The new Hollywood Casino Joliet opened Monday with fanfare that included a traditional Chinese lion dance and an announcement that the casino has become an official sponsor of the Chicago Bears.
Executives also honored their Joliet roots, recognizing seven employees who have been with the casino since a group of local investors opened it in 1992 as the Empress.
Penn Entertainment, which has owned the Joliet casino since 2005, spent $185 million to build the new land-based casino located near the crossroads of Interstates 55 and 80.
Penn President and CEO Jay Snowden was at the opening ceremony and said the casino reflects “our company’s commitment to the state of Illinois.”
