Harrah's is a good place to be entertained. Spend a few dollars with a little hope of winning. At least have a little fun trying. The people are always friendly. Harrah's Joliet is just 45 miles from the Chicago Loop in Joliet, Illinois, situated along the Des Plaines River. The property offers a 39,000 square foot gambling floor with 1135 slots and video poker machines, 26 table games, and a WSOP poker room with 8 tables offering cash games and tournaments. Joliet, IL 60432 Harrah's Resort Atlantic City 777 Harrah's Blvd, Atlantic City, NJ 08401 Harrah's Metropolis 100 E Front St, Metropolis, IL 62960 Harrah's Hoosier Park Racing & Casino 4500 Dan Patch Circle, Anderson, IN 46013 Harrah's Cherokee Casino 17 Sam Sherrill Rd.

Harrah's Joliet is a riverboat casino in Joliet, Illinois, outside Chicago, operated by Caesars Entertainment. It has 1,138 slot machines, 204 hotel rooms, and 4 restaurants.

History[edit]

The city began a downtown revitalization effort called Joliet City Center in 1990.^[1] The plan called for a greater emphasis on the Des Plaines riverfront, including the construction of a slip for riverboat gambling, which had been legalized by the state earlier that year. Early discussions were held between Joliet and Harrah's, operator of casinos in Nevada and Atlantic City,^[2] but it was Missouri hotel developer John Q. Hammons who moved forward and was awarded the gaming license.^[3] Hammons then brought Harrah's on board to operate the business and own an 80 percent share. Hammons' stake was initially to be financed by Harrah's, but this led to concern from the Illinois Gaming Board that Hammons was 'selling' the license, so Hammons used his own money and outside funding sources instead.^[4]

Harrah's Joliet launched its first boat on May 4, 1993, a 210-foot yacht named the Northern Star, with 500 slot machines and 40 table games.^[5] A second vessel with a more traditional paddleboat look, the Southern Star, was added the following January.^[6]

A $29-million hotel was added in 1999, with 204 rooms on 11 floors.^[7]

After state law was changed to allow riverboat casinos to remain permanently docked, instead of cruising every two hours,^[8] Harrah's replaced its boats in 2001 with two joined barges, with 40,000 square feet of gaming space with 1,138 slot machines and 31 table games.^[9]

In October 2017, Caesars Entertainment (formerly Harrah's) transferred its 80 percent ownership stake in the property to Vici Properties as part of a corporate spin-off; Caesars continued to operate Harrah's Joliet under a lease agreement.^[10][11]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

1. ^Baeb, Eddie (November 2, 1997). 'Hub of anticipation: City Center expects a rebound'. Herald-News. Joliet: via NewsBank. Retrieved 2012-05-20.(subscription required)
2. ^Heneghan, Daniel (October 12, 1990). 'Harrah's plans riverboat casino near Chicago'. The Press of Atlantic City. via NewsBank. Retrieved 2012-05-21.(subscription required)
3. ^Susan Adler Thorp (March 4, 1992). 'Promus plans casino on boat near Chicago'. The Commercial Appeal. Memphis: via NewsBank. Retrieved 2012-05-21.(subscription required)
4. ^Bierschenk, Ed (October 16, 1992). 'Another Joliet gambling venture given go-ahead'. The State Journal-Register. Springfield, IL: via NewsBank. Copley News Service. Retrieved 2012-05-21.(subscription required)
5. ^Hermann, Andrew (May 5, 1993). 'New gambling boat sets sail out of Joliet'. Chicago Sun-Times. via NewsBank. Retrieved 2012-05-20.(subscription required)
6. ^Ver Berkmoes, Ryan (February 11, 1994). 'A player's guide to the new riverboats'. Chicago Sun-Times. via NewsBank. Retrieved 2012-05-20.(subscription required)
7. ^Okon, Bob (November 7, 1999). 'New deal downtown: Harrah's betting upscale hotel will draw out-of-towners'. Herald-News. Joliet: via NewsBank. Retrieved 2012-05-20.(subscription required)
8. ^McDermott, Kevin (June 30, 1999). 'Illinois' new open boarding reportedly boosts crowds at casinos'. St. Louis Post-Dispatch. via NewsBank. Retrieved 2012-05-20.(subscription required)
9. ^Grochowski, John (October 21, 2001). 'Harrah's barges into future'. Chicago Sun-Times. via NewsBank. Retrieved 2012-05-20.(subscription required)
10. ^'Vici Properties Inc., completes spin-off from Caesars Entertainment Operating Company' (Press release). Vici Properties. October 6, 2017 – via NewsBank.
11. ^Form 424B4: Prospectus (Report). Vici Properties. February 2, 2018. p. F-54 – via EDGAR.

External links[edit]

Coordinates: 41°31′37″N88°05′04″W / 41.527°N 88.084497°W

Joliet sportsbooks are the leading topic of conversation for sports enthusiasts that live in the City of Excitement. The historic city has its own unique charms, but casino gaming is undoubtedly one of the biggest draws for residents and tourists alike. Riverboat casinos were first legalized in Illinois during the early ’90s, with the first casino in Joliet opening in 1992. Since then, the city has become known for its Vegas-style casino gaming, with plenty of Class III casino games for players to choose from. When the state starts to issue sports wagering licenses to operators, existing casinos are likely to be first in line to become Joliet sportsbooks. This is not to say that outside vendors will not enter the Joliet sports betting market, but casinos are almost 100% guaranteed to accept sports bets.

