Penn Entertainment has announced that Hollywood Casino Aurora will open to the public on 24 June, 2026.
This new land-based property will replace the current Hollywood Casino Aurora riverboat property.
Hollywood Casino Aurora will feature more than 900 slot games, 50 live table games and a sportsbook.
Outside of gaming facilities, the venue will include a 226-room hotel, a beauty and wellness Drift Spa and 12,000 sq ft in conference and event space.
There will also be several restaurants opening in the property, including Sorella by celebrity chef and entrepreneur Giada De Laurentiis, Boulevard Food & Drink Hall, operated by McClain Camarota Hospitality, Lucky Goat by celebrity chef Stephanie Izard and more.
Jay Snowden, Penn Entertainment CEO and President, said: “We are now months away from opening another premium entertainment destination in the greater Chicago region.
“We are thrilled to follow the successful rollout of Hollywood Casino Joliet last summer with another new land-based property, strengthening our overall retail portfolio in the Midwest and deepening our roots in the community.”
The £360m destination will be the second new Penn property to open in the Chicago region, following Hollywood Casino Joliet's opening in August 2025.
Rafael Verde, Penn SVP of Regional Operations, said: “These popular restaurateurs will provide our customers with amazing dining options at the new Hollywood Casino Aurora.
“Together with our hotel, event center, spa and additional amenities, patrons will experience a vibrant atmosphere at this new area attraction.”
Penn will work with the Illinois Gaming Board on the transfer of operations from the existing Hollywood Casino Aurora, which is located on the Fox River in downtown Aurora, to the new landside facility as the opening date nears.
In its recent FY25 report, Penn Entertainment revealed that its annual revenue increased 5.8% to almost $7bn.
The original Hollywood Casino Aurora riverboat casino opened in 1993
