Hollywood Casino Aurora
1 W New York St, Aurora, IL, 60506
Hollywood Casino Aurora Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Aurora for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Aurora for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Aurora for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
1 W New York St
Aurora, IL, 60506 - Phone (630) 801-1234
- Website https://www.hollywoodcasinoaurora.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :8:30 am - 4:3
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : No
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Late Night
Parking : Valet, Garage, Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Divey
Noise Level : Loud
Music : Live
Good For Dancing : No
Alcohol : Full Bar
Happy Hour : Yes
Best Nights : Mon, Tue, Sun
Coat Check : Yes
Smoking : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : No
Caters : No
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Cali M.
Not from America? Don't go here!!! I am originally from Canada but I am living in America. Jeff and I traveled to this casino from Indiana. After a few hours when we arrived we were very excited to try out the buffet we had heard so much about. I have been in the United States just over a year and I have never had a problem using my Saskatchewan province identification. The security guards stared at it blankly for about 10 minutes and compared it to the one in their identification book. It looked exactly the same because it IS the same. It is a legit Saskatchewan drivers permit and ID card. (I had my birth certificate with me as well) I used this same card to get my US workers permit and cross the boarder multiple times. All after the September 11th security heights. The security guard called a police officer to have him come look at my identification. He was very friendly and joked around with us. He was honest that he did not know that much about Canadian identification and the security guard went upstairs to verify with his supervisor. Throughout this I was being very friendly because I absolutely could not see a problem. I use this ID for everything! Around 15 minutes later the security guard came downstairs and told me that I wouldn't be admitted entrance. They told us that they could not tell us why and the manager/supervisor didn't even come down to tell us himself. To me that says a lot. I was very upset, after all we just drove 2 hours and it was going to be 2 hours back without eating and completely ruining our plans for the evening. I wouldn't go to Hollywood casino. They don't respect diversity nor do they care about anyone's feelings. Even though we were not admitted entrance we still had to pay for parking. What an awful experience.
(1)Mike K.
so mymom and gf came to our bball gamein Aurora and it was mom'sbday so i wanted to take her out for dinner.However our gamegotout latesonot much was open....however once there was mention of a casino in the area i knewmy momwould be more than satisfied. so we hit the casino,which offerred free valet service...cool! it wasnt a very elaborate casinolike the ones i'dbeen to before, it was just your typical sketchy small casino in the middleof Aurora. Im not big on losing money so i didnt gamble,i quickly hit the bar for lemonade before heading over to the snackbar where they had the bestest hamburgers albeit on the small side,with fries and free refills. a starving man couldnt ask for anything better. The cashier and cook vere very helpfuland friendly, whilethey offered breakfast options and other diner specials, just a tad high priced but hell, you're at a casino, you're expected to lose money here,right? Anyways, i ate my meal, which came on a kieser bun no less, and it was good,mom lost money so she was happy,and the little sketchy casion in the middle of Aurora had our car parked in the front of the building and ready to go back to Chicago in less than an hour spent there. good times....i think.
(3)matthew s.
Point blanlk this place sucks i dunno who like it other than gamblers.Decor is really cheesey.One decent thing is sometime my friends that gamble there give me there free buffet tix. so i go there to eat the buffet it ok...other than that stay away oh yeah the staff is usually in a daydream like state.
(1)Ethan A.
The slots at the Hollywood are par at best. They barely give any playback and most of them are older than 10-15 years old. I prefer to have a small chance of winning a small amount of money... The table games are always fun and the dealers are fast and effective at their jobs. The casino is much smaller than other casinos I have been to, but it is nice to be able to come in and lose a quick $50 on the craps table in scenic downtown Aurora.... $2 beers on Tuesdays and Thursdays...
(3)Lauren S.
You pay cover,you pay for your drinks...even when gambling. AND pay close attention to your dealer because when I won they cleared my chip off my winning number instead of keeping it there and paying out like they are supposed to do. It happened twice with two different dealers on roulette. The pit bosses did payout after I said something but the response was "it happens some times" You have to pay attention, otherwise they will take advantage, which makes it more depressing instead of entertaining. The place has tons of potential to be a great place for gambling and I really want to like it, especially for closeness but it just all around is a downer. Every time I've been there its never been a good experience.
(2)Karma K.
Oh hell no! It is bad, real bad. Nothing good is going on here except the staff is nice. I feel bad for the staff.
(1)Joe E.
