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Aurora's riverboat casino era is officially over and its flashy new replacement opens today.
Hollywood Casino Aurora is officially open, unveiling a brand-new entertainment complex that replaces the property's longtime riverboat casino and is one of the biggest gaming developments in the Chicago suburbs in years.
The new venue is part of a broader expansion effort by owner PENN Entertainment, which has spent the past year rolling out a series of major projects across the country. Aurora is the latest addition. Located near Interstate 88 and the Chicago Premium Outlets, the new casino is meant to be easier to access than the former downtown riverboat operation while offering a far larger mix of gaming, dining and entertainment options.
Two weeks ago, PENN debuted a new hotel tower at Hollywood Casino Columbus in Ohio, a $100 million expansion that added 203 guest rooms, luxury suites, a restaurant, conference space and other amenities. At the time, PENN CEO and president Jay Snowden pointed to Aurora as the company's next major milestone.
"We're delighted to officially open our new hotel in Columbus, which further positions us as the top entertainment destination in the region," Snowden said in a statement announcing the Ohio project. "This opening marks our third of four retail development projects to open in under a year, and we expect to follow this momentous day with the grand opening of our new casino in Aurora, Illinois, in less than two weeks."
That day has now arrived.
The new Aurora property is expected to serve as a regional entertainment destination, bringing together casino gaming, restaurants, bars and event space under one roof. The project is also part of a larger shift underway in Illinois gaming, where several longtime riverboat casinos have moved to modern land-based facilities in recent years.
For PENN, Aurora represents the latest chapter in an ambitious growth strategy that has included a new land-based casino in Joliet, Illinois, and a new hotel tower at M Resort Spa Casino in Las Vegas. Another major project, a relocation and redevelopment in Council Bluffs, Iowa, is expected to follow in 2028.
Whether you're planning a serious gaming session or simply curious to see what a next-generation suburban casino looks like, Hollywood Casino Aurora is officially ready for its first guests.