $250,000 state price, and regulatory clearance from the Illinois Gaming Board.
Penn Leisure, the proprietor of Hollywood On line casino Joliet, determined to make that transfer and spend money on a land-based alternative close by. However for long-time patrons and employees, the information marks the tip of a legacy that spanned over 30 years.
“We thank all of our company, loyalty members and group members which have made our riverboat location particular during the last 30 years and invite them to go to the riverboat one final time earlier than July 29,” stated Ruben Warren, Vice President and Basic Supervisor of Hollywood On line casino Joliet.
Friends Invited for a Final Go to:
Till the official closure, the riverboat will proceed working below regular enterprise hours, giving company a closing alternative to revisit the historic website. The adjoining resort will settle for reservations by way of July 26 earlier than additionally shutting down.
In the course of the transition, Penn is encouraging patrons to go to close by Hollywood On line casino Aurora and Ameristar East Chicago. These properties, like Joliet, take part within the PENN Play rewards program, guaranteeing continuity for normal gamers.
Whereas the main focus now’s on saying goodbye to the riverboat, plans are firmly in place for the debut of a brand new $185 million land-based Hollywood On line casino Joliet on August 11, 2025, pending closing regulatory approval. Situated simply two miles west of the present website close to the I-80 and I-55 interchange, the soon-to-be-opened venue will characteristic over 1,000 slots, 43 reside desk video games, a high-limit space, an ESPN BET sportsbook, a ten,000-square-foot occasion heart, and eating places together with Sorellina by superstar chef Giada De Laurentiis. The property is designed to anchor the Rock Run Assortment growth, mixing gaming with eating, leisure, and family-friendly facilities.
For these holding unredeemed chips from the Joliet riverboat, Penn has confirmed that they are often cashed in on the new Hollywood On line casino Joliet facility’s cage till December 31, 2025.
Jay Snowden, President and CEO of Penn Leisure, expressed gratitude for the riverboat’s lengthy historical past in the corporate’s press launch: “As we transition to our new state-of-the-art facility, we replicate on 30+ years of working in Joliet. We look ahead to persevering with to create best-in-class experiences for our loyal prospects, welcoming new company, and supporting this group for years to come back.”
Although consideration is already turning towards the upcoming land-based venue, the importance of the riverboat’s closure has not gone unnoticed. What started as a part of Illinois’ first wave of authorized playing has seen numerous jackpots, loyal guests, and employees who helped form the native on line casino tradition.
Now, with its closing day approaching, the riverboat’s departure invitations each nostalgia and reflection from a group that has watched the business evolve. Whereas the lights will quickly exit on the floating on line casino, its impression on Joliet’s leisure panorama will likely be lengthy remembered.
