Hollywood Casino Aurora: A New Era of Entertainment in Illinois
The construction of the Hollywood Casino in Aurora, Illinois, is progressing remarkably well, marking a significant milestone for the city and its residents. Almost a year after construction commenced, Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin has expressed his enthusiastic approval of the project’s advancement. "The progress is amazing," Irvin shared with The Daily Herald, extending his gratitude to the construction workers and their supervisors for their dedication and craftsmanship. The project is not only on track but also within budget, a testament to the meticulous planning and execution involved.
New Hollywood Casino Replacing Old One
The original Hollywood Casino Aurora opened its doors in downtown Aurora in 1993, coinciding with the state’s introduction of riverboat gambling. However, as competition grew with the emergence of venues like Rivers Casino in Des Plaines and various video gambling establishments, the revenue generated by the downtown casino began to dwindle. To revitalize the gaming experience and boost local revenue, the decision was made to relocate the casino from its original location on the Fox River to a new site on Farnsworth Avenue, which was previously occupied by two hotels and a car dealership.
The new complex, boasting a budget of $360 million and owned by PENN Entertainment, promises to be a state-of-the-art facility. It will feature a casino and hotel with 200 rooms, 1,200 gaming positions, a 12,000-square-foot event space, and a dedicated sports betting facility. This strategic move involves PENN Entertainment taking over the new site while relinquishing the current casino property. Mayor Irvin has noted that once completed, the hotel will stand as the tallest building in Aurora since 1974, symbolizing a new chapter for the city.
City Had to Change Law to Keep Casino
The relocation of the Hollywood Casino was not without its challenges. According to the Hollywood Casino website, the City of Aurora played a pivotal role in amending local laws to facilitate the move. Notably, they successfully removed the stipulation that required casinos to be situated on water, allowing the Hollywood Casino to remain within the city limits. This legislative change was crucial, as it ensured that the casino—and the accompanying jobs, tax revenue, and economic benefits—could continue to thrive in Aurora.
Not Everyone Was On Board With The Move
Despite the unanimous approval from Aurora’s city council for the relocation deal, not all residents were in favor of the decision. Some community members expressed concerns regarding the financial implications of the project. The funding plan for the new casino includes a $50 million bond and $8 million worth of city-owned land. The city has assured residents that it will repay this bond using increased property taxes generated from the new casino site, rather than relying on general taxpayer funds.
In February, the city council opted to sell $58 million in general-obligation bonds to support this loan and cover the costs associated with demolishing the existing downtown casino. To further alleviate concerns, PENN Entertainment has committed to covering any shortfall in property taxes should they fall short in any given year. However, some taxpayers remain dissatisfied with the city’s financial involvement, especially considering that the casino owners reported earnings of $75 million from their 30-year-old riverfront establishment last year. Critics argue that such a significant financial decision should have been put to a vote among Aurora residents.
Penn Entertainment Adding to Its Offerings
With the addition of the Aurora casino, Penn Entertainment expands its impressive portfolio, now operating over 40 casinos and racetracks across the United States, including more than 30 Hollywood Casino locations. The Hollywood Casino brand is well-known for providing an authentic gaming experience, offering a variety of real money slots and table games that can be enjoyed on personal devices, mirroring the excitement of an in-person casino. Additionally, the brand has embraced the growing trend of sports betting, further enhancing its appeal to a diverse audience.
Construction on the new Hollywood Casino Aurora is expected to wrap up by the middle of next year, promising to usher in a new era of entertainment and economic growth for the city and its residents.
About the Author
Dave Grendzynski is a casino writer for Vegas Insider and Action Network. His most cherished casino experience is hitting a royal flush after betting the maximum amount on a machine at Seneca Niagara. Follow Dave Grendzynski @casinonewsdave on Twitter/X.
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