FAQ

WHERE WILL THE NEW CASINO BE LOCATED? The new casino development is located at the southwest corner of Farnsworth Avenue and Bilter Road in Aurora. This site is just west of the Chicago Premium Outlets and is ideally situated near I-88.

WHY IS THE CASINO MOVING? The expanded gaming law that passed in 2019 allowed for both new casinos in the Chicago area and the movement of riverboats to landside. Coupled with the rampant proliferation of Video Gaming Terminals throughout the state, the existing location of Hollywood Casino Aurora is at a significant competitive disadvantage. PENN Entertainment partnered with the City of Aurora to develop a new facility in a more convenient location that supports additional economic growth in the community and allows for a new, state-of-the-art gaming resort that can compete on a more level playing field with existing and future gaming facilities in the state and create the opportunity for more tax revenue for the City of Aurora.

WHEN WILL THE NEW CASINO OPEN? PENN Entertainment expects the new casino to open sometime in the second half of 2025 or early 2026.

WHAT WILL THIS COST THE CITY OF AURORA? Aurora City Council voted to support the new casino through the issuance of bonds backed by new real estate taxes generated by the new casino. The City’s support represents less than 15% of the estimated $360 million investment being made by PENN Entertainment. Notably, PENN Entertainment is advancing funds for the new casino and the City of Aurora is only reimbursing PENN for certain costs. Importantly, the anticipated increase in tax revenues from the new facility is expected to provide revenues to not only service the bonds but also generate millions of additional dollars annually to reinvest into the community. The bonds would not be issued but for the development of the new casino property and the additional tax dollars it is expected to generate.

HOW MANY JOBS WILL BE CREATED? It is expected that the project will create hundreds of construction jobs, including those in the building trades unions. PENN Entertainment will work with the general contractor to forge union partnerships and identify opportunities for local businesses and minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses to participate in construction and procurement. Additionally, the casino currently employs approximately 350 team members, and they expect the new property will employ roughly 700 team members. This means the new Hollywood Casino Aurora would create approximately 350 new permanent jobs in the City of Aurora. PENN Entertainment also plans to host job fairs in Aurora for these career opportunities.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THE CURRENT DOWNTOWN CASINO? Once the new casino opens, the existing casino will close. The Redevelopment Agreement requires PENN Entertainment to demolish the existing casino (barge, building, and walkway over the Fox River to the west and turn the land over to the City of Aurora). The two existing Downtown Parking Decks used by the casino will remain and will be available to the public and downtown businesses. Future planning is necessary to determine the highest and best use for the downtown location. The City of Aurora sees a tremendous opportunity to build something truly unique and exciting to continue to strengthen the downtown and the City of Aurora.

HOW MUCH MONEY WILL THE NEW CASINO BRING TO THE CITY OF AURORA? Currently, the casino’s operations provide approximately $6 million annually in gaming taxes. Maintaining the status quo with new gaming options throughout the region and new casinos opening soon will likely further decrease annual gaming tax revenues for Aurora. The proposed new casino resort at a more highly visible, accessible, and convenient location is expected to both increase annual gaming tax revenue and create new property, food and beverage, and hotel tax revenue, as well as associated tax revenue due to increased employment at the new facility. Since it opened, Hollywood Casino has contributed approximately $300 million in gaming taxes to the City of Aurora.

WILL THE CASINO AFFECT THE VALUE OF MY HOME? The City of Aurora is focused on increasing our non-traditional, non-property tax revenue sources which helps to reduce the need to increase City property taxes. The City expects to see increased social services, greater community programs, additional capital improvements, and more projects funded through Ward funds which results in stronger neighborhoods and home values.

HOW CAN THE CASINO MOVE OFF OF THE FOX RIVER? The City of Aurora was instrumental in getting the gaming law changed to allow for relocation within the casino’s home city, as well as removing the requirement that gaming floors be situated above water. The City’s efforts allow for the casino, its jobs, tax revenue, and other benefits to expand while remaining in Aurora.

WILL THERE BE SIDEWALKS AND BIKE TRAILS? Yes. In addition to internal sidewalks and pedestrian crossings at signalized intersections, there will be a multi-use trail along all three sides of the new casino – Farnsworth, Bilter, and Church. The existing multi-use trail along the east side of Farnsworth Avenue will be extended.

WILL THE CASINO INCORPORATE GREEN BUILDING TECHNOLOGIES? The casino and hotel will be LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certified and will incorporate energy-efficient lighting, water-conserving toilets, and integrated sink systems for reductions in paper utilization.

Have another question? Email EconomicDevelopment@aurora.il.us