PENN Entertainment said Hollywood Casino Aurora in Illinois is scheduled to open on 24 June. The company put the project cost at $360 million and said the venue will include more than 1,200 gaming positions, a retail sportsbook, a hotel and an event centre.
The opening date gives Illinois operators and suppliers a stated timetable for a new casino with a retail sportsbook.
Quarter ended 30 September 2026
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PENN Entertainment opened a 203-room hotel tower at Hollywood Casino Columbus in Ohio, the company said. The $100 million development includes a restaurant and bar, conference facilities, a fitness centre and an outdoor terrace, and is expected to create about 150 jobs. PENN also plans further property additions in the third quarter of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.
It was reported that Penn Entertainment’s new Hollywood Casino Aurora generated $17.4m during its first month. The Illinois property includes a hotel and more than 50 live table games, replacing a riverboat casino.
Analysts from Jefferies, Truist Securities, Macquarie and Texas Capital Securities published views on Penn Entertainment, World Cup wagering and Caesars’ proposed deal with Fertitta Entertainment. Truist said it expects Penn’s Aurora project to add $54 million in EBITDA once ramped and forecast a 15% return on investment across the projects. The Caesars proposal was $31 per share in cash, with a go-shop period running until 11 July 2026, according to the cited analysis.
Illinois casinos generated $173.6m in June, up 9.1% year on year, according to Illinois Gaming Board figures. Slots contributed $132.4m and table games $41.2m; Rivers Casino led with $44m. Harrah’s Metropolis recorded the steepest decline, with revenue down 13.9% to $3.9m.
Penn Entertainment chief executive Jay Snowden said the company is not prioritising acquisitions, with debt reduction, possible share repurchases and recently completed and planned growth projects ahead of deal-making. He said any acquisition would need to offer a high implied free-cash-flow return, limited risk and strategic value; Snowden also said Penn could consider returning to Las Vegas in the future.
Penn Entertainment says pursuing deals is not a top priority, and CEO Jay Snowden listed several alternatives that come first. The regional casino operator reported third-quarter results, and Snowden discussed those priorities on its conference call with analysts.