I WON I WON! It's a Casino in downtown Aurora. No frills here! They have a restaurant and some type of buffet going on. I stopped by here on a Saturday afternoon after lunch around the area. I ended up playing roulette and won 24 dollars. Good in my World! This is not your typical super nice casino, but it's not super dingy either. I would put this on par with something in downtown Las Vegas.
(4)Eric E.
I'm not much of a gambler so my visits are infrequent. That said I was surprised when we walked in late last night. Most of the casino floor has been remodeled and the game selection has been enhanced. There seemed to be a lot of new games (mostly machine, not table) and I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that the place was extremely clean. This may sound like a stretch but I swear they're pumping a fragrance into the air here. This wouldn't be a stretch people..casino's do a lot of things you don't realize. I learned a lot about them when my folks were stationed in Vegas for a dozen yrs. Last night we played video poker for awhile then bit into the craps table when elbow room was available. I like playing craps and this would be one of my only complaints about Hollywood's setup. They only have two craps tables and on weekends that's just not enough. Hell, that's probably not enough during the week. The two tables looked like flies on shit last night so I was miffed about the wait. The rest of the floor is slots heavy. I'd rather slit my own wrist than dump money in those, but realize that's what most casino trolls like. Whatever floats your boat. Aside from the gambling a live band was playing and we were surprised to see a couple of complimentary soda vending machines on either side of the floor. Floor service was abundant, a cocktail waitress came around with frequency. At the craps table the stick man asked if I had a players card or was interested in one..a nice point of service considering the heavy action at the table. Win or lose my rating is the same. Hollywood has done much to improve.
(3)Paul W.
When a casino charges a fee for PARKING, you know it's a rip off. I'm not here to even gamble in table games or slots, knowing it's a Illinois casino so that means the rules probably are horrible. I went here to play poker since it was very close to me and I didn't feel like driving to Elgin or Horseshoe. After leaving, they charged me $10 for parking. I asked the lady what kind of casino charges money for parking, and she said it's $10 during the weekends, and $4 during the week, but it's "free if I have a membership card." Um no, a casino shouldn't charge parking PERIOD. That just shows how greedy the place is, either that or the city of Aurora, which is a dumpster. Never coming back here again.
(1)Sue M.
Against my better judgement I stopped in this casino to check out the VP action. Malfunctioning old vp machines which default to Keno or slots and would not go to vp screen despite it being multi gaming. Not one but 4 did this. An empty pathetic nasty place. The valet jockeys swing the car doors open when bringing the car around, instead of using care, thus causing stress on the door hinges. An all around negative experience. I threw out my card. Bye bye el dumping supremo casino. No mas.
(1)Ricard A.
I We visit the casino often but on only one occasion many years ago have eaten in their buffet. We did yesterday because we had a buy one get one free e-mail coupon and we had enough comp dollars to cover one dinner. Never again. To charge 18 dollars for food that is mediocre at best is ridiculous. Raise the quality particularly if you consider most customers are already leaving money in the casino. If the purpose of the buffet is to draw or keep customers then it is failing in that regard.
(1)Pat E.
Nothing more depressing than seeing obese people with oxygen tanks sitting at slot machines with cocktails. Is this what the future holds for me? There's a buffet, a restaurant, and valet parking. It's very nice for Aurora. The staff was eyeing me because I look 17, I guess?
(3)Kevin P.
I've been a loyal customer of this casino for quite a few years. However I drove an hour and a half to get out there last night with a friend. I got in no problem but they wouldn't let my sober friend in because he was showing signs of intoxication. Now he had a few drinks tonight but was far from intoxicated. When we asked to speak to a supervisor, she tried to say he was slurring his words and wobbling around, neither of which he was doing. This is absolutely ridiculous, that a place that has a full liquor bar would turn a person down that's had a few drinks. Bottom line is they turned down a lot of money, and I will personally never go back.
(1)Christina B.
Okay- I am only posting this regarding the buffet, because my father thought it was be an awesome idea to go for new years to a casino buffet 3 hours before I had to work. So I did not actually gamble, drink, or stick around but I did have the buffet. Long story short, avoid at all costs unless its free...and even then, probably just avoid it all together. So this buffet is called The Epic Buffet. That should have been the first indicator for a mess all together but! I had decent hopes that maybe it would be okay. Well it wasn't. Food was luke warm, tasteless, and the set up is a mess. I swear, my boyfriend tried the pie and stated he had no idea if it was apple or peach because he couldn't taste it plus the fruit could have been either by the looks of it. The meat was bland and tasted like gray and I could not even stomach the pasta that was weirdly sweet. Regardless, two stars because the interior of the casino is decently pleasing toward the eye and the staff was nice enough. Otherwise, never again with that buffet.
