Hollywood Casino Joliet

Hollywood Casino Joliet — Gaming Floor

Hollywood Casino Joliet stands as a premier gaming destination on the banks of the Des Plaines River, originally operating as a riverboat casino before transitioning to its current land-based pavilion at 777 Hollywood Blvd. Penn Entertainment operates this flagship property as part of their Hollywood Casino brand, serving the greater Chicago metropolitan area with a comprehensive gaming experience just 35 miles southwest of downtown. The expansive gaming floor features 1,100 slot machines ranging from classic reels to the latest video progressives, complemented by 43 live table games that include blackjack, craps, roulette, baccarat, and specialty variants. Furthermore, the property houses a dedicated Barstool Sportsbook retail area with multiple betting windows, self-service kiosks, and mobile app integration for Illinois Gaming Board authorized sports wagering. The poker room operates daily cash games featuring No Limit Hold’em, drawing players from Chicago’s south suburbs and attracting day-trippers seeking tournament action throughout the week.

Hollywood Casino Joliet’s slot selection caters to every preference and budget level, with penny slots anchoring the low-limit section alongside high-denomination machines for serious players. The table games pit operates with professional dealers offering multiple betting limits across traditional favorites and modern variants. Meanwhile, the poker room maintains a regular schedule of tournaments and cash games, creating a consistent community of players who appreciate the property’s accessible location and competitive rake structure. Players earn Hollywood Rewards points across all gaming activities, with benefits extending throughout Penn Entertainment’s nationwide network of Illinois casinos and beyond.

Hotel & Accommodations

The 100-room Hollywood Casino Joliet hotel provides convenient overnight accommodations for guests extending their gaming experience or attending multi-day events in the greater Joliet area. Each room features modern furnishings, comfortable bedding, and essential amenities designed for both leisure and business travelers. The hotel’s riverside location offers scenic views of the Des Plaines River, creating a tranquil contrast to the excitement of the casino floor. In addition, the property maintains partnerships with nearby hotels to accommodate overflow guests during peak periods, particularly during the summer concert season when the adjacent Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre draws large crowds.

Hotel guests enjoy direct access to all casino amenities without leaving the building, including complimentary parking and priority reservations at on-site restaurants. The front desk operates around the clock, providing concierge services for local attractions and transportation arrangements. Notably, the hotel’s proximity to major highways makes it an ideal base for exploring Joliet’s historic downtown district, state parks, and other regional attractions while maintaining easy access to Chicago via Interstate 55.

Dining & Nightlife

Epic Buffet serves as Hollywood Casino Joliet’s signature dining destination, offering extensive selections with themed nights that have become legendary among regular patrons. Weekend seafood spreads feature fresh catches and shellfish displays, while the prime rib carving station draws crowds during Sunday dinner service. The buffet’s international stations rotate through Italian, Asian, and Mexican cuisines, complemented by a dessert section featuring house-made pastries and seasonal specialties. However, the dining experience extends far beyond the buffet with Final Cut Steakhouse providing upscale dinner service in an elevated setting overlooking the gaming floor.

Final Cut Steakhouse specializes in dry-aged cuts and premium seafood, creating an intimate atmosphere for special occasions and business dinners. The restaurant’s wine list features both domestic and international selections, curated to complement the menu’s sophisticated offerings. Take 2 Grill operates as the casual dining alternative, serving American favorites including burgers, sandwiches, and entrees in a relaxed sports bar environment. Furthermore, the Roasted Bean Coffee Shop provides quick breakfast options, specialty coffee drinks, and light snacks for guests seeking convenient grab-and-go service throughout their visit.

The nightlife scene centers around Center Stage Bar, which features live entertainment on weekends and maintains an extensive cocktail menu with premium spirits and craft beer selections. Hollywood Lounge offers a more intimate setting for conversation and drinks, with comfortable seating areas and flat-screen televisions broadcasting sporting events. Both venues provide full food service from abbreviated menus, allowing guests to enjoy meals while watching games or socializing with fellow patrons. As a result, the combined dining and nightlife options create a comprehensive entertainment experience that keeps guests engaged well beyond their gaming activities.

Amenities & Entertainment

Hollywood Casino Joliet’s unique riverfront location provides distinctive outdoor entertainment opportunities during the warmer months, with riverside patios and seasonal programming that takes advantage of the Des Plaines River setting. The property’s most significant entertainment asset lies in its proximity to the Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre, one of Chicagoland’s premier outdoor concert venues that hosts major touring acts throughout the summer season. This strategic location creates substantial synergy between casino guests and concert attendees, with many visitors combining gaming with live music experiences. The amphitheatre’s 28,000-capacity draws internationally recognized performers across multiple genres, from country and rock to pop and alternative music.

Beyond the concert venue partnership, Hollywood Casino Joliet maintains its own entertainment calendar featuring live music in the Center Stage Bar area, promotional events, and seasonal celebrations that reflect the community’s preferences. The property offers complimentary parking for all guests, a significant advantage given the venue’s popularity during concert events. Nevertheless, the casino operates shuttle services to overflow parking areas during peak periods, ensuring convenient access regardless of crowd size. The Hollywood Rewards program provides members with advance ticket access and exclusive concert presales, creating additional value for frequent players who also enjoy live entertainment.

Plan Your Visit

Hollywood Casino Joliet operates 24 hours daily, providing flexible gaming and entertainment options for visitors arriving at any time. The property’s location at 777 Hollywood Blvd in Joliet places it within easy driving distance of Chicago via Interstate 55, with clear signage directing traffic from major highways. Ample complimentary parking surrounds the facility, with covered and surface options available regardless of weather conditions. Notably, the casino’s suburban location among other casinos in Joliet makes it easily accessible without the traffic congestion associated with urban venues, while still providing metropolitan-level amenities and services.

Public transportation options include Pace bus service connecting to nearby Metra stations for Chicago commuters preferring not to drive. The property maintains relationships with local taxi companies and rideshare services, ensuring reliable transportation for guests who arrive via alternative methods. During concert season at the adjacent amphitheatre, visitors should allow additional travel time and consider arriving early to secure preferred parking locations. However, the casino’s staff coordinates closely with amphitheatre management to minimize congestion and provide clear directional assistance during major events, ensuring smooth operations for both casino guests and concert attendees throughout the busy summer months.

Frequently Asked Questions