Hollywood Casino Riverboats to Be Moved Inland

By John Isaac,
Editor at online-gambling.com

John Isaac Editor at online-gambling.com

John Isaac is an editor with many years of experience in the gambling industry. He writes expert articles on card games like blackjack and poker. In addition, he is also well aware of the US gambling laws and the Indian and Dutch gambling markets. You can rely on verified information and insightful details.

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Last updated: October 10, 2022

Penn Entertainment is moving its Hollywood casino riverboats that currently operate in Illinois to nearby land. This move is part of the Pennsylvania-headquartered casino operator’s $850M investment spree. Penn, which was once known as Penn National Gaming (owners of the online Hollywood Casino in PA), will be moving its Hollywood riverboats in Joliet and Aurora to land-based properties near major interstates.

The 2019 gambling expansion in Illinois included provisions that let the state’s 10 riverboat casinos apply for state approval to move inland. This is what Penn Entertainment intends to do. The casino operator plans to move its Hollywood Casino Juliet and Hollywood Casino Aurora.

Penn Entertainment CEO and President Jay Snowden said they’ve been looking at the viability of moving their aging riverboats in Joliet and Aurora ever since the law changed to allow casinos to relocate to land in Illinois. He further said they are thrilled to be going forward with these initiatives, thanks to the backing of leaders in their local community. This is also great news for those who enjoy gambling in Illinois.

In Aurora, the company intends to replace the riverboat by building a modern brick-and-mortar hotel and casino close to the Chicago Premium Outlets. Penn plans to build a new land-based casino in Joliet as part of the Rock Run Crossings retail development.

Budget for the Relocation Projects

For the Aurora project, Penn Entertainment has budgeted $360 million. The proposed casino has a 200-room hotel as well as a casino floor with 50 table games and 900 slot machines. Additionally planned are numerous restaurants and bars, a full-service spa, a 10,000-square-foot events center, and a Barstool Sportsbook.

The construction of the future home of Hollywood Casino Aurora is expected to commence in late 2023, subject to approvals from the city and state. In Joliet, Penn has set aside $185 million for the construction of a land-based casino at Rock Run Crossing. The future location of the brick-and-mortar casino is about two air miles away from the existing riverboat Hollywood Casino Joliet.

The plan is to construct a contemporary, best-in-class casino at Rock Run that will include a Barstool Sportsbook, 45 tables, and 800 slots. The blueprint also includes a 10,000-square-foot events center and several watering holes and restaurants. The construction in Joliet is also scheduled to commence in late 2023, subject to local and state approvals, however, what will happen next is yet to be seen.

Extra Spending to Go Towards Doubling the Capacity of the M Resort

The $305 million remaining in spending, which Penn Entertainment announced, would be used to build a hotel tower at Hollywood Casino Columbus and double the capacity of the M Resort hotel in Las Vegas.

Aron $206 million has been allocated to M Resort to add 264 new hotel rooms. At the moment, Hollywood Columbus does not have a hotel on the premises. Penn intends to invest about $100 million in constructing a 180-room hotel.

According to Penn Entertainment, Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc, a self-managed and self-administered Pennsylvania real estate investment trust will cover up to $575 million out of the $850 million overall project expenditure.