PENN Entertainment Schedules Riverboat Closure Ahead of Land-Based Casino Launch in Aurora

PENN Entertainment announced on June 2, 2026 that operations at the Hollywood Casino Aurora riverboat will conclude at 5:59 a.m. CDT on June 10, 2026, while the company prepares for the opening of its new land-based facility scheduled for June 24, 2026, and the announcement specifies that normal operations continue at the riverboat until that exact closure time.

The transition marks a shift from the existing riverboat format to a permanent $360 million land-based structure, and the company outlined the sequence in its official release to investors. Observers note that the brief window between closure and reopening allows crews to complete final preparations at the new site, while regulatory approvals remain pending for the June 24 date.

Key Dates and Operational Details

The riverboat stops service precisely at 5:59 a.m. on June 10, which creates a 14-day interval before the planned grand opening, and during that period staff focus on moving equipment, completing inspections, and finalizing the land-based building. PENN Entertainment confirmed that guests experience uninterrupted access to gaming, dining, and entertainment options right up until the closure moment.

Company statements emphasize that the schedule aligns with broader construction timelines, and the land-based casino will occupy a larger footprint designed for expanded capacity. Those following the project track the regulatory review process closely because approvals must clear before doors open on the 24th.

The New Land-Based Facility

At $360 million the new property represents a significant capital investment in Aurora, and the structure replaces the riverboat with a fixed building that offers modern amenities and additional floor space. Plans include upgraded gaming areas along with enhanced hospitality and convention features, while the design accounts for year-round accessibility without reliance on waterway conditions.

Construction crews have worked through earlier phases to meet the June timeline, and PENN Entertainment coordinates with local authorities on infrastructure connections such as parking, utilities, and traffic flow. The release notes that the company maintains staffing continuity so employees transition directly into roles at the new venue once approvals finalize.

Regulatory and Community Context

Pending approvals from the Illinois Gaming Board determine whether the June 24 opening proceeds as planned, and regulators review safety, compliance, and operational readiness documents before granting final clearance. Company representatives continue to supply updated information to the board throughout the final construction stages.

Local officials in Aurora monitor the project for economic impacts, and the shift from riverboat to land-based operations creates opportunities for expanded event programming once the facility opens. The announcement highlights that PENN Entertainment keeps all stakeholders informed through regular updates on both the closure and the subsequent launch.

Staff and Guest Transition Planning

Management schedules employee briefings to outline role changes and training sessions tied to the new building layout, and the company states that normal operations through June 10 give teams time to prepare without service gaps. Guests receive advance notice through the casino website and on-site signage so they can plan visits accordingly.

Equipment relocation begins immediately after closure, and crews work around the clock to position gaming machines, tables, and support systems inside the finished structure. The 14-day window between dates accommodates these logistics while allowing final quality checks before public access resumes.

Conclusion

The sequence of events set by PENN Entertainment connects the riverboat closure directly to the land-based opening, and the $360 million investment stands as the central element driving the timeline. According to the investor release, operations remain steady until 5:59 a.m. on June 10, after which attention turns fully to the June 24 launch once regulatory approvals arrive. The full announcement provides additional operational specifics for those tracking the project.