The new Hollywood Casino Aurora has officially opened its doors. The swung open last night, marking a major upgrade for Illinois gaming and entertainment.
The $360 million land-based resort replaces the city’s long-running riverboat casino and introduces a modern, full-service destination just minutes from Chicago. It's located at 2500 N. Farnsworth Ave. near I-88.
The project has been in work for months. The grand opening date was announced last March, and now, the Illinois casino industry will never be the same.
Hollywood Casino Aurora Opens New Land-Based Resort
PENN Entertainment held a grand opening ceremony for the newest Hollywood Casino. The launch came shortly after the original riverboat casino closed a couple of weeks ago, ending more than three decades of operation along the Fox River.
The new property is designed to deliver a full resort experience. It combines gaming, dining, entertainment, and hospitality in one location, making it one of the most significant casino developments in the Chicagoland area.
What’s Inside the New Casino
The new Hollywood Casino Aurora offers a wide range of features aimed at both casual visitors and dedicated players:
- Over 1,000 slot machines and more than 50 live table games.
- A modern sportsbook with large screens for live betting and viewing.
- A 220+ room four-star hotel with a full-service spa.
- Multiple dining options, including concepts from celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis, plus an Italian steakhouse, Asian noodle bar, and sports bar.
- A large event center hosting concerts, meetings, weddings, and special events, with early performances from X Ambassadors and The Marshall Tucker Band.
- A 1,000-car parking structure with EV charging stations.
- A spacious 18.7-acre property located near Chicago Premium Outlets.
The property remains smoke-free and is restricted to guests aged 21 and older, in line with Illinois gaming laws.
From Riverboat Casino to Modern Resort
Hollywood Casino Aurora first opened on June 17, 1993, as a riverboat casino on the Fox River in downtown Aurora at 1 W. New York St. It was the first property developed by Hollywood Casino Corp. and later became part of PENN Entertainment.
The original casino featured about 53,000 square feet of gaming space, with over 1,000 slot machines, table games, and limited dining options, including Fairbanks Steakhouse. While it served the area for decades, the riverboat format limited expansion and amenities.
The transition to a land-based casino allows for a larger footprint, improved guest experience, and expanded entertainment offerings.
How Aurora Compares to Hollywood Casino Joliet
The new Aurora property is the second land-based casino opened by PENN Entertainment in the Chicagoland area, following Hollywood Casino Joliet, which launched its new facility on August 11, 2025.
Both properties share several similarities:
- They replaced older riverboat casinos with modern land-based resorts.
- Each offers updated slots, table games, sportsbooks, and dining options.
- Both target the same suburban Chicago market.
- They follow Illinois regulations, including smoke-free gaming and a 21+ age requirement.
However, there are key differences between the two.
Aurora is larger and more upscale, featuring a higher level of investment, a full-service spa, more hotel rooms, and a stronger focus on being a destination resort. Its location near Chicago Premium Outlets also makes it appealing for visitors who want to combine shopping with entertainment. In contrast, Joliet is more compact but has developed a strong reputation for its sportsbook and efficient layout since opening in 2025.
Which Illinois Casino Should You Visit?
Choosing between Hollywood Casino Aurora and Hollywood Casino Joliet depends on what kind of experience you want.
Aurora is the better choice if you are looking for a full resort stay with a hotel, spa, and expanded dining options. It is designed as a destination property where guests can spend an entire weekend.
Joliet may be more convenient for some visitors and offers a well-reviewed sportsbook and gaming floor. It is a strong option for a quicker trip focused on gaming and sports betting.
Both properties have received positive early feedback for their modern designs and upgraded amenities compared to their former riverboat versions.
