Aurora's $360M Hollywood Casino to Open in 2026 with Luxury Amenities
A new $360 million casino is coming to Aurora, Illinois, set to open in mid-2026. The Hollywood Casino Aurora will replace the city's existing riverboat venue with a much larger inland complex. Developers Penn Entertainment and Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc. promise a mix of gaming, luxury amenities, and dining under one roof.
The project follows a 2019 state law allowing riverboat casinos to move onto land. Penn Entertainment announced its plans to relocate the Aurora casino in October 2022, shifting away from the water-based model.
The new site, near Interstate 88's Exit 119, will sit adjacent to the Chicago Premium Outlets. It will span N. Farnsworth Ave. and Bilter Rd., featuring a 200-room hotel and 1,700 parking spaces. Inside, guests will find 900 slot machines, 50 live dealer tables, and a sportsbook, alongside a 12,000-square-foot event centre.
Beyond gaming, the casino will offer high-end dining, including a restaurant by celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis. A luxury wellness spa, Drift Spa, will provide 11 beauty stations, seven massage rooms, and tailored facials. This will mark the spa's second location, following its 2022 debut in Pennsylvania.
The casino's opening in the second quarter of 2026 will bring a mix of entertainment, hospitality, and relaxation options. Penn Entertainment aims to draw more visitors by combining gaming with upscale dining and wellness services. The complex is expected to become a major destination in the Aurora area.
