Construction on the $360 million Hollywood Casino Aurora resort has reached a new phase, with work now largely moving indoors as the exterior of the development nears completion, according to local officials and project leadership.
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The new casino and resort, located along Farnsworth Avenue and Bilter Road near the Interstate 88 interchange, is being built across from the Chicago Premium Outlets mall. Once complete, the facility will replace the existing Hollywood Casino currently operating in downtown Aurora. Construction on the project officially began in November 2023.
In a recent interview with The Beacon-News, Hollywood Casino-Aurora Vice President and General Manager Greg Moore said the development remains on schedule to open in the first half of 2026. Moore noted that the building’s exterior is largely finished, with only select elements — including digital billboards — still to be installed. Landscaping around the site is also mostly complete.
With exterior work wrapping up, construction teams are now focused on interior buildout, a major milestone that typically signals the transition into finishing phases such as gaming floor installation, hospitality spaces, and back-of-house operations. The indoor work will include systems installation, interior finishes, and preparations for regulatory inspections ahead of opening.
The new Hollywood Casino Aurora represents a significant investment for the city and is expected to strengthen the local entertainment and tourism economy. Its location near major retail, highway access, and regional transportation corridors positions it as a high-visibility destination for both local residents and visitors traveling through the western Chicago suburbs.
The project is part of Penn Entertainment’s broader strategy to modernize and expand its land-based casino portfolio across Illinois. Similar redevelopment efforts are underway or recently completed in other markets, including Joliet, reflecting growing competition and evolving gaming preferences statewide.
As construction continues through 2026, officials expect the project to generate ongoing construction activity and set the stage for permanent gaming, hospitality, and support jobs once the new Hollywood Casino Aurora opens its doors.
Originally reported by R. Christian Smith, Aurora Beacon-News in CDC Gaming.
