PENN Confirms Hollywood Casino Aurora Opening for June 24

(AsiaGameHub) –   PENN Entertainment intends to launch Hollywood Casino Aurora on June 24, pending regulatory clearance. This new land-based venue in Aurora will succeed the enduring riverboat establishment on the Fox River, introducing an expanded entertainment scope to the greater Chicago area.

Good to Know

• Hollywood Casino Aurora is scheduled to take the place of the existing riverboat casino on the Fox River.
• The new facility will feature a hotel, a retail sportsbook, a spa, an event center, and upwards of 1,200 gaming positions.
• PENN indicates the location will hire approximately 700 employees, almost twice the size of the existing workforce in Aurora.

PENN Gets Ready for a Larger Aurora Casino and Resort

PENN is preparing to transition Aurora gaming operations to a freshly constructed facility near Interstate 88, opposite Chicago Premium Outlets, moving away from the outdated floating casino model. This shift is significant as land-based casinos typically offer operators greater capacity for accommodations, dining, entertainment, and year-round events compared to older riverboat configurations.

The project is valued by PENN at $360 million. Upon its debut, Hollywood Casino Aurora will become the company’s second newly constructed venue in the Chicagoland area, following the August 2025 opening of Hollywood Casino Joliet. This provides PENN with a modernized retail casino presence in a Midwest market where operators continue to depend significantly on in-person gaming, hospitality, and sportsbook visitors.

“We are just months away from unveiling another premium entertainment hub in the greater Chicago region,” stated Jay Snowden, CEO and President of PENN Entertainment. “We are excited to build on the successful launch of Hollywood Casino Joliet last summer with another new land-based site, reinforcing our retail footprint in the Midwest and strengthening our community ties.”

Gaming represents just one component of the offering. The upcoming Aurora facility will boast 226 hotel rooms, over 1,200 gaming positions, a retail sportsbook, a spa, an outdoor entertainment area, and a 12,000 square foot event center. Additionally, PENN anticipates the site will employ roughly 700 staff members, almost doubling the staffing numbers associated with current Aurora operations.

Dining is also receiving significant focus. PENN announced that celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis will launch Sorella by Giada, an Italian California fusion eatery. Boulevard Food & Drink Hall will introduce concepts from Stephanie Izard and other collaborators, providing the casino with a blend of local favorites and new culinary choices. For regional casino operators, food and beverage offerings can help increase time spent on-site and expand the demographic beyond traditional gamblers.

Rafael Verde, PENN Senior Vice President of Regional Operations, remarked:

“These celebrated restaurateurs will offer our guests exceptional dining experiences at the new Hollywood Casino Aurora. Combined with our hotel, event center, spa, and other amenities, visitors will enjoy a lively atmosphere at this new local destination.”

Meetings and live events form another key element of the strategy. PENN noted that the event center is already accepting reservations for conferences, weddings, and entertainment acts, with public event disclosures anticipated shortly. This strategy aligns with a comprehensive casino resort model where gaming, lodging, dining, sports betting, private functions, and live shows operate cohesively under a single roof.

Regarding the project’s backing, Gaming and Leisure Properties Inc. is projected to supply $225 million in financing at a 7.75% capitalization rate around the opening. The City of Aurora is providing $50 million, and PENN stated the remaining $21 million is expected to be finalized by the end of the year. Concurrently, the firm is collaborating with the Illinois Gaming Board to move operations from the existing riverboat Hollywood Casino Aurora to the new land-based location.

FAQ

When will Hollywood Casino Aurora open?

PENN Entertainment has indicated that June 24 is the scheduled opening date, contingent on regulatory authorization.

What is replacing the old Aurora casino?

The existing riverboat casino on the Fox River will be succeeded by the new land-based Hollywood Casino Aurora.

Where is the new property located?

The location is situated near Interstate 88, directly across from Chicago Premium Outlets.

What features will the new casino include?

The venue will feature 226 hotel rooms, over 1,200 gaming positions, a retail sportsbook, a spa, an outdoor entertainment area, and a 12,000 square foot event center.

How many jobs will the property support?

PENN projects that the new Hollywood Casino Aurora will employ approximately 700 individuals.

What dining options are planned?

PENN confirmed that Sorella by Giada, led by Giada De Laurentiis, will launch at the venue, accompanied by Boulevard Food & Drink Hall concepts featuring Stephanie Izard and other partners.

How is the project being financed?

Gaming and Leisure Properties Inc. is set to contribute $225 million, the City of Aurora is adding $50 million, and the remaining $21 million is anticipated by year’s end.