Chavdar Vasilev is a journalist covering the casino and sports betting market sectors for CasinoBeats. He joined CasinoBeats in May 2025 and reports on industry-shaping stories across the US and beyond, including legislative debates, market...
Read Full BioConstruction on the new Hollywood Casino Aurora resort is advancing significantly, with the project’s exterior nearly finished and interior build-outs underway — and the $360 million development remains on schedule for a first-half 2026 opening.
The new land-based resort — replacing the longstanding Hollywood Casino Aurora riverboat on the Fox River — will be located next to the Chicago Premium Outlets mall near Interstate 88 and Farnsworth Avenue.
On-Site Progress & Timeline
According to recent local reports, the casino’s exterior walls and structural work are substantially complete.
Only a handful of exterior elements, including digital billboards, remain to be installed, while much of the landscaping has already been completed. Construction activity has now shifted predominantly indoors as crews focus on interior systems and finishes ahead of opening.
Hollywood Casino-Aurora Vice President and General Manager Greg Moore confirmed that the resort remains on track to open in the first half of 2026.
Moore added that inside construction is “coming along very nicely.” Construction crews have installed lower-level bathrooms and are progressing with the back-of-house kitchens. Moore said that the installation of the raised gaming floor is expected to begin in the coming weeks.
Preparatory work on the site began in November 2023. The relocation effort is part of a broader industry shift away from riverboat-based gaming, made possible by state law changes that allow Illinois casinos to relocate to inland sites.
What the New Resort Will Include
The new Aurora casino will be a full-scale resort destination, significantly expanding the offerings of the previous riverboat casino:
- Gaming: Approximately 900 slot machines and about 50 table games, including baccarat and poker rooms.
- Hotel: A 220-room four-star hotel with spa and hospitality services.
- Sports Betting: On-site retail sportsbook.
- Event Space: A large event and entertainment center for meetings, weddings, conventions, and performances.
- Dining & Bars: Multiple restaurants and bars. That includes local partnerships with well-known culinary brands under the Boulevard Food & Drink Hall concept.
- Parking: A 1,000-car parking garage.
Once operational, the property will employ approximately 700 permanent workers. That’s double the roughly 350 employees the current riverboat casino employs. The property has held multiple job fairs and has one planned for January 17.
Riverboat History & Relocation Context
Hollywood Casino Aurora has been operating since 1993 on the Fox River and is classified as a riverboat casino under Illinois gaming law.
The riverboat casino will continue to operate until the new land-based facility opens. Once operational, the new Aurora casino will be the second Penn Entertainment property in Illinois to complete an inland relocation.
Earlier this year, the company closed the Joliet riverboat and opened a new land-based casino just off the I-55/I-80 interchange. The $185 million property features approximately 1,000 slot machines, 43 table games, a retail sportsbook, an event center, and multiple dining options.
The property opened with strong initial interest. Several hundred customers lined up to attend the grand opening. The Joliet relocation has already generated a significant revenue uplift. In September, its first full month of operation, Hollywood Joliet experienced a 48% year-over-year increase in gaming revenue.
Strategic Importance & Local Impact
Once operational, Hollywood Aurora is expected to generate a boost in tax revenue and local economic activity. Its location near a major retail destination and along key highway corridors will also help the city with tourism.
As with many casino expansions, some residents have raised concerns about the impact on school district boundaries. Supporters, however, emphasize the project’s long-term fiscal benefits and its potential to create jobs in the community.
