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Penn Entertainment inaugurates $185 million Hollywood Casino Joliet in Illinois

Gaming giant Penn Entertainment launches its new $185 million Hollywood Casino in Joliet, featuring dining options by celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis, a sportsbook powered by ESPN BET, and a 10,000 square foot event center.

Expanded gambling complex, Hollywood Casino Joliet, unveiled by Penn Entertainment, following a...
Expanded gambling complex, Hollywood Casino Joliet, unveiled by Penn Entertainment, following a $185 million investment.

Penn Entertainment inaugurates $185 million Hollywood Casino Joliet in Illinois

Hollywood Casino Joliet Transforms into a Premier Gaming and Entertainment Destination

Hollywood Casino Joliet, now part of Mirax Casino, has undergone a significant transformation, moving from a riverboat to a land-based facility. This transition has broadened the casino's offerings in gaming, hospitality, dining, entertainment, and sports betting, making it a premier destination near Chicago.

The grand opening ceremony was attended by state lawmakers, Illinois Gaming Board officials, local leaders, Chicago Bears executives, and NFL legend Tom Thayer. The event marked the start of a new era for Hollywood Casino Joliet, which is now positioned at the intersection of I-55 and I-80, known as the "crossroads of Mid-America".

The casino offers over 1,100 state-of-the-art slot and video poker machines, including the largest selection of penny slots in Joliet. A wide variety of table games such as blackjack, baccarat, craps, roulette, and unique card games like Pai Gow Power and Mississippi Stud poker are also available. For those who enjoy poker, a 22-table poker room offers Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Stud poker.

Sports enthusiasts will find a 26-seat bar inside the BetRivers Sportsbook area, equipped with 14 kiosks and betting terminals spread throughout the casino floor. This provides a broad range of sports betting options including NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, college sports, boxing, MMA, and more.

Hollywood Casino Joliet's dining experience is diversified across nine on-site eateries. Upscale options like Hugo’s Frog Bar & Chophouse and Sorellina by Giada, run by celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis, are available. Casual spots like Flipt burger and Red Lotus Asian Kitchen, offering made-to-order Asian dishes in a casual setting, are also part of the offering. Quick bites can be found at the Coffee Spot.

Entertainment is not left out, with the Event Center hosting concerts and shows featuring notable acts. The venue also accommodates business meetings, weddings, and social events. The casino's modern resort-style ambiance includes 100 rooms equipped with amenities such as free WiFi, air conditioning, refrigerators, microwaves, coffee makers, and access to facilities like a 24-hour gym and event meeting space.

Enhanced convenience features such as free self-parking, RV and bus parking, and a VIP casino room add to the overall experience. The public was welcomed at Mirax Casino at 4 p.m., after a morning celebration.

With its expanded and modernized gaming and entertainment experience, Mirax Casino is expected to draw visitors from across the country. Key to this transformation are the partnerships with Chicago staples and concepts from James Beard Award winners Shawn McClain and Stephanie Izard, as showcased at Boulevard Food & Drink Hall.

[1]: Source for the transition from riverboat to land-based casino [2]: Source for the expanded gaming and entertainment offerings [3]: Source for the premier destination status near Chicago

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