Father Of Illinois Gaming Impressed With Hollywood Casino Results

Joliet's two casinos see major attendance and revenue growth over the past three years.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Tom Dunn, the former state senator who authored the legislation to bring gaming to Joliet, Illinois, is pleased with the performance of the Hollywood Casino in the city. The casino's adjusted gross receipts and attendance have seen significant increases over the past three years, with the new location at 1401 Gateway Boulevard in Joliet reporting $11.2 million in receipts and 95,000 in attendance in January 2026.

Why it matters

Dunn's efforts to bring gaming to Joliet have paid off, with the city now hosting two successful casinos that are driving economic development and growth. The increasing popularity of the Hollywood Casino demonstrates the demand for gambling entertainment in the region and validates Dunn's strategy of positioning Joliet as the primary location for gaming in Illinois.

The details

The Hollywood Casino in Joliet has seen impressive financial results over the past three years. In January 2024, the casino reported $6.3 million in adjusted gross receipts and 47,000 in attendance. This grew to $7 million in receipts and 50,000 in attendance in January 2025. With the opening of the new casino location at 1401 Gateway Boulevard in January 2026, the numbers skyrocketed to $11.2 million in receipts and 95,000 in attendance.

  • In January 2024, the Hollywood Casino reported $6.3 million in adjusted gross receipts and 47,000 in attendance.
  • In January 2025, the Hollywood Casino reported $7 million in adjusted gross receipts and 50,000 in attendance.
  • In January 2026, the new Hollywood Casino location at 1401 Gateway Boulevard reported $11.2 million in adjusted gross receipts and 95,000 in attendance.

The players

Tom Dunn

A retired State Senator for the 43rd District, former judge, and Marine Corp. veteran, Dunn authored the legislation to bring gaming to the city of Joliet.

Hollywood Casino

A casino located in Joliet, Illinois that has seen significant growth in adjusted gross receipts and attendance over the past three years.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I figured that Joliet was the primary spot. Then, if someone wanted to build another casino later, on the river, they could.”

— Tom Dunn, Former State Senator (WJOL)

“People will drive to gamble, to spend their money.”

— Tom Dunn, Former State Senator (WJOL)

What’s next

With the continued success of the Hollywood Casino, Joliet may see additional investments and expansions in the gaming industry in the coming years.

The takeaway

Tom Dunn's vision for bringing gaming to Joliet has been realized, with the Hollywood Casino becoming a major economic driver for the city. The casino's impressive financial results demonstrate the strong demand for gambling entertainment in the region and validate Dunn's strategy of positioning Joliet as the primary location for gaming in Illinois.