The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) has given its stamp of approval to Penn Entertainment’s proposal to relocate two of its riverboat casinos, Hollywood Casino Aurora and Hollywood Casino Joliet, to land-based locations. This decision marks a significant transformation in the state’s gaming landscape and a major investment by Penn Entertainment to enhance the casino experience for patrons.
Relocating to Land-Based Locations:
Penn Entertainment’s ambitious plan to relocate its riverboat casinos to land-based venues has received the green light from the Illinois Gaming Board.
This transformation aims to provide a more accessible and immersive gaming experience to visitors while revitalizing the surrounding areas.
Hollywood Casino Aurora’s New Home:
Hollywood Casino Aurora will be relocated from its downtown island location in the Fox River to a land-based site near the Chicago Premium Outlets mall and the Fermilab campus.
The $360 million venue will feature a casino with 900 slot machines and 50 gaming tables, catering to gaming enthusiasts.
Additionally, the resort will offer a 200-room hotel, a variety of bars and restaurants, extensive meeting space, and an event center, making it a versatile entertainment destination.
Hollywood Casino Joliet’s Exciting Move:
Hollywood Casino Joliet will transition from a riverboat setting on the Des Plaines River to a land-based casino at Rock Run Crossings.
The 309-acre piece of land approved for the new casino will also include a 570-unit apartment complex, enhancing the area’s amenities.
The casino itself will be a vibrant hub, with 800 slot machines, 45 live table games, a Barstool Sportsbook, multiple dining options, bars, and an event center, making it a dynamic entertainment complex.
Regulatory Assurance and Progress:
IGB administrator Marcus D. Fruchter emphasized that the approval of these relocation proposals is a significant step in the regulatory process. The IGB is committed to working closely with Penn Entertainment to ensure that the new casino venues are constructed, opened, and operated in an efficient, ethical, and compliant manner.
Penn Entertainment’s plans to relocate Hollywood Casino Aurora and Hollywood Casino Joliet to land-based locations in Illinois have received the go-ahead from the Illinois Gaming Board. This transformative move represents a substantial investment in the state’s gaming industry and will provide visitors with enhanced gaming and entertainment experiences. It’s not just a win for Penn Entertainment but also for the local communities set to benefit from these developments.