PENN Entertainment Sets Timeline for Hollywood Casino Aurora's Shift From Riverboat to Permanent Land-Based Venue
PENN Entertainment announced the planned closure of its Hollywood Casino Aurora riverboat property on June 10, 2026, and this move prepares for the grand opening of a new $360 million permanent land-based casino facility on June 24, 2026, in Aurora, Illinois, according to company statements released through industry channels. The transition marks the end of operations for the riverboat that has served the region since its launch in the 1990s, while the new structure will occupy a site adjacent to the existing location along the Fox River.
Company records show that the riverboat has operated under various ownership structures before PENN Entertainment acquired the property through its merger with Penn National Gaming in 2020. Officials confirmed the closure date allows for a two-week window to complete final preparations on the land-based building, which has undergone construction phases tracked by local permitting agencies since approvals were granted in prior years.
Details of the Riverboat Closure Process
Staff at Hollywood Casino Aurora received notifications regarding the June 10, 2026, shutdown, and operations will wind down over the preceding days with scheduled gaming sessions concluding that evening. The Illinois Gaming Board, which oversees all casino licenses in the state, has reviewed the transition plan to ensure compliance with existing regulations on facility relocations and temporary suspensions of riverboat gaming privileges.
Equipment and inventory from the riverboat will be transferred to the new facility during the interim period, while structural decommissioning of the vessel itself follows state environmental guidelines for waterfront properties. Observers note that similar transitions at other Illinois riverboat casinos have required coordination between operators and local municipalities to handle traffic adjustments and utility connections during the switchover.
Features of the New $360 Million Land-Based Casino
The permanent facility represents a $360 million capital investment by PENN Entertainment, and construction documents filed with the City of Aurora detail a multi-level structure that includes expanded gaming floors, dining venues, and entertainment spaces. The building sits on land acquired through previous transactions, eliminating the need for water-based operations that previously limited expansion options due to vessel size constraints and seasonal river conditions.
Architectural plans indicate the new casino will feature approximately 1,000 slot machines and 50 table games upon opening, numbers that align with current license allocations maintained by the Illinois Gaming Board. Energy efficiency measures incorporated into the design meet updated state building codes, while parking structures accommodate increased visitor capacity compared to the riverboat setup.
Regulatory and Local Coordination
Aurora city officials have participated in planning meetings with PENN Entertainment representatives to address infrastructure needs around the site, including road access and public safety provisions for the June 24, 2026, opening. The Illinois Racing Board, which shares oversight responsibilities with the Gaming Board for certain gaming activities, has also been briefed on the change from mobile to fixed-location operations.
Tax revenue projections submitted as part of the project documentation outline expected contributions to state and local coffers once the land-based casino begins full operations, figures that build on historical data from the riverboat era. Those projections undergo periodic updates through filings available via the Illinois Comptroller's office.
Timeline Leading to June 2026 Events
Construction milestones reached in 2025 included completion of the structural frame and installation of major mechanical systems, while interior fit-out work continues through early 2026. PENN Entertainment has scheduled employee training sessions for the new property during the closure window, ensuring continuity of service standards from the riverboat staff who transition to the land-based roles.
The two-week gap between closure and opening allows for final inspections by the Illinois Gaming Board and local fire safety authorities, steps required before the issuance of an updated certificate of operation. Company announcements specify that the June 24, 2026, date remains subject to standard regulatory approvals but reflects the current project schedule.
Conclusion
The sequence of events set for June 2026 concludes the riverboat chapter for Hollywood Casino Aurora while establishing the permanent land-based operation as the next phase of PENN Entertainment's presence in the Illinois market. Documentation from the company and state regulators provides the framework for this transition, with public records tracking the investment and timeline details through the scheduled dates.