'There's no question the revenue infusion that's come to Aurora from the casino is very significant,' Weisner says. In addition, supporters say, the casino melds nicely with Aurora's efforts to turn its downtown into a cultural center focusing on arts, entertainment and dining, especially after its Center Stage opened in July 2012 with bands and performances on the gaming floor.Īs the casino celebrates its 20th anniversary, Aurora officials say the decision to bring it downtown proved worth the gamble. What it has done, though, is offer a consistent presence and flow of funds, allowing the city to afford more infrastructure improvements than otherwise would have been possible. Hollywood Casino did not produce a golden ticket spelling immediate success for downtown, officials say. Mayor Tom Weisner admits some who thought Hollywood would be an instant boon for downtown restaurants, shops and hotels may have been disappointed. When it debuted shortly after two casinos opened in Joliet, officials hoped it would create an infusion of tax dollars to support downtown projects and a large number of new jobs, former Mayor David Pierce says.īut while officials say the gaming tax revenue they've received is 'significant,' the casino's success has been tempered by lags in downtown redevelopment and economic realities that have cut into revenues and staffing.

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