Sports betting in Joliet will likely mirror the offerings that were once limited to Nevada sportsbooks. Traditional sportsbooks offer betting lines on sports like football, basketball, baseball, hockey, soccer, tennis, motorsports, and more. Bookmakers accept all types of wagers, such as moneyline, total, point spread, teaser, and pleaser bets. The best sportsbooks in Joliet Illinois will follow the same model, giving sports fans the ability to wager on whichever teams they root for throughout the season.

Hollywood Casino Joliet

Residents are ready to explore the best sportsbooks in Joliet, Illinois, and that is where we can come in to help. Learn more about the offerings of the current gaming facilities in the city, then find out what to expect from Joliet sportsbooks.

Harrah's Casino Illinois Joliet Il

Is Sports Betting Currently Legal In Joliet?

Empress Casino Joliet

Sports betting is currently legal in Joliet, though no locations have been issued a license to offer sports betting quite yet. Illinois legalized sports wagering only one year after the federal law known as PASPA was repealed. When the Supreme Court ruled in favor of New Jersey in the Murphy vs NCAA case and struck down PASPA, it was a major win for the U.S as a whole. With the federal ban on sports betting effectively removed, each state can either permit, ban, or continue to turn the other cheek to sports betting. Most states are choosing to regulate sports gambling in order to generate new streams of revenue and thwart the multi-billion-dollar offshore industry and Illinois is one of them.

Harrah's Joliet Promotions

Illinois is one of the first Midwestern states to hop on board sports wagering and has opened the door for multiple points of entry into the state’s industry. Online/mobile sports wagering sites can operate in the state without having to partner with a retail location. Though they will have to wait 18 months before they can launch. Retail sportsbooks and casinos can open sooner and surprisingly even stadiums can offer their owns sports wagering parlors. Though Joliet sportsbooks are still awaiting approval by the Illinois Gaming Board, we can say with confidence that it is only a matter of time before they are able to serve IL sports bettors. If you’d rather not wait, online offshore sportsbooks like the ones we recommend at the bottom of this page will accept IL residents and provide a safe and legal option to winning real-money on sports.

What Is The Gambling Age In Joliet, Illinois?

The gambling age in Joliet is 21 years old, no matter the type of gambling. Whether you visit a Joliet sportsbook or a casino, you will need to be at least 21 to enter. Illinois gambling law determines the legal betting age across the state, which is why the sports betting age will be the same regardless of venue or city. The majority of states require residents to be 21 or older to gamble, and Joliet sportsbooks fall under the same umbrella. The only type of betting that can take place in Joliet at 18 years old is horse betting, which is pari-mutuel wagering and not legally considered gambling. Furthermore, offshore sportsbooks will claim to accept players as young as 18; however, when there is a state law promoting a certain age for casino-style gaming, which Illinois does, we recommend waiting until you are of that age (21 in this case).

Live Betting Available In Joliet

When betting at any of the retail sportsbooks in Joliet, Illinois bettors can expect to find live betting options when at both the Hollywood Casino and Harrah’s Joliet. Live betting in Joliet at either one of these sportsbooks will give bettors the same feel as if they were betting online as well. They offer live betting options on the NFL and a wide range of sports, but NFL betting action certainly takes the cake for live betting.

Best Sportsbooks In Joliet

As sports betting in Illinois is now in full swing, now is the time to research the best sportsbooks in Joliet. The city is in a prime location to attract local sports fans and those visiting from out of state. There is no telling how many sportsbooks there will be in Joliet, IL, but we do have a good idea of which operators will be among the first to obtain licensure. All of the potential Joliet sportsbooks already offer plenty of exciting casino action, which is why sports betting will only add to their appeal. Once the sportsbooks open, bettors can take full advantage of betting on the NFL in Joliet as well as countless other teams situated in Illinois.

Harrah's Casino Illinois Joliet Tollway

• Hollywood Casino Joliet
• Address: 777 Hollywood Blvd, Joliet, IL 60436
• Phone: (888) 436-7737

The Hollywood Casino Joliet has an interesting history, having been the successor after a previous establishment was destroyed by a fire. Formerly the Empress Casino, Hollywood was opened in December 2010 and is one of two casinos in Joliet. Being that the gaming venue is already well established and offers all types of casino gaming, the operators of the facility will likely apply to be one of the premier sportsbooks in Joliet and include a lounge with their grand opening.

Currently, the Hollywood Casino has a 50,000 square foot gaming floor full of the most exciting action. There are more than 1,100 reel slots, progressive slots, and video slots. Hollywood in Joliet is also home to the most penny slot machines in the area. You can also find titles in plenty of other denominations, such as .05cents, .10cents, .25cents, and $1.00. Some of the most popular titles include The Walking Dead II, Wonder 4 Tower, Lightning Link, 88 Fortunes, and Buffalo Grand.

