PENN Entertainment Schedules Hollywood Casino Aurora Riverboat Closure Ahead of Land-Based Opening
PENN Entertainment announced on June 2, 2026 that it will close the Hollywood Casino Aurora riverboat property at 5:59 a.m. CDT on June 10, 2026, and this step clears the way for the grand opening of its new $360 million land-based casino facility on June 24, 2026, pending regulatory approvals, while the company maintains normal operations at the riverboat until the closure date.
The announcement came through an official news release on the company's investor relations site, and it outlined a precise sequence of events that keeps the existing riverboat running without interruption until the final minute before shutdown. Observers note that this approach allows staff and guests to continue regular activities through the early morning hours of June 10 before the property transitions fully to the new site.
Details of the Closure Timeline
The riverboat will cease operations exactly at 5:59 a.m. CDT on June 10, which gives crews a narrow window to complete final preparations before the land-based facility opens two weeks later on June 24. PENN Entertainment confirmed that all scheduled gaming, dining, and entertainment programs remain in place until that cutoff, so players who visit during the first week of June encounter no changes to hours or services. The two-week gap between closure and reopening accommodates regulatory reviews and final inspections that must finish before the new casino can welcome the public.
The New $360 Million Land-Based Facility
Construction on the $360 million land-based casino has progressed steadily, and the project includes expanded gaming space, additional dining options, and upgraded amenities compared with the riverboat configuration. The company expects the new structure to provide a larger footprint that supports more table games and slot machines once it receives final approvals from state regulators. Pending those approvals, the grand opening remains set for June 24, 2026, which aligns with the two-week preparation period after the riverboat closes.
Industry reports indicate that land-based facilities often deliver higher capacity and improved accessibility than riverboats, and this project follows that pattern by moving operations onto permanent ground rather than keeping them on water. The transition also addresses long-term infrastructure needs because the new building incorporates modern design elements that the older riverboat could not accommodate.
Operational Continuity During the Transition
PENN Entertainment stated that normal operations continue at the riverboat through the closure date, which means employees work their usual shifts and guests access the same games and services they have used for years. Management coordinated with suppliers and vendors to ensure inventory levels remain steady until the final day, avoiding any early stock shortages that might affect the guest experience. The company also confirmed that all employee benefits and payroll schedules stay intact during the two-week interval, so the workforce experiences no disruption in compensation or coverage.
Regulatory bodies in Illinois oversee the entire process, and the pending approvals cover licensing updates that reflect the move from riverboat to land-based status. Once those reviews conclude, the new facility can open on schedule, and the company plans to transfer gaming equipment, staff assignments, and customer loyalty programs directly from the riverboat to the new building.
Background on the Aurora Property
Hollywood Casino Aurora has operated as a riverboat since the 1990s, and the current transition marks the latest evolution in its history of adapting to changing regulations and market demands. The property sits along the Fox River, and the shift to a land-based site removes previous constraints tied to water-based operations such as seasonal navigation rules and docking requirements. PENN Entertainment acquired the location through earlier corporate transactions, and this project represents its latest investment in updating the asset to meet contemporary standards.
Local economic data shows that the casino contributes to Aurora's tourism and employment figures, and the new facility is expected to sustain those contributions once it opens. The company has coordinated with city officials on traffic planning and infrastructure support to handle increased visitor volume after the June 24 opening.
Regulatory and Approval Process
State gaming regulators must complete their reviews before the land-based casino can open, and the company has submitted all required documentation to support those reviews. The approvals cover structural safety, gaming integrity, and compliance with responsible gaming policies, each of which undergoes separate examination. PENN Entertainment indicated that it maintains ongoing communication with regulators to address any questions that arise during the final weeks before the planned opening.
According to the company's investor release, the two-week window between closure and reopening allows sufficient time for these regulatory steps without extending the overall project timeline. The schedule also aligns with internal milestones such as equipment testing and staff training that occur at the new site.
Conclusion
PENN Entertainment's plan keeps the Hollywood Casino Aurora riverboat open until 5:59 a.m. CDT on June 10, 2026, then shifts focus to the $360 million land-based facility scheduled to open on June 24, 2026, pending regulatory approvals. The approach maintains continuous operations for guests and employees while completing the physical move to the new property. All details remain subject to the completion of required state reviews, and the company continues to provide updates through its standard investor channels as the dates approach.