Aurora finance committee approves proposal to relocate Hollywood Casino
Penn Entertainment intends to relocate two riverboat casinos in Illinois to new land-based facilities.
US.- Hollywood Casino Aurora, Illinois, is one step closer to moving to a new location after Aurora’s finance committee unanimously advanced the proposal. Penn Entertainment intends to relocate its riverboat casinos in Aurora and Joliet to new land-based facilities.
Penn Entertainment’s plan for Aurora is to construct a modern casino and hotel off I-88, adjacent to the Simon Premium Outlet Mall. The Aurora development will include the transfer of certain parcels of land from the city. Up to $50m of the project will be funded by the city through new bond issuance, subject to final approval by the Aurora City Council.
There will now be a committee meeting this week followed by a full city council vote in two weeks’ time.
The company also plans to relocate its riverboat casino in Joliet to the Rock Run Crossings development, close to the I-80 and I-55 interchange. Penn has also announced the expansion of its Hollywood Casino Columbus in Ohio and the M Resort in Henderson, Nevada, subject to municipal approvals.
Rivers Casino Des Plaines opens new poker room
Rivers Casino has announced the opening of the new poker room at its Des Plaines casino. The addition is part of the Illinois casino’s $87m expansion. The 5,600 square foot poker area will feature 22 poker tables.
The first phase of the Illinois casino expansion, covering the casino’s first floor, is complete, while the second floor is still in progress. Once finished, the total footprint will be 78,000 square feet.
The ground-level addition opened on January 24, and included an Asian-themed restaurant with a new and larger menu. Meanwhile, the second-floor addition includes a new slot machine area, a 10,000 square foot ballroom, and the 22-table Poker Room.
