A major chapter in Aurora's history is about to come to a close—and a new one is about to begin.

After more than 30 years operating on the Fox River, Hollywood Casino Aurora's iconic riverboat location will officially close on June 10, 2026. Just two weeks later, Aurora will welcome a brand-new $360 million land-based casino resort that city leaders hope will transform the area's entertainment landscape.

The project represents one of the largest private developments in Aurora in recent years and signals a major shift not only for Hollywood Casino, but for the city itself.

From luxury accommodations and dining to concerts, events, and expanded gaming, the new resort is designed to be much more than a casino.

Here's what residents, visitors, and suburban communities need to know.

The End of an Era on the Fox River

When Hollywood Casino Aurora first opened in 1993, Illinois law required casinos to operate on waterways.

As a result, the riverboat casino became one of the region's most recognizable entertainment destinations, attracting visitors from throughout Chicagoland for decades.

For many local residents, the riverboat became synonymous with Aurora's downtown revival efforts during the 1990s and early 2000s.

Over time, however, the gaming industry evolved.

New casino destinations across the Midwest began offering:

• luxury hotels
• large event venues
• restaurants
• entertainment districts
• resort-style amenities

Meanwhile, Illinois lawmakers eventually approved legislation allowing casinos to move onto land, creating new opportunities for expansion and modernization.

The result is Aurora's most ambitious entertainment project in decades.

What Will the New Casino Resort Include?

The new Hollywood Casino Aurora is designed to compete with modern entertainment destinations throughout the Midwest.

The development will feature:

Gaming

• 1,200 gaming positions
• table games
• slot machines
• sportsbook experiences

Hotel

• 226-room luxury hotel
• upgraded guest accommodations
• meeting and event facilities

Dining

• multiple restaurant concepts
• bars and lounges
• expanded food offerings
• future celebrity-chef partnerships

Entertainment

• event center
• live performances
• special events
• community gatherings
• conferences and private functions

Wellness Amenities

• spa facilities
• guest services
• resort-style experiences

Rather than focusing solely on gambling, the development is intended to create a full entertainment destination that encourages longer visits and overnight stays.

Why Aurora Is Betting Big on This Project

Aurora has experienced significant growth over the past decade.

As Illinois' second-largest city, Aurora has increasingly become a regional destination for:

• shopping
• dining
• entertainment
• business investment
• residential growth

The new casino's location near the Chicago Premium Outlets and Interstate 88 provides several strategic advantages.

Visitors can easily combine:

• shopping
• dining
• entertainment
• overnight accommodations

into a single trip.

This positioning gives Aurora an opportunity to attract visitors not only from the Chicago suburbs but also from across Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and beyond.

The Economic Impact Could Be Significant

Projects of this scale often extend far beyond the property itself.

Local officials anticipate benefits including:

New Jobs

The resort will support:

• hospitality positions
• food service jobs
• gaming operations
• event staff
• management roles

Increased Tourism

The addition of a hotel and expanded entertainment offerings may encourage more overnight visitors.

Local Spending

Visitors frequently spend money at:

• nearby restaurants
• retail stores
• gas stations
• local attractions

Tax Revenue

The project is expected to generate additional tax revenue that can support future city investments and services.

For Aurora, the casino represents both an entertainment destination and a long-term economic development tool.

How This Fits Into Aurora's Transformation

Aurora has undergone substantial changes over the last several years.

Recent investments throughout the city include:

• downtown redevelopment
• new residential communities
• infrastructure improvements
• entertainment venues
• commercial investment

The casino resort adds another major piece to Aurora's ongoing evolution.

Many suburban communities are increasingly competing for residents, visitors, and business investment. Large-scale developments like this help position Aurora as a destination rather than simply a commuter city.

And because the project combines hospitality, dining, gaming, and events, its impact could be felt across multiple sectors of the local economy.

What Happens Next?

The timeline is moving quickly.

June 10, 2026

The Hollywood Casino riverboat officially closes operations.

June 24, 2026

The new casino resort is expected to open, pending final regulatory approvals.

Additional announcements regarding:

• entertainment programming
• restaurant openings
• events
• special promotions

are expected throughout the summer.

For many residents, the opening will mark one of the most anticipated development milestones Aurora has seen in years.

FAQ

When does the Hollywood Casino riverboat close?

The riverboat location will officially cease operations at 5:59 a.m. on June 10, 2026.

When will the new casino open?

The new Hollywood Casino Aurora is scheduled to open on June 24, 2026, pending final approvals.

How much did the new casino cost?

The development represents an investment of approximately $360 million.

What amenities will the new resort offer?

The property will include gaming, a 226-room hotel, restaurants, bars, event space, a sportsbook, and spa amenities.

Why is the casino moving off the river?

Changes to Illinois gaming laws now allow land-based casinos, providing operators with more flexibility to expand and modernize their facilities.

Final Thoughts

The closing of Aurora's riverboat casino marks the end of a chapter that helped shape the city's entertainment identity for more than three decades.

But the opening of the new $360 million casino resort signals something even bigger: Aurora's continued growth as a destination for entertainment, tourism, and economic development.

Whether you're interested in gaming, dining, live events, or simply watching how the western suburbs continue to evolve, this project is one of the most significant developments happening in Chicagoland this year.

And by the end of June, residents will finally get their first look at what Aurora's next chapter has in store.