PENN’s Hollywood Aurora Casino Celebrates Grand Opening on Wednesday

PENN Entertainment released an announcement celebrating the opening of a new state-of-the-art casino in Aurora, Illinois, on Wednesday.

Hollywood Casino and Hotel Aurora, a $360 million facility, is now open for customers. The land-based facility replaced a riverboat location that had resided on the shore of the Fox River for the last 33 years.

The new casino is one of 17 licensed gambling dens in a state that has put an increased focus on gambling, both with respect to offerings and regulation.

PENN celebrates new Illinois casino opening

PENN hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday afternoon ahead of the grand opening to the public at 8:30 p.m. local time. 

To celebrate, PENN invited Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) officials, local dignitaries, state lawmakers, and casino employees to the event. 

“We are proud to officially welcome guests and players to the exciting, all-new Hollywood Casino and Hotel Aurora,” said Jay Snowden, CEO and President of PENN Entertainment. “Together with our landside move in Joliet last summer, we have reinvested over $500 million in the Chicagoland market over the last three years, resulting in more jobs, meaningful state and local tax revenue, and further enhancing the region as a must-visit destination. 

PENN Entertainment oversaw the operations at the riverboat casino that closed earlier this month. While the Hollywood Casino location is new, its presence in the area is not, which Snowden made sure to emphasize.

“Our roots in Aurora run deep, and we are committed to extending our 33-year legacy as a leader in world-class dining, hospitality, entertainment, gaming, and guest experience for years to come.”

PENN’s Hollywood casino rewards customers

The new 388,500-square-foot Hollywood casino is stuffed with options for patrons. Guests will find more than 1,000 new slot machines, over 50 live-dealer table games, a baccarat room, and a retail sportsbook. 

In addition to gambling features, the property offers “Chicagoland celebrity-led” dining, a hotel with 226 rooms, a wellness spa, and an event center.

“Today marks an exciting new chapter for Hollywood Casino and Hotel Aurora, made possible through support from the city of Aurora, the Illinois Gaming Board, and all of our partners, including the hundreds of tradesmen and women who built this incredible new property from the ground up,” said Rafael Verde, Senior Vice President of Regional Operations for PENN. “We are grateful for these partnerships and are eager to showcase the collaborative effort to transition from riverboat gaming to an entertainment destination.”

The development of the facility created 700 temporary construction jobs and 700 permanent hospitality jobs at the hotel and casino, which will be open 24 hours per day, seven days per week.

Visitors can utilize the PENN Play Rewards Program, which is available at more than 35 properties across the country. The free membership allows customers to gain entry to events, experiences, and various rewards, including gaming, dining, hospitality, and entertainment prizes.

The five membership tiers of customer loyalty allow users to enjoy additional benefits, including priority access, special perks, and customized opportunities. 

The next major attraction in Illinois’ casino ecosystem is Bally’s Chicago, which is expected to open in 2027.