Hollywood Casino did not produce a golden ticket spelling immediate success for downtown, officials say. Mayor Tom Weisner admits some who thought Hollywood would be an instant boon for downtown restaurants, shops and hotels may have been disappointed. When it debuted shortly after two casinos opened in Joliet, officials hoped it would create an infusion of tax dollars to support downtown projects and a large number of new jobs, former Mayor David Pierce says.īut while officials say the gaming tax revenue they've received is 'significant,' the casino's success has been tempered by lags in downtown redevelopment and economic realities that have cut into revenues and staffing.
