Hollywood Casino Aurora Move From Riverboat to Land-based Casino

Penn Entertainment also closed its Hollywood Casino Joliet riverboat, replacing with a land-based establishment last year.

• Penn Entertainment closes the Aurora riverboat after 30 years to make way for a $360 million land-based casino.
• The new casino features over 1,200 gaming positions, a hotel, entertainment space, and diverse dining options.
• Aurora’s shift aims to position it as part of a broader Chicagoland entertainment and hospitality hub.

Penn Entertainment will shut its Hollywood Casino Aurora riverboat on June 10 at 5:59 a.m. CDT as it prepares to open a new $360 million land-based casino and entertainment complex on June 24, pending regulatory approval. 

The move marks a shift from the Fox River property that has operated since 1993 to a larger site near Chicago Premium Outlets and Interstate 88, where the company is positioning Aurora as part of a broader Chicagoland expansion after opening Hollywood Casino Joliet in 2025.

New Venue, Broader Mix

The new property is expected to include more than 1,200 gaming positions, a retail sportsbook, a dedicated baccarat room, a high-limit area, a 226-room hotel, a spa, an outdoor entertainment space, and a 12,000-square-foot event center. 

Dining plans include Sorella by Giada and Boulevard Food & Drink Hall, underscoring Penn’s push to compete not just on gaming floor size but on hospitality and non-gaming revenue.

“We are less than a month away from welcoming our loyal customers and guests to the new state-of-the-art Hollywood Casino Aurora,” CEO Jay Snowden said in Penn’s announcement. 

“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.”

Transition Details

Penn said unused chips from the riverboat can be redeemed at the new casino’s cashier cage through December 31, 2026. 

Aurora is backing the project with a $50 million upfront payment that will be repaid through tax increment financing. The hotel has already begun taking reservations, and a new website is set to go live on June 10.

Rafael Verde, senior vice president of operations for Penn Entertainment said, “Our new location is ideally situated to welcome guests to enjoy a broad array of entertainment and dining experiences in the region” 

“In the meantime, we invite our customers to visit our nearby locations, including the new Hollywood Casino Joliet and Ameristar East Chicago.” 

Hollywood Casino Joliet riverboat was closed in July of last year and replaced with a land-based establishment in August.