PENN Entertainment is ushering in a major new chapter for Hollywood Casino Aurora, replacing its long-running riverboat with a modern land-based resort designed to compete in Illinois’ rapidly expanding gaming market.
The current Hollywood Casino Aurora riverboat will officially close at 5:59 a.m. CDT on June 10. Guests can still visit and play during normal operating hours until that time. After closure, the downtown riverfront site—including the barge and surrounding structures—will be demolished, and the land will be returned to the City of Aurora for future redevelopment.
This marks the end of an era for one of Illinois’ original riverboat casinos, as the state shifts toward more accessible land-based properties.
New Hollywood Casino Aurora Opening Details
The new Hollywood Casino Aurora is set to open on June 24, 2026, pending final regulatory approval. Developed by PENN Entertainment, the $360 million property represents a major upgrade in both size and amenities.
Located at 2500 N. Farnsworth Ave. near I-88 (Exit 119), the new site sits next to Chicago Premium Outlets, offering easier access for visitors across the Chicagoland area.
The redesigned Hollywood Casino Aurora will deliver a full resort-style experience rather than a traditional gaming-only venue.
Key features include:
- More than 1,200 gaming positions, including slots and table games.
- A retail sportsbook for sports betting.
- A 220-room hotel with a full-service spa.
- Multiple dining options, including an Italian steakhouse, Asian noodle bar, and sports bar.
- A 12,000-square-foot event center for concerts, weddings, and conferences; X Ambassadors is scheduled as the first headliner.
- Outdoor entertainment areas and a 1,000-car parking structure.
- Sustainability goals, including plans for LEED certification.
Why PENN Is Relocating Hollywood Casino Aurora
The move from a riverboat to a land-based casino aligns with broader industry trends in Illinois. Since the 2019 gambling expansion law, operators have increasingly invested in larger, more modern properties with better amenities and easier access.
The new location offers:
- Proximity to major highways improves visitor convenience.
- More space for expansion, entertainment, and hospitality.
- Increased appeal to both casual visitors and destination travelers.
- PENN successfully executed a similar transition with Hollywood Casino Joliet, which reopened as a land-based facility in 2025 and quickly saw improved revenue performance.
Illinois Casino Market Growth and Competition
The opening of the new Hollywood Casino Aurora comes during a period of rapid growth in Illinois’s casino industry.
Recent additions include:
- Wind Creek Chicago Southland (2024–2025): A $529 million resort with strong early performance.
- Hard Rock Casino Rockford (2024): A major entertainment-driven property with a hotel and live music.
- Fairmount Park Casino & Racing (2025): Illinois’ first racino, blending horse racing with casino gaming.
- Hollywood Casino Joliet (2025): A successful land-based redevelopment by PENN.
Upcoming developments include:
- Bally’s Chicago: A $1.7 billion mega-resort expected in late 2026 or 2027.
- American Place Waukegan: A large-scale resort project targeting a 2027 opening.
This surge in new casinos has increased competition, especially in the Chicago area, while also boosting statewide gaming revenue.
Economic Impact on Aurora
The new Hollywood Casino Aurora is expected to deliver meaningful economic benefits to the region.
Impacts include:
- Increased local tax revenue, including funding for schools.
- Job creation across gaming, hospitality, and entertainment sectors.
- Expanded tourism is tied to retail, dining, and live events.
The return of the downtown riverfront land also opens new opportunities for redevelopment projects in Aurora’s city center.
Illinois Casino Industry Evolving
The transition from a riverboat to a full-scale entertainment resort positions Hollywood Casino Aurora as a key player in Illinois’ evolving gaming landscape. With its prime location, upgraded amenities, and strong backing from PENN Entertainment, the new property is built to compete in a crowded and fast-growing market.
For visitors, the June launch signals not just a new casino, but a more complete entertainment destination in suburban Chicago.
