In 1994 the casino had 2.35 million admissions and employed 1,559 people, according to the Illinois Gaming Board. In the early 2000s, the casino was allowed to put the gambling on a permanently moored structure over the water.

Taxes on admissions and gambling proceeds were used for capital projects, social programs and economic development incentives. According to a 1990 Chicago Tribune article, operators and city officials thought gamblers would also patronize nearby stores, restaurants, the Paramount Theatre and several museums downtown. The Hollywood Casino opened its City of Lights I and II riverboats in Aurora in 1993. Legislators did not want land-based casinos, so they insisted the gambling take place on boats on navigable rivers. In the late 1980s, riverboat casinos were touted as ways to revive economically distressed towns. I think the new area is going to be more successful for the casino,” Garza said.

“I think the casino needs to be in a new location. She said the loss of the casino won't hurt the downtown and moving it will be good for the city overall. “It (the move) is the best thing to happen to downtown Aurora,” said Amy Morton, owner of Stolp Island Social restaurant.Īlderman Juany Garza, whose ward covers much of the downtown, isn't worried, either. The estimated $360 million project would include a hotel, restaurants and a spa. The casino has proposed moving to a site on the west side of Farnsworth Avenue on the northern edge of town. Brian the Hollywood Casino moves out of downtown Aurora, what happens to the downtown?Ī business group, a restaurant owner and an alderman say it will be fine without the Hollywood Casino. Hollywood Casino may leave the riverside home it has had for nearly 30 years in downtown Aurora and relocate to a spot on Farnsworth Avenue.

Hollywood casino in aurora