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Harrah’s Joliet

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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.

  • Slots: Harrah's Joliet has a huge range of slots, with more than 1,100 machines available. Players can look forward to trying all the latest games, and the hottest slot families are all present and correct. Check out the Link series, the Buffalo collection, or the Wonder 4 slots. With such a big choice, it's no surprise that there is something for all budgets: the cheapest spins start at just one cent on machines like Caribbean Gold.
  • Table games: For many players, table games are the essence of the casino experience. Harrah's Joliet does not disappoint. It offers 23 different table games. Classics like Blackjack, Roulette, and James Bond's beloved Baccarat are always available. In addition, there's a great selection of poker games, including the first Mississippi stud poker table at a casino in Illinois.
  • Video poker: Harrah's Joliet claims to have the best video poker selection in Chicagoland. There are 150 machines available, and stakes run from a nickel to $25. Players can enjoy long-established favorites such as All-Star II and Ultimate X. Alternatively, the selection updates regularly, offering hot new games, including Ultimate X Bonus Streak and Hot Roll Poker.

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.

  • The Reserve: One of two upscale diners in the complex, the Reserve is a traditional Chicago steakhouse. Expect hearty, meaty cuisine and choose between ribeye, fillet, or New York strip. You can also tuck into seafood and salmon dishes. The dress code is casual, and typical entrée prices are around $50 a head. Friday through Sunday, the Reserve offers a pre-fixe menu at $40.
  • The Laurel Lounge: This is where the high rollers hang out. The Laurel Lounge is an exclusive VIP restaurant for Diamond and Seven Stars members. After a hard day's gaming, select customers retreat here to unwind and enjoy complimentary food and drink. Seating is limited, so see the lounge coordinator to reserve your place.
  • The Slice Pizzeria and Pasta: Sometimes, eating gets in the way of gaming. At the Slice, you can take a quick pit stop, load up on some carbs, and hit the floor once again. Open from 4 pm every day, The Slice is affordable. Check out its offers, such as $5:99 for a slice of pizza and a drink.
  • Cross Street Grill: Open for breakfast and serving until late, the Cross Street Grill is right on the casino floor. The menu is simple and unpretentious, specializing in burgers, fries, and hotdogs. Starbucks Coffee is also available to fix that caffeine craving.

Contact & opening hours

Address: 151 N. Joliet Street, Joliet, IL 60432
Opening hours: Harrah's Joliet is open 24 hours a day
Website: www.caesars.com/harrahs-joliet
E-mail address: harrahs.joliet.casino@gmail.com
Phone number: (815) 740-7800

FAQ

Does Harrah’s Joliet in Illinois have a hotel?

Yes, there is a hotel with 200 luxury rooms in Harrah's Joliet’s complex. The hotel opened in 1999 with 11 floors of accommodation. In addition, Harrah's Joliet is in the heart of downtown Joliet. There is an extensive choice of hotels in the city.

How popular is Harrah’s Joliet in Illinois?

Harrah’s Joliet is very popular in Illinois. Harrah's Joliet has a 4-star rating on TripAdvisor, with 872 verified reviews. Of those, 349 rated Harrah's as 'excellent', and 228 said it was 'very good.' That ranks the casino third among 30 attractions in the city and places it ahead of the rival Hollywood Casino Joliet.

Can you smoke in Harrah’s Joliet in Illinois?

There is a smoking room available at Harrah's Joliet. However, due to Illinois state legislation banning smoking in all public areas, players can no longer smoke cigarettes on the gaming floor itself, nor in the restaurant and bar areas.