PENN Entertainment Schedules Hollywood Casino Aurora Riverboat Closure Ahead of New Land-Based Opening
PENN Entertainment announced the planned closure of the Hollywood Casino Aurora riverboat property in Aurora, Illinois, at 5:59 a.m. CDT on June 10, 2026, and this step prepares the ground for the grand opening of a new $360 million land-based casino and hotel on June 24, 2026, pending regulatory approvals, while it marks the end of riverboat operations in favor of the modern facility near Chicago Premium Outlets.
The announcement outlines a precise transition window that allows the company to shift from water-based gaming to a permanent structure without extended downtime, and observers note that the dates align closely to minimize disruption for both staff and visitors who have relied on the riverboat since its earlier years of operation.
Details of the Closure and Transition Process
According to the release from PENN Entertainment, the riverboat will cease all gaming and related activities at the exact time of 5:59 a.m. CDT on June 10, 2026, after which crews will begin the final preparations that include equipment removal, site securing, and coordination wth state regulators, while the company has indicated that these steps form part of a broader plan to replace the aging vessel with a purpose-built entertainment complex.
The fourteen-day gap between closure and the scheduled June 24 opening provides time for final inspections and licensing confirmations, yet regulators retain authority to adjust or delay the launch if any compliance issues surface during the review period, and this approach reflects standard procedures seen in other Illinois casino relocations where riverboat formats gave way to land-based venues.
The New $360 Million Facility and Its Location
Construction of the $360 million land-based casino and hotel stands positioned adjacent to Chicago Premium Outlets, and this site choice places the property within easy reach of major highways serving the greater Chicago metropolitan area, while the design incorporates expanded gaming floors, hotel accommodations, dining options, and entertainment spaces that exceed the capacity limits of the former riverboat setup.
PENN Entertainment has stated that the new building will operate under the same Hollywood Casino Aurora brand, preserving continuity for loyal patrons, and the investment figure covers structural work, interior fit-out, and infrastructure upgrades required to meet current accessibility and safety standards that apply to modern Illinois gaming properties.
State gaming records show that riverboat casinos in Illinois once represented the primary format allowed under earlier statutes, yet legislative changes in subsequent years opened pathways for land-based alternatives, and the Aurora project follows that pattern as operators seek greater flexibility in facility size and guest amenities.
Regulatory Approvals and Timeline Considerations
The June 24, 2026, opening date remains subject to final sign-off from the Illinois Gaming Board and related agencies, which must verify that all construction meets building codes, that gaming systems comply with technical requirements, and that responsible gaming measures align with state mandates, while PENN Entertainment has indicated that its teams continue to work closely with officials to address any outstanding items before the target date.
Industry reports from similar transitions highlight that approval processes can extend several weeks beyond initial projections when additional documentation or modifications are requested, and this possibility explains why the company framed the opening as pending rather than guaranteed, even as physical construction advances on schedule.
Impact on Operations and Local Market
Once the riverboat closes, all gaming activity at the Aurora location will pause until the land-based venue activates, and this brief interruption allows the company to transfer equipment, retrain staff on new systems, and conduct test runs of the expanded facilities, while nearby competitors may experience temporary shifts in visitor traffic during the transition window.
The move ends riverboat operations at this specific property and aligns with a broader industry movement away from floating casinos toward fixed structures that offer year-round stability regardless of weather or water levels, and data from the Illinois Gaming Board shows steady growth in land-based revenue across the state in recent reporting periods.
Conclusion
The sequence of events beginning with the June 10, 2026, closure at 5:59 a.m. CDT and culminating in the June 24 opening of the $360 million facility represents a structured shift for PENN Entertainment in Aurora, and the company continues to coordinate with regulators to meet all conditions required for the land-based casino and hotel to commence operations near Chicago Premium Outlets.