Hollywood Casino Aurora Sets June 10 Riverboat Closure
AURORA, Ill. – Hollywood Casino Aurora will close its downtown riverboat casino on June 10 before opening its new land-based property later this month.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:The current riverboat location will continue gaming operations until 5:59 a.m. on June 10. PENN Entertainment plans to open the new $360 million Hollywood Casino Aurora on June 24, pending customary regulatory approvals.
The new casino will be located at Farnsworth Avenue and Bilter Road, across from Chicago Premium Outlets and near the Interstate 88 interchange.
Riverboat Has Operated Since 1993
Hollywood Casino Aurora’s downtown riverboat first opened on June 17, 1993, at a time when Illinois law required casinos to operate on boats. The property later became a more permanent casino structure as state laws changed, although it remained tied to its riverboat format.
Jay Snowden, CEO and President of PENN Entertainment, said the existing property had played an important role in the city for more than three decades.
Our Aurora riverboat has created thousands of memorable experiences and supported economic development throughout the city for over three decades, and we look forward to replicating these successes for years to come”
Under the redevelopment agreement between Aurora and PENN Entertainment, the existing casino structure, including the barge, building and walkway over the Fox River, will be demolished, and the land will be turned over to the city.
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New Casino Adds Hotel and Entertainment Space
The new land-based Hollywood Casino Aurora will include more than 1,200 gaming positions across slot machines and table games, along with a sportsbook, 226-room hotel, restaurants, spa and event center.
The move continues PENN Entertainment’s wider shift from older riverboat locations to land-based casino developments. The company has also recently opened a new Hollywood Casino Joliet.
The new Aurora location has been described by management as a full entertainment complex rather than only a casino, with dining, hotel and event amenities designed to draw more regional visitors.
The latest closure date follows PENN previously setting a June 24 opening for Hollywood Casino Aurora’s new land-based property.
Customers Can Redeem Riverboat Chips
Unused chips from the downtown riverboat casino can be redeemed at the new Hollywood Casino Aurora cage until December 31, 2026. The company said it expects to launch an updated website on June 10 with details on restaurant hours, menus and reservations for the new property. The hotel began accepting reservations in May.
During the gap between the riverboat closure and the new casino opening, PENN said customers can visit nearby properties, including Hollywood Casino Joliet and Ameristar East Chicago, both of which are part of the PENN Play rewards program.
Aurora officials previously supported the new casino through an agreed $50 million up-front payment, which is expected to be repaid through a tax increment financing district tied to the property.
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