In total, the Hollywood Casino Joliet has more than 25 tables where players can go all in. You can take a seat and play roulette, blackjack, craps, and poker in multiple variants. There is also a High-Limit gaming area where high rollers can enjoy larger stakes. The room comes complete with huge flat-screen TV’s to watch the biggest games for even more entertainment.

Don’t forget to check out monthly promotions when you visit the casino. These range from giveaways for free merchandise or gift cards, to drawings for thousands of dollars in cash. There are also promos for free slot plays, and you can view all upcoming offers on the Hollywood Casino Joliet website.

The sportsbook at Hollywood Casino Joliet will be just as action-packed as the casino floor. Though not an option just yet, you are guaranteed to rows of high-definition TV’s and possibly a 1920’s themed betting lounge. Every casino that opens a lounge wants to put as much money into the build out as possible. The newest titles on the slots or certain gaming packages once used to be the focus but now these casinos are leaning towards providing the most inclusive and welcoming sportsbook lounge. Once the Hollywood Joliet Sportsbook officially opens its doors, we will update our review accordingly.

Aside from the fun that you will have gaming, the Hollywood Joliet Casino Sportsbook has excellent dining and entertainment options. You can watch live bands perform at 99 Hops House, which is also a great place to stop for casual dining. Other options include the Final Cut Steakhouse for fine dining, or the Take Two Deli when you want to grab & go.

You can never overstay your welcome at the Hollywood Casino Sportsbook Joliet because there is a hotel on the premises. The Hollywood Hotel Joliet has 100 hotel rooms, with amenities such as complimentary hot breakfast and free WiFi. There is also an RV park with a capacity of 80 spaces.

The MyChoice membership is also something great to join with Hollywood Casino Joliet. As soon as you sign up, you will already be awarded money to play and can increase the more you visit. Earning points anywhere you consistently go is huge so have a MyChoice membership would help players moving forward. With joining this membership, there are bonuses and promotions that you only have access to like the pot of gold sweepstakes! Promotions like this can help earn extra money in your pocket all because of being a MyChoice member. With being a member, there is a shopping mall that members are only allowed to access and take advantage of the discounted prices on great items. There are many benefits when it comes to being a MyChoice member and the earlier you sign up, the quicker you have a chance to have access to some amazingly cool stuff!

• Harrah’s Joliet Casino
• Address: 151 N Joliet St, Joliet, IL 60432
• Phone: (815) 740-7800

Harrah’s Joliet is the oldest casino in the city, having opened its doors on May 4, 1993. The casino is poised to be one of the best sportsbooks in Joliet, with operators already having experience with the sports betting industry. Caesar’s Entertainment is the current license holder and already has several licensed sportsbooks in Nevada, Mississippi, and New Jersey. As such, we can expect the Harrah’s Joliet Sportsbook to have a few similarities. This might include individual televisions, high limit booths, and wall-to-wall big screens. The operator may even combine the sportsbook with a racebook for even more wagering options for all types of sports bettors. Expect drinks and food to also be offered as this is becoming a staple in the sportsbook lounge world.

While the Harrah’s Sportsbook Joliet is not open yet, the casino floor is alive and thriving. There are more than 1,100 slot machines with the hottest titles and a range of denominations. Classic slots, video reels, progressive slots – you name it! Whether its 1 cent slots of $5 slots, there is a machine to suit your needs.

Harrah’s Joliet will also have all of your favorite table games, like blackjack, craps, and roulette. With a total of 31 table games, you will never run out of games to play whether it’s new or traditional. Some of the games include Three Card Poker, High Card Flush, 21 + 23 Extreme, Ultimate Texas Hold’Em, and Mississippi Stud Poker. You can also take advantage of Table Side Bet Drawings, free slot play offers, and more by checking out the Promotions calendar on the Harrah’s Joliet Website.

Harrah's Casino Illinois Joliet License Plate

Of course, Harrah’s Joliet offers dining, entertainment, and hotel accommodations. You can visit Sheer, a bar where you and your friends can enjoy a few cocktails. Or, you can eat at any of their three restaurant locations, which include The Reserve, Cross Street Grill, and The Flavors Buffet. If you do venture into The Reserve, we highly recommend the Osso Bucco!

Once we get closer to the opening of the Harrah’s Joliet Sportsbook, the casino may further expand its offerings or undergo additional renovations. You can periodically check our guide to Joliet sportsbooks for the latest updates for sports betting in Illinois!

Ceasers Rewards is huge for Harrah’s Joliet Casino. This helps a lot for those members who stay and play here often. These reward points can earn you so many benefits and the more you play in this casino the more points are earned over time. Ceasers Rewards has many ways you can earn points and you can even earn points through making 1-800-Flowers purchases. Many ways to earn points means a faster way to access plenty of benefits like airfare credit to Las Vegas, VIP access to Laurel Lounge and more! Having a way to earn your badges is a plus as you can earn different badges and will they will help you earn bonuses. Places that you stay, dine-in and play all help you when it comes to earning different badges and as they continue to add up, more bonuses and prizes come up and are available for consistent account holders.