Penn on course to open Hollywood Casino Aurora in first half of 2026
Penn Entertainment and the Mayor of Aurora, a city in north Illinois have confirmed that the $360m casino being built on the west side of Farnsworth Avenue, is on course to open in the first half of 2026.
Mayor Richard Irvin said: “This progress is amazing. The Hollywood Casino project is the largest economic development initiative our city has seen in generations. It is important to my administration that Aurora businesses are a part of the process. I applaud PENN Entertainment for selecting Viking Brothers, Inc., and I applaud Craig Melby and his team for a job well done.”
Greg Moore, Vice President and General Manager of Hollywood Casino Aurora, added: “I think you can see how much work the men and women of Aurora have been able to get done in just a few short months.
The land-based casino and hotel adjacent to the Chicago Premium Outlets mall, near Exit 119 off I-88, will replace the current Hollywood Casino Aurora riverboat property, which has experienced a downturn in revenues.
The development will include a modern, best-in-class casino and hotel with approximately 900 slots and 50 live table games, including a baccarat room and a poker room, a state-of-the-art retail sportsbook and approximately 200 hotel rooms. In addition, the property will feature a full-service spa, high-quality bars and restaurants, approximately 10,000 square feet of meeting areas and an event center. Construction of the new property is expected to begin in late 2023, subject to city and regulatory approval.
The expanded gaming law that passed in 2019 allowed for both new casinos in the Chicago area and the movement of riverboats to landside. Coupled with the rampant proliferation of Video Gaming Terminals (VGTs) throughout the state, the existing location of Hollywood Casino Aurora is at a significant competitive disadvantage.
A spokesperson added: “The opportunity to partner with the City to develop a new facility in a more convenient location will both support additional economic growth in the community and allow the construction of a new, state-of-the-art gaming resort that can compete on a more level playing field with both existing and future gaming facilities in the state and create the opportunity for more tax revenue for the City.”
“Currently, Hollywood Casino has a multi-year agreement sponsoring Paramount and RiverEdge Park [in downtown Aurora], and we expect to expand this relationship as we draw in new casino guests at the improved location. In addition, we have a long-standing relationship with Aurora Civic Center Authority and are a Marquee Sponsor of Dreamgirls and The Sound of Music, and expect to continue this partnership.”
Once the new proposed casino opens, the existing casino will be closed. The Redevelopment Agreement (RDA) requires PENN Entertainment to demolish the existing casino (barge, building, and walkway over the Fox River to the west and turn the land over to the City of Aurora). Future planning is necessary to determine the highest and best use for the downtown location. The City sees a tremendous opportunity to build something truly unique and exciting to continue to strengthen the downtown and the City.
The two existing Downtown Parking Decks used by the Casino will remain and will be available for the general public and downtown businesses. The additional parking will help spur downtown development along with providing additional parking for RiverEdge Park and the Paramount Theatre.
