Summary:
- The Hollywood Casino Aurora will officially open its doors on June 24, 2026, after years of construction.
- The venue will replace the former riverboat casino with a modern land-based property.
- The $360 million complex includes 1,200 gaming positions, a sportsbook, hotel, spa, event center, and multiple bars and restaurants
Hollywood Casino Aurora has entered a new era with the official opening of its long-awaited $360 million resort scheduled for Wednesday, June 24, 2026. The event will mark one of the most significant entertainment developments in the Illinois gaming market in recent years.
1,200 Gaming Positions, Sportsbook, and Spa
After years of construction, the property opened its doors to the public at 8:30 p.m. local time, according to PENN Entertainment. The launch also signals the end of an era for the company’s riverboat casino, which had operated in downtown Aurora since the 1990s before being permanently closed ahead of the new opening.
The new facility is located just off Interstate 88 and across from Chicago Premium Outlets, positioning it as a major destination for both local visitors and regional tourism traffic. Unlike the previous riverboat format, the new casino is fully land-based and significantly larger in scale.
Inside, the resort offers around 1,200 gaming positions along with a sportsbook and a wide range of entertainment spaces.
Guests can also access a full-service spa, outdoor entertainment areas, multiple bars and restaurants, and a 12,000 square foot event center designed for concerts, conventions and private functions.
Celebrity Chef Restaurants
Dining is a central part of the new development. Among the standout offerings is Sorella by Giada, an Italian-California fusion restaurant created in partnership with celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis.
The property also features The Boulevard Food and Drink Hall, which brings together several well-known culinary names, including Lucky Goat by Stephanie Izard, Chicago favorites such as Antique Taco and Pretty Cool Ice Cream, and Five50 Pizza.
Aurora is part of a broader expansion strategy courtesy of PENN Entertainment, following the launch of Hollywood Casino Joliet in 2025. The launch of the land-based property last year further reinforced the company’s shift toward modern resort-style gaming destinations.
With its mix of gaming, hospitality and entertainment, Hollywood Casino Aurora is expected to become a major regional attraction, drawing visitors from across the Chicago metropolitan area and beyond.
About the Author
