Illinois Riverboat Casino Ends 30-Year Run as $360M Land-Based Resort Prepares Opening
Hollywood Casino Aurora riverboat closes June 10 after three decades, replaced by a $360 million land-based resort near Interstate 88.
The Hollywood Casino Aurora riverboat on the Fox River in Illinois will shut down on June 10, concluding a 30-year chapter in the state's gambling history. The floating casino has been a fixture in the community since its launch in the early 1990s.
The closure makes way for a new $360 million land-based casino resort located just off Interstate 88. The state-of-the-art facility is scheduled to open soon, offering gamblers a modern alternative to the aging riverboat.
The transition reflects a broader trend in Illinois, where several riverboat casinos have moved to land-based operations in recent years. The new Aurora resort aims to provide expanded amenities and a more integrated entertainment experience.
Local officials have expressed support for the project, citing economic benefits including job creation and increased tax revenue. The land-based casino is expected to draw visitors from the Chicago metropolitan area and beyond.
Gamblers will have minimal downtime between the riverboat's closure and the new resort's opening, as the transition has been carefully timed to maintain continuity of operations.
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