PENN Entertainment has launched its new $360 million Hollywood Casino & Hotel Aurora in Illinois, replacing the riverboat casino that had operated on the Fox River since 1993. The opening marks the company’s latest investment in the Chicagoland market, adding a new land based gaming and hospitality destination with expanded casino, hotel, dining and entertainment facilities.
PENN replaces years old riverboat casino
PENN Entertainment officially opened Hollywood Casino & Hotel Aurora following a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by officials from the Illinois Gaming Board, state and local leaders, project partners and employees.
The new 388,500 square foot property replaces the company’s long running riverboat casino, reflecting the wider shift towards modern land based gaming venues in Illinois.
The casino operates 24 hours a day throughout the year and offers more than 1,000 slot machines alongside over 50 table games, including blackjack, craps, roulette and baccarat. It also features a retail sportsbook with one of the largest sports viewing screens in the Chicagoland area, supported by betting kiosks.
Investment across Chicagoland
PENN President and Chief Executive Officer Jay Snowden said the Aurora project forms part of the company’s broader investment strategy in the region.
He said PENN has invested more than $500 million across the Chicagoland market over the past three years, including the relocation of its Joliet property to a new land based site last year.
Snowden added that the investments have created new jobs, generated tax revenue for state and local governments and strengthened the region’s appeal as an entertainment destination.
Senior Vice President of Regional Operations Rafael Verde said the project was completed through collaboration between regulators, city officials and construction teams, describing it as an important step in Aurora’s transition from riverboat gaming to a full scale entertainment resort.
While land-based properties remain a key part of the company’s growth strategy, many players also enjoy the flexibility offered by digital gaming platforms. Those interested in exploring the best mobile online casinos can compare mobile-friendly options designed for gaming on smartphones and tablets.
Resort combines gaming, hotel and dining
The development includes a seven storey hotel with 226 rooms and suites connected directly to the casino and entertainment areas.
Dining options include Sorella by Giada, an Italian steakhouse developed with chef Giada De Laurentiis, and Boulevard Food & Drink Hall, which features several Chicago area food concepts curated by James Beard Award winner Shawn McClain.
The property also includes Red Lotus Asian Kitchen, a sportsbook restaurant and &Vine, a lounge offering live entertainment.
A 12,000 square foot event centre and outdoor courtyard have been built to host conferences, weddings, concerts and community events, expanding the venue beyond gaming.
New jobs and loyalty rewards
The new resort employs around 700 people, while construction supported another 700 jobs during development.
Guests can also use PENN Play Rewards, the company’s loyalty programme that provides tier based benefits, redeemable rewards and promotional offers across PENN Entertainment’s gaming and hospitality portfolio in the United States.
Earlier in February, Penn Entertainment signed a cooperation agreement with activist investor HG Vora Capital Management and appointed three new independent directors to its board. The operator said Heather Ace, Jeffrey Fox and Fabio Schiavolin were added to the board as part of the agreement. The deal brings to an end a months‑long fight over activist representation on the board.
HG Vora had been contesting board seats with the operator for months after increasing its stake and announcing plans to nominate its own candidates. The fund even filed a lawsuit against Penn in May 2025, alleging the company had violated Pennsylvania’s Business Corporation Law.
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