New, $360M Aurora casino to open in June
Summary
The new Hollywood Casino Aurora is set to open on June 24th, representing a $360 million investment and a relocation from its downtown location to Farnsworth Avenue. Mayor John Laesch expressed excitement about the on-time opening, though final regulatory approvals are still pending. The casino will feature a 226-room hotel, sports betting, over 1,200 gaming positions, a spa, and an event center, alongside restaurants from celebrity chefs Stephanie Izard and Giada De Laurentiis. Penn Entertainment Inc. anticipates employing approximately 700 workers, doubling the current workforce. The project involved financial assistance from the city of Aurora, including tax-increment financing and land donation, with the city borrowing $50 million to support the development. While the deal faced opposition due to taxpayer funding for a profitable company, it aims to revitalize the area following changes in state casino laws and declining revenue at the previous riverboat casino.
(Source:Shaw Local Enewspapers)