Hollywood Casino Aurora Opens New Land-Based Complex in Illinois
PENN Entertainment opened its new $360 million Hollywood Casino Aurora land-based entertainment complex in Aurora, Illinois, and this development replaced the previous riverboat casino on the Fox River which closed earlier in June 2026. The 388,500-square-foot facility includes a 226-room hotel, over 50 table games, a sportsbook, spa, and event center, creating approximately 700 jobs according to company announcements and industry coverage.
Observers note the shift from a riverboat operation to a permanent land-based structure marks a significant change for the location along the Fox River, and the new complex stands as a consolidated entertainment destination that incorporates multiple amenities under one roof. Data from the project indicates the total investment reached $360 million, with construction focused on delivering expanded capacity compared to the former floating casino setup.
Transition from Riverboat to Land-Based Operations
The previous riverboat casino operated on the Fox River until its closure earlier in June 2026, after which operations moved to the new land-based facility. Industry reports show this transition allowed for greater square footage and the addition of features such as the 226-room hotel and dedicated event center, elements that the riverboat configuration could not accommodate at the same scale. People familiar with the site describe the move as one that aligns with broader trends in Illinois gaming where land-based venues have gained preference for their flexibility in design and guest services.
According to CDC Gaming coverage, the new complex provides an entirely different experience through its integrated layout, and the 388,500 square feet encompass areas for gaming, lodging, and events without the spatial constraints of a riverboat. The facility's design supports over 50 table games alongside a sportsbook, while the spa and event center add non-gaming attractions that draw from local and regional visitors.
Facility Features and Capacity Details
The 388,500-square-foot building houses a 226-room hotel that offers overnight accommodations directly connected to the gaming floor, and this integration allows guests access to table games, the sportsbook, and other amenities without leaving the property. Over 50 table games occupy dedicated sections, while the sportsbook provides dedicated space for sports wagering, and the spa along with the event center handle wellness and large gatherings respectively.
Construction details reveal that the project created approximately 700 jobs during the operational phase, covering roles in gaming, hospitality, food service, and maintenance. The scale of the venue supports simultaneous use of multiple areas, for instance the event center can host functions while the hotel manages guest stays and the gaming sections remain active. Figures from the opening show the complex was built to replace and expand upon the riverboat's capabilities in a single permanent structure.
Economic and Employment Impact
Employment data tied to the opening indicates the addition of roughly 700 positions in Aurora, Illinois, with hiring focused on both gaming specialists and support staff across the hotel, spa, and event operations. Local economic observers track how these roles contribute to the regional workforce, and the $360 million investment reflects capital allocation toward infrastructure that sustains ongoing activity at the site.
Project records show the land-based design eliminates previous limitations of the riverboat, allowing for larger event spaces and more table games in a fixed location that operates year-round without weather or water-level dependencies. The sportsbook addition provides a distinct area for sports-related wagering, while the overall layout connects all components through shared pathways and common areas within the 388,500 square feet.
Project Timeline and Opening Context
Planning and construction for the $360 million complex preceded the riverboat closure earlier in June 2026, and the grand opening followed shortly after the move from the Fox River location. Stock market filings and press releases detail the sequence, noting that PENN Entertainment coordinated the shutdown of the riverboat with the activation of the new facility to maintain continuity of operations for existing patrons.
According to company announcements covered by StockTitan, the event center and spa formed key parts of the launch, offering expanded programming options that extend beyond traditional casino offerings. The 226-room hotel opened alongside the gaming areas, providing immediate lodging capacity that supports multi-day visits from out-of-town guests.
Conclusion
The Hollywood Casino Aurora land-based complex now operates as the primary venue following the riverboat's closure earlier in June 2026, and the 388,500-square-foot development incorporates the listed features while generating approximately 700 jobs through its combined hotel, table games, sportsbook, spa, and event center components. Project data confirms the $360 million investment delivered these elements in a single integrated facility located in Aurora, Illinois.