PENN Entertainment Schedules Riverboat Closure Ahead of New Aurora Casino Opening
PENN Entertainment announced plans to close its existing Hollywood Casino Aurora riverboat property at 5:59 a.m. CDT on June 10, 2026, in preparation for the grand opening of a new $360 million land-based casino and hotel facility on June 24, 2026, pending regulatory approvals, and the new venue in Aurora, Illinois, will replace the riverboat operation. This transition marks a shift from the company's long-standing riverboat format to a permanent structure that combines gaming, lodging, and additional amenities under one roof.
Timeline and Operational Shift
The closure occurs early on the morning of June 10 while the opening of the land-based property follows two weeks later on June 24, which creates a brief gap during which no operations will run at the Aurora site. Company statements specify that the exact timing of the riverboat shutdown at 5:59 a.m. CDT allows for an orderly wind-down of gaming activities before staff and equipment move to the new location. Regulatory approvals remain a prerequisite for the June 24 launch date, and the Illinois Gaming Board will review the necessary permits and compliance documentation before final authorization.
During the interim period between June 10 and June 24, PENN Entertainment will complete final preparations that include system testing, staff training, and last-minute inspections of the new facility. Observers note that such compressed timelines between closure and reopening have occurred at other properties when operators move from temporary or floating venues to fixed land-based structures, and the Aurora project follows that established pattern.
New Facility Specifications
The $360 million investment covers construction of a full-scale casino floor, a hotel tower, multiple dining outlets, and expanded parking infrastructure on the chosen site in Aurora. The land-based design eliminates the spatial constraints that come with riverboat operations, which allows for larger gaming areas and more diverse entertainment options. PENN Entertainment has indicated that the new property will retain the Hollywood Casino branding while introducing updated amenities that reflect current market expectations for integrated resort experiences.
Construction crews have already completed the core structure, and finishing work now focuses on interior fit-out, gaming equipment installation, and landscaping. The project scope includes environmental measures that address stormwater management and riverbank stabilization along the Fox River corridor, which satisfies local planning requirements. Once operational, the facility is expected to maintain the same gaming license currently held by the riverboat, although the physical relocation requires updated regulatory sign-off.
Regulatory and Licensing Context
Illinois law permits the transition from riverboat to land-based operations when an existing licensee demonstrates that the new venue meets all safety, security, and financial responsibility standards. PENN Entertainment has submitted the required applications to the Illinois Gaming Board, and the approval process includes background checks, financial reviews, and site inspections. Similar transitions have taken place at other Illinois locations in recent years, and regulators have established clear procedural guidelines that operators must follow.
The company continues to operate under its existing license until the riverboat closes, after which the license transfers to the land-based property upon approval. Any delays in the regulatory timeline would push the June 24 opening date later, although PENN Entertainment has stated it remains confident that approvals will arrive on schedule.
Workforce and Community Considerations
Current employees at the riverboat will receive transition support that includes training for new roles at the land-based facility and assistance with any temporary schedule changes during the two-week closure window. Human resources teams have begun communicating with staff about position mapping and benefit continuity, and union representatives have been included in those discussions. Local suppliers and vendors who serve the riverboat operation will shift contracts to the new property once it opens, which maintains economic activity in the Aurora area.
City officials in Aurora have coordinated with PENN Entertainment on traffic planning and public safety measures that will accompany the larger footprint of the land-based casino. Updated road access points and signage will direct visitors to the new entrance, while emergency response protocols have been reviewed to account for the increased capacity of the hotel and casino combined.
Conclusion
The sequence of events set for June 2026 represents a deliberate move by PENN Entertainment to modernize its Aurora presence through a substantial capital investment and a change in operational format. The riverboat closure at 5:59 a.m. CDT on June 10 followed by the land-based opening on June 24 creates a defined transition period during which all necessary final preparations can occur. Pending regulatory approvals from the Illinois Gaming Board, the new facility will assume the gaming license and continue serving the market under the Hollywood Casino name with expanded amenities and infrastructure. Information about the project appears in the company's official announcement here, and updates from the Illinois Gaming Board provide additional context on licensing procedures.