New Aurora Hollywood Casino Celebrates Grand Opening

AURORA, IL — Aurora's new casino is officially open for bets.

Two and a half years after breaking ground, the $360 million land-based casino, adjacent to the Chicago Premium Outlets, welcomed guests for the first time Wednesday morning.

The new Hollywood Casino replaces the riverboat one in downtown Aurora that operated since 1993. Spanning nearly 19 acres of land, the state-of-the-art casino boasts the new 226-room Hotel Aurora, more than 1,200 table and machine gaming stations, a sports betting operation, a spa and a 12,000-square-foot event center.

Penn Entertainment hosted Wednesday afternoon a private ribbon-cutting ceremony that was attended by Aurora officials, Illinois Gaming Board executives, state legislators and staff members.

"Together with our landside move in Joliet last summer, we have reinvested over $500 million in the Chicagoland market over the last three years, resulting in more jobs, meaningful state and local tax revenue, and further enhancing the region as a must-visit destination," Jay Snowden, CEO and President of PENN Entertainment, said in a statement. "Our roots in Aurora run deep, and we are committed to extending our 33-year legacy as a leader in world-class dining, hospitality, entertainment, gaming, and guest experience for years to come."

The 388,500-square-foot facility employs about 700 people and supported as many construction jobs.

The property boasts multiple dining options, with celebrity chef and entrepreneur Giada De Laurentiis's Sorella by Giada, an elevated Italian steakhouse, being the marquee restaurant. The Boulevard Food and Drink Hall is home to several more restaurants, including Chicago favorites Antique Taco and Pretty Cool Ice Cream and a new outpost by chef Stephanie Izard, Lucky Goat. For guests craving Asian cuisine, they can head to Red Lotus Asian Kitchen, serving made-to-order noodles and southeast Asian plates.

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Hollywood Casino is open seven days a week, 24 hours a day.