(2)Kyle F.
Horrible service. My girlfriend is from Australia and is 29 yrs old but since she doesn't carry her passport they wouldn't let her in. She lives in Chicago and there is no reason she would carry it all the time, for security reasons. I would never go to this place. They take advantage of the senior citizens here! Don't go there if you are older then 30!!! Please don't go you will be ripped off!!!! I would rate them 0 stars but I can't
(1)Lauren P.
DO NOT GO HERE. The guy checking I.D.s refused my sober husband entry to this casino. My husband has a baby face and they probably didn't even want to let him in since he looks young. They said they wouldn't let him in because he was showing signs of impairment. BULLCRAP!!!!!!!!!!!! Not going here ever.
(1)J P.
Hollywood in Joliet is OK. Hollywood Aurora is terrible. Rude dealers. They don't ask if you're ready when they spin the roulette wheel. The only reason is ever go here is that it's close to home. Rivers Casino is the best casino around. Hollywood Aurora knows nothing about customer service! This place is a dump. All elderly people, pulling their oxygen.
(1)Anna L.
Not bad. One of the better casinos to visit in the area. Rivers is rather small and they are insane with their table minimums and the Grand Victoria really needs some help with everything. We played Roulette for a few hours. The dealers were really nice and the cocktail waitresses actually came around a few times (which is unheard of at most places). They also have slot machines that the other casinos don't have. Its nice to play something different for a change. Pros: Games, tables, staff, prices, not too crowded, NO SMOKING (the smoking is the reason why we don't go to the Indiana Casinos. Smoking =YUK) Cons: The buffet is pretty terrible and the distance from Chicago. I hear the steak place they have there is pretty good, but Ive never been so don't take my word on that.
(3)Paul K.
This is mostly about the Buffet,back when the Casinoo opened, and for several years it was excellent. Gradually it turned into the DUMP it is today.Cheapest selections of "food" you will ever see at a Casino. e.g. Now loaded with pork versus meat offerings.And the price is NOT cheap. Fortunately its only open 5 days a week now. Obviously their budget has been slashed over the years,probably because their asmissions drop years after year..like a stone Penn Gaming cannot be happy Some have commented on the VIP Lounge Have not been there but people tell me that its a joke I will say most of the Dealers are pleasant,the Poker room seems well run,Valets are nice...and the Slots..well what do you think?
(1)Meredith B.
There is NOT a cover, despite previous reviews claiming there is. Smoking patio out back. Basic slots and a few tables. Others mentioned the staff being rude, but they refused to believe I was 30 and thoroughly ID'd me, so no complaints there.
(3)Amber S.
I went here one night after seeing the movie casino, not with high hopes or anything crazy like that, but just to go. It's a casino. In aurora. I am not ashamed to say I dressed the part, cause when else am I going to wear gold stretch pants? My husband wore a white dinner jacket. We like to make a scene. We had a time of it. Played a few slots. People watched. He played the roulette wheel. The energy level in there was pretty low for a place that has bright lights and liquor. I sorta think it might be because people can no longer smoke inside and the river boat doesn't actually leave any more. But that was before my time.
(2)John K.
