Hollywood Casino Resort recently organized a two-hour open house event for the residents of Aurora, Illinois. The gathering served as an opportunity for the community to gain insights into the forthcoming project near Interstate 88.
Project Overview:
Penn Entertainment’s ambitious plan for Aurora involves the development of a modern casino and hotel complex located near Interstate 88, adjacent to the Simon Premium Outlet Mall.
The project encompasses the transfer of specific parcels of land from the city to facilitate its construction.
Up to $50 million of the project’s cost will be funded by the city through new bond issuance, contingent upon final approval by the Aurora City Council.
Key Project Features:
The proposed project is designed to offer an array of amenities, including 900 slots and 50 live table games.
It also includes a 200-room hotel, a full-service spa, various restaurant and bar options, and an event center to cater to a wide range of entertainment preferences.
Community Engagement:
The open house provided Aurora residents with an opportunity to ask questions and seek updates on the project.
Key topics of discussion included the project’s scope, potential traffic considerations, and the future of the former casino property.
Perspectives from Key Figures:
Jeff Morris, VP of Public Affairs at Penn Entertainment, expressed excitement about the community’s interest in the project and highlighted the common areas of concern, such as project inclusions and traffic management.
Clayton Muhammad, Chief Communications and Equity Officer for the city of Aurora, emphasized the importance of community engagement and job opportunities tied to the project.
Illinois Gaming Board’s Approval:
The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) has granted approval for Penn Entertainment’s proposal to relocate its two riverboat casinos, which includes the Hollywood Casino in Aurora.
Statewide Casino Revenues:
A glance at the broader Illinois casino landscape reveals that the state’s 12 casinos collectively reported adjusted gross revenues (AGR) of $128.1 million in April, a 2.2% increase from the previous month.
This also signifies a substantial 4.5% growth compared to April 2022, reflecting the resilience of the state’s gaming industry.
Individual Casino Performances:
Specific details regarding AGR for key casinos in the state were highlighted, including Rivers Casino, Grand Victoria Casino, and Harrah’s Joliet Casino & Hotel.
The casinos collectively contributed $22.6 million in taxes, underscoring their role in the state’s revenue generation.
The open house event organized by Hollywood Casino Resort in Aurora demonstrates a commitment to engaging with the local community and addressing their questions and concerns. The proposed casino and hotel complex represents a significant development in the area, with potential economic and entertainment benefits. Furthermore, the positive performance of Illinois casinos, as indicated by increased AGR and tax contributions, highlights the continued growth and success of the state’s gaming industry.