Argosy Empress Casino

Argosy Empress Casino was a riverboat gaming establishment anchored in Joliet that featured multiple decks with gaming tables and slot machines throughout its spaces. The vessel included several restaurants, entertainment venues, and gaming areas distributed across different levels for visitors to explore.

The casino opened in June 1992 and became one of the first riverboat gaming establishments in Illinois. Its launch marked the beginning of water-based gambling in the state and paved the way for additional riverboat casinos.

The casino featured Egyptian design elements such as pyramid and sphinx replicas that created a distinctive visual identity throughout its time on the water. This themed architecture made the vessel instantly recognizable to visitors arriving for gaming and entertainment.

Visitors should know the vessel operated daily and offered multiple areas to explore, meaning it could get crowded, especially on weekends. Arriving earlier in the day helps if you prefer less congestion and easier access to the various gaming sections.

In 2009, a welder's torch used during renovations ignited kitchen grease, causing a fire that destroyed the original structure entirely. The blaze was so severe that it led to the vessel being transformed into Hollywood Casino and sparked significant legal action.

GPS coordinates: 41.47833,-88.14403

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:08