Thatz not okay. I came here on a Friday night to gamble and drink beer and get dinner. I'd never been before. It was bigger than I thought it would be, and the casino floor was actually quite nice. The dealers turned out to be cool and friendly, and there were $10 minimums at 6pm. (Nice! We're at 5-Stars so far...) I gambled for a while and then ate at the buffet. (Down to 4 stars.) It was $30, and the food was not awesome. The pizza was like the small thin Tombstone or Jack's pizzas you buy in the grocery store. The mac and cheese was fine...but not worth $30. For that price, it'd be cool to see some nicer, fancier options like you do at, say, Horseshoe Hammond. After eating some thin Jack's pizza slices, I went back to gamble some more. I ordered a beer from a roving waitress and drank it. Then, about five minutes later, the waitress came back around and I ordered another. "No," she said. "It's too soon." I thought she was joking. (The croupier at my table had been cracking jokes and hamming it up, so I thought maybe she was playing off of him. With mounting horror, I realized she wasn't.) I asked the waitress to clarify. She insisted she couldn't or would't serve me another drink, at least for a while. She reiterated, "Too soon." And here's where I have to tell you a little about me: I had a full stomach from the buffet. I'm 5'11 and not skinny. And I definitely wasn't being loud or inappropriate. (I'm very introverted.) I was just a quiet man who wanted his second beer. Even so, the nanny state had descended. And here, really, is the rub: This place would have had NO PROBLEM if I'd slapped down my entire kid's college fund on the gaming table and gambled it away in a matter of seconds. That would have been enabled with all speed. (Indeed, while I was winning my $10 with my little minumum bets, a gentleman at my table lost many hundreds of dollars in quick succession without being cautioned or questioned.) But my wish to DRINK BEER at the same rate I drink in a bar? DAS IST VERBOTEN!!! WHAT YOU WANT IS BAD! FORBIDDEN! Excuse me...but first of all, what I want is AWESOME. Secondly, it should certainly be allowed in a casino of all places. When I realized the waitress was serious, I cashed out my chips and left the table. I got my second beer over at the bar-- which served me no problem-- but still had a bad taste in my mouth about this. I left soon thereafter. In conclusion... I am 35, and I would like to gamble in a casino for ADULTS, please. If I can be trusted to wager hundreds or thousands of my dollars without question, shouldn't that same entity trust me to DRINK A BEER at my own pace? I've never encountered this treatment at Horseshoe, or Rivers, or even Hollywood Joilet, a sister property. (Incidentally, in Vegas, I've encountered THE OPPOSITE of this policy-- many drinks proffered constantly, and free, to boot). Until I hear that this has changed at Hollywood Aurora, I won't be back.
(1)John S.
While the boats don't offer half the fun of a vegas casino it is still fun to go for the occasional night out. While Hollywood is ok to gamble at there promotions are lacking. Th Buffet is ok but just one level above old country to me. THe grand Vic has a much better buffet. The walk from the parking garage is also a bit on the long side and would be a bit hard for an elderly person. So if you have trouble walking I recommend using the valet.
(3)Amber S.
I went here one night after seeing the movie casino, not with high hopes or anything crazy like that, but just to go. It's a casino. In aurora. I am not ashamed to say I dressed the part, cause when else am I going to wear gold stretch pants? My husband wore a white dinner jacket. We like to make a scene. We had a time of it. Played a few slots. People watched. He played the roulette wheel. The energy level in there was pretty low for a place that has bright lights and liquor. I sorta think it might be because people can no longer smoke inside and the river boat doesn't actually leave any more. But that was before my time.
(2)JP P.
I just love reading reviews of people bitching they lost money at a Casino. How can you top that? Easy, people bitching about the food buffet at a Casino as well! This is Aurora...not Vegas! There are plenty of quality Mexican restaurants within walking distance. So take a break, it just may change your luck...or at least give you some! I think this casino is fair because for the most part, they at least allow you to play with "House" money, all of which depends on your strategy. But given the opportunity and a weak moment, the 'House" will take it right back. Gambling..."games of chance, risk and hope... for money". Sounds Wicked!
(3)John S.
While the boats don't offer half the fun of a vegas casino it is still fun to go for the occasional night out. While Hollywood is ok to gamble at there promotions are lacking. Th Buffet is ok but just one level above old country to me. THe grand Vic has a much better buffet. The walk from the parking garage is also a bit on the long side and would be a bit hard for an elderly person. So if you have trouble walking I recommend using the valet.
(3)Ron W.
Talk about adding an insult to injury! This is the "WORST" run casino that I have played in anywhere! I was playing Mississippi Stud and losing since this casino will not allow the dealers to shuffle the cards before putting them back into the machine. The players all got out of the hand and I stopped after the second card and turned my cards over exposing an Ace - Ten. The dealer, Dilip, stopped the game and called for the pit boss like there was a problem. There was no one left in the hand so no one's action was interrupted. Everyone asked him what was the problem and he just made things worst! I was losing already and Dilip just made the evening a lot more worst! This casino is the worst one in the Chicago area and my advise is to drive by and go to one of the others that offer an enjoyable experience!
(1)S. P.
