When it opened in 1993, Harrah's Joliet played a big part in regenerating Joliet’s waterfront. Since then, the complex has changed and evolved. Once there was an old-style paddle boat that plied the waters and made regular gaming cruises to comply with the rules. Now, it's a fully-fledged resort with a permanently-moored casino barge and an elegant art deco hotel. Better still, the gambling floor has doubled in size, and today, you will find more than 1,100 gaming machines available for play.
Harrah's Joliet in Illinois also offers comfortable places to eat and drink in between your gaming sessions. In addition, the casino complex can host large events, with a ballroom capable of seating up to 280 guests. Therefore, it's not surprising that this is one of Joliet's most popular attractions. Keep reading for more information about Harrah’s Joliet in Illinois.
About Harrah’s Joliet in Illinois
After the state of Illinois legalized gambling in 1990, the city of Joliet put a riverboat casino at the heart of its downtown regeneration project. In 1993, Harrah's Joliet opened its first vessel on the Des Plaines riverfront. Later, in January 1994, the casino added a second boat. This one was modeled on a traditional Mississippi paddle steamer.
Back then, it was quite a small-scale operation. The first boat had 500 slots and 40 table games and, under the legislation of the time, had to set sail every two hours on a gaming cruise. When the law changed and there was no longer any requirement to leave the shore, Harrah's installed two linked barges in 2001. Today, the gaming floor totals 40,000 square feet, and there are more than 1,100 slots and 38 table games.
The casino still has slots, video poker, and table games at its heart. But that's just the start. There are two upscale restaurants on-site, the Reserve and the VIP-only Laurel Lounge. Harrah's Joliet can host weddings in a 6,000 square-foot art deco-inspired ballroom with space for up to 280 guests. The Sheer bar is an ideal spot to start your exploration of Joliet's nightlife. Moreover, the 204-room hotel means visitors don't have to worry about getting home after a big night out. It adds up to an entertainment resort that can keep you occupied all weekend.
What kinds of betting does Harrah’s Joliet offer?
Harrah's Joliet has everything you would expect from a casino. Much of the gaming action revolves around slots, but there is plenty of room for table games and video poker as well just like online casinos.
Harrah’s Joliet and Caesars Sportsbook partnership
In 2005, Harrah's acquired the world-famous Caesars brand. This $10.4 billion deal was a big move in the U.S. gambling market, creating a casino giant. For Harrah's, it was a great chance to raise its profile in Vegas and attract more high rollers into its venues. Over the next five years, the new company added to its portfolio and bought four major casinos on the Strip.
In 2010, Harrah's rebranded and started to operate under the Caesars name. However, it retained Harrah's name for many of its casinos, including Joliet. After the USA legalized sports betting in 2018, and more and more states began to permit wagers on sports, Caesars Sportsbook appeared in many of the company's venues. In most cases, operators seeking a license for an online sportsbook in Illinois had to form a partnership with an existing retail gambling venue. Organizations like Caesars thus had a head start when it came to rolling out a sports betting offer.
The next chapter in this story began in 2020. Eldorado Resorts acquired Caesars Entertainment in July of that year and assumed ownership of its casinos, including Harrah's Joliet. At the same time, Eldorado also took over Caesar's name. It continues to operate the license for this venue.
Is there sports betting at Harrah’s Joliet?
No, Harrah's Joliet in Illinois does not currently offer sports betting. Although legalization of online sports betting in IL happened in 2020, the Joliet casino has yet to open an on-site sportsbook. Hopefully, this will come soon and give fans a chance to watch the live action in a dedicated bar while betting on their favorite teams. Until then, sports bettors in Joliet can use the sportsbooks at the Hollywood Casino Joliet. In addition, the Hawthorne Race Track operates an off-track betting facility at the Bookie Magee's sports bar on Jefferson Street. Caesars Sportsbook is also available online in Illinois.
Harrah’s Joliet entertainment & cuisine
Illinois gambling is at the heart of Harrah's Joliet, but that is not the whole story. The casino complex can cater to large-scale functions, including weddings. It also has a wide range of food-and-drink options. Read on for more details.