Written by :
Published on :
PENN Entertainment, Inc. announced that it expects to open the new land-based Hollywood Casino - Aurora on June 24. The casino will be located approximately an hour outside of Chicago.
This will be the second all-new PENN property to open in the Chicagoland region following the grand opening of the land-based Hollywood Casino Joliet in August 2025.
It's not new per se as Hollywood Casino Aurora was originally a riverboat casino located on the Fox River in Aurora, Illinois, a western suburb of Chicago. It will now operate from the new location as a land-based establishment maintaining the gaming license it has held since 1993.
The new $360 million entertainment destination is being developed across from Chicago Premium Outlets, conveniently located near Interstate-88 in Aurora.
The casino will feature 1,200 gaming positions. The venue will include a 228-room upscale hotel, 12,000 square foot event center and numerous restaurants and bars. Some 700 jobs are expected to be filled as a result of this establishment's grand opening. A retail sportsbook will also be part of the property, though few details have been made public regarding the size and offerings.
“We are now months away from opening another premium entertainment destination in the greater Chicago region,” said Jay Snowden, CEO and President of PENN Entertainment. “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 new property will also be outfitted with numerous world class dining experiences for guests to enjoy. As previously announced, PENN has partnered with celebrity chef and entrepreneur Giada De Laurentiis to open Sorella by Giada. The Italian-California fusion restaurant will offer approximately 170 seats for indoor and outdoor dining, a contemporary bar and private dining options.
Boulevard Food & Drink Hall, operated by McClain Camarota Hospitality (“MCH”), will include Lucky Goat by celebrity chef Stephanie Izard; Five50 Pizza, a pizza concept from the renowned chefs at MCH; and Chicago favorites Antique Taco and Pretty Cool Ice Cream. Additional restaurant partners that will be unique to Aurora’s Boulevard Food & Drink Hall will be announced in the coming weeks.
“These popular restaurateurs will provide our customers with amazing dining options at the new Hollywood Casino Aurora,” said Rafael Verde, Senior Vice President of Regional Operations, PENN Entertainment. “Together with our hotel, event center, spa and additional amenities, patrons will experience a vibrant atmosphere at this new area attraction.”
The 12,000 square foot event center will be equipped to host a variety of events, including meetings, conferences, weddings, galas, entertainment and more. Entertainment bookings are already underway, and the first public events will be announced soon.
- Aaron Goldstein, Gambling911.com
