Hollywood Casino Aurora generates $17 million in its first month

Hollywood Casino Aurora, operated by Penn Entertainment, has generated $17.4 million in revenue during its first month of operation. Located in northern Aurora near Interstate 88, the casino occupies 77,000 square meters and offers more than 50 live table games. Unlike its predecessor, a floating casino, the Hollywood includes a hotel, boosting spending among high-roller customers. Jay Snowden, CEO and President of Penn, commented on a quarterly earnings call: "We are seeing very strong demand from the VIP segment. Spending increases over 20% when customers stay at the hotel compared to visits to the old facility." Since its opening at the end of June, the casino has welcomed 156,000 visitors, according to the Illinois Gaming Board, reported by the Chicago Tribune.

GGR of Hollywood Casino Aurora nearly doubles in a month

Snowden added that business at Hollywood "has almost essentially doubled in the first full month." However, he anticipates a slight slowdown in the coming weeks: "It is natural for initial curiosity to attract many visitors, but then numbers will stabilize." The initial response has been very positive, according to the feedback received.

Comparison with other casinos in Illinois

According to data from the Illinois Gaming Board, Hollywood Casino Aurora is now the third highest-grossing casino in the state. In contrast, its predecessor, the floating casino, ranked ninth in the first half of 2026. Currently, there are 17 casinos in Illinois, with Wind Creek Chicago Southland in second place with $18.8 million in gross gaming revenue in July. However, Hollywood still has a way to go to catch up with Rivers Casino Des Plaines, which topped the list with over $44 million in revenue.

Increase in revenues for casinos in Illinois

Gaming revenues in Illinois have risen, with a 23.3% year-on-year increase, reaching $167.5 million. The Hollywood Casino, with an investment of $360 million, includes over 1,000 slot machines, sports betting facilities, restaurants, a spa, and a 1,115 square meter event center. Penn Entertainment announced in June that the old floating casino would be handed over to Aurora authorities for redevelopment.

Decline in sports betting in the state

Meanwhile, sports betting in Illinois has declined in recent months. Major events in May, such as the Kentucky Derby and the NBA Playoffs, failed to attract bettors, with a 10% year-on-year drop in betting. Horse racing has also declined since the closure of Arlington Park and its purchase by the Chicago Bears, who plan to transform the site into a stadium by 2029.