New Hollywood Casino in Joliet now open, featuring restaurants from celebrity chefs

JOLIET, Ill. (WLS) -- Joliet's brand-new Hollywood Casino opened Monday afternoon.

It's located on Gateway Boulevard, about 4 miles away from the old casino on the Des Plaines River.

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At nearly 200,000 square feet, it's packed with games. The new casino boasts a thousand slot machines, 43 live gaming tables, an ESPN sportsbook and restaurants from top chefs including Stephanie Izard's first-ever casino spot.

Executive Chef Matt Cappellini showed off one of the specialties at the new ESPN BET Sportsbook restaurant. The objective is to draw customers to hang out for a while, place a few bets and have a good time. Food and beverage have become a big draw for casinos.

"It really is one of the big draws: food, beverage and entertainment. Casino gambling will always be part of that. But you cannot understate how important F and B has become in the operation," said Shawn McClain, with MC Hospitality.

The $185 million development has been several years in the making.