Hollywood Casino Aurora holding grand opening for new land-based location

AURORA, Ill. (WLS) -- A new era for a casino is opening Wednesday in the western suburbs.

Hollywood Casino Aurora is replacing the old riverboat location on the Fox River, which closed earlier this month.

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The new $360 million land-based casino is located at 2500 N. Farnsworth Ave. just off I-88.

It has more than a thousand slot machines, dozens of table games, a sportsbook, restaurants, and a hotel and spa.

Officials say the over 30-year-old riverboat location will be torn down and turned over to the city for redevelopment.

Until the end of the year, unused chips from the Hollywood Casino Aurora riverboat location can be cashed in at the new location.

"Our new location is ideally situated to welcome guests to enjoy a broad array of entertainment and dining experiences in the region," said Rafael Verde, senior vice president of operations for PENN Entertainment.

The new casino opens to the public at 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday and will operate around the clock.