Penn Entertainment is preparing to shutter its Hollywood Casino Aurora riverboat on the Fox River in Illinois on June 10, paving the way for the opening of a new $360 million land-based facility. The current riverboat casino will maintain its usual hours until it closes. The new property is slated to commence operations on June 24, provided regulatory approvals come through.
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New Facility Highlights and Features
Located at 2500 N. Farnsworth Ave. in Aurora, the new Hollywood Casino Aurora aims to elevate the gaming and entertainment experience. The facility will feature 1,200 gaming positions, including high-limit slots, table games, a dedicated baccarat room, and a sportsbook. Additional amenities include a hotel with 226 rooms, an outdoor entertainment area, and a spa. Moreover, the venue will offer bars, restaurants, a 12,000-square-foot event center, and approximately 1,700 parking spaces. “Less than a month away,” said Jay Snowden, CEO and president of Penn Entertainment, “we’re eager to welcome our loyal customers to our state-of-the-art facility.” The company is also launching a dedicated website on June 10 to provide information such as restaurant hours and menus. Reservations for the new hotel began in May.
Regulatory Context and Market Trends
This isn’t the first time Penn Entertainment has shifted from riverboat casinos to land-based operations—a transition mirroring a broader industry trend. Still, in August 2025, the company opened the Hollywood Casino Joliet on land, replacing a riverboat that had been in operation since 1992. The shift comes amid changing consumer preferences and regulatory environments favoring land-based facilities, which often offer more broad amenities compared to their riverboat counterparts. Analysts have previously noted that Illinois’ gambling market is morphing as regulators increasingly favor expansive land-based venues that can draw more diverse crowds and generate higher revenue streams. The new Aurora site, with its wide array of offerings, seems poised to capitalize on these trends.
What’s Next for Penn Entertainment?
For now, Penn invites patrons to visit its nearby properties, such as Hollywood Casino Joliet and Ameristar East Chicago, until the new Aurora location officially opens its doors. Rafael Verde, senior vice president of operations for Penn, highlighted that the new site is “ideally situated” to offer a broad array of experiences. Anticipation builds as the official opening date of the new Aurora facility approaches. With this launch, Penn Entertainment hopes to replicate the long-standing success of its riverboat while adapting to evolving consumer and regulatory expectations. The opening is contingent on receiving the green light from Illinois regulators, who are expected to make their final decision shortly before the planned June 24 debut.
Garry Sputnim is a seasoned journalist and storyteller with over a decade of experience in the trenches of global news. With a keen eye for uncovering stories that resonate, Alex has reported from over 30 countries, bringing light to untold narratives and the human faces behind the headlines. Specializing in investigative journalism, Garry has a knack for technology and social justice issues, weaving compelling narratives that bridge tech and humanity. Outside the newsroom, Garry is an avid rock climber and podcast host, exploring stories of resilience and innovation.