The past several times I was at the Hollywood Casino Aurora, I ended up in the alleged "VIP Lounge." What a joke! After several visits, I can tell you, the "VIP" lounge is a tale of WHAT CAN THEY DO WITH NOODLES OR RICE TONIGHT??? It's an absolute embarrassment! The place needs to invest a few bucks to get some real food in the alleged VIP lounge or close it down. Last time I was there, literally, they had some unidentifiable chunks of meat and water crests swimming around in greasy water that a patron is expected to put on the "clumps" of white rice, an unappetizing dry veggie combination, and a soft-serve ice cream machine for dessert (and the ice cream machine actually was working this visit as it often doesn't!) The last couple of times it was dry squiggly-shaped noodles with a similar unappealing pan of "crap" to be poured onto the dry noodles. Seriously, it calls itself a VIP lounge at a casino and "This is what they serve!!!!" On the most recent visit, only two people were in the VIP at 9 pm on a Saturday night. That, alone, should give them a clue that nobody wants this "crap." At other VIP Lounge casinos in the area, they are packed on a Saturday night - with edible food "choices." The only other convenient "in-casino" option is to go to the Epic Buffet where - after 10 pm - the server told me the last time I was there 30 minutes before the buffet closes: "Hurry up! Hurry up! I'm ready to go home!" (Honest to God! That actually happened the last time I was at the buffet!) For food and VIP-anything, the place is a total fail!!! The only positive I experienced on recent visits to this casino were the accommodating valet employees. That's it!!!
(1)Bill S.
This review is strictly of the epic buffet inside the casino. Went on Saturday at $19.99 felt that it was somewhat of a rip off. Nothing looked appealing to the eye and everything I tried from steak to pizza to pasta tasted stale and bland. Very small variety of choices. Nothing seemed fresh including fruit nor homemade flavor. Heatlamps was the name of the game as food tasted similar to food from frozen aisle section in the store, just reheated. Minimal dessert section and nothing stood out except maybe cheesecake. There was nothing that stood out in the buffet that would have me coming back to it. I do give two stars for the hundred flavor coke machine and the lady who quickly cleared out plates, granted we were only one of three tables there. I will rather try the deli adjacent to the buffet next time.
(2)Samantha B.
This casino is obviously not something you would see in Vegas, so if you don't walk in here with high expectations, you won't be disappointed. For Aurora, I think it's pretty nice. It's always clean, the staff have always been very friendly and helpful, and I really like the slots! Went here last night and we won over $600 on the dollar slots. Can't complain. The drinks are well priced, but not free if you're gambling. Even still, employees walk around, take your orders and bring your drinks so you don't have to leave your table. On weekends they usually have bands play and they're actually pretty good! They also have a buffet, although I've never tried it. If you go to customer service and get a hollywood casino card (completely free to sign up for and only takes about 2 minutes), then you can park in the parking garage for free. It's great.
(4)Anna L.
Not bad. One of the better casinos to visit in the area. Rivers is rather small and they are insane with their table minimums and the Grand Victoria really needs some help with everything. We played Roulette for a few hours. The dealers were really nice and the cocktail waitresses actually came around a few times (which is unheard of at most places). They also have slot machines that the other casinos don't have. Its nice to play something different for a change. Pros: Games, tables, staff, prices, not too crowded, NO SMOKING (the smoking is the reason why we don't go to the Indiana Casinos. Smoking =YUK) Cons: The buffet is pretty terrible and the distance from Chicago. I hear the steak place they have there is pretty good, but Ive never been so don't take my word on that.
(3)Paul K.
This is mostly about the Buffet,back when the Casinoo opened, and for several years it was excellent. Gradually it turned into the DUMP it is today.Cheapest selections of "food" you will ever see at a Casino. e.g. Now loaded with pork versus meat offerings.And the price is NOT cheap. Fortunately its only open 5 days a week now. Obviously their budget has been slashed over the years,probably because their asmissions drop years after year..like a stone Penn Gaming cannot be happy Some have commented on the VIP Lounge Have not been there but people tell me that its a joke I will say most of the Dealers are pleasant,the Poker room seems well run,Valets are nice...and the Slots..well what do you think?
(1)Meredith B.
There is NOT a cover, despite previous reviews claiming there is. Smoking patio out back. Basic slots and a few tables. Others mentioned the staff being rude, but they refused to believe I was 30 and thoroughly ID'd me, so no complaints there.
(3)Anne B.
This place is smelly and dirty. People that go there are rude you never see an attendant or a waitress Bathrooms are filthy and smoking area has never been cleaned. Worst casino I have ever been to. NO STARS!!!
(1)Christina B.
Okay- I am only posting this regarding the buffet, because my father thought it was be an awesome idea to go for new years to a casino buffet 3 hours before I had to work. So I did not actually gamble, drink, or stick around but I did have the buffet. Long story short, avoid at all costs unless its free...and even then, probably just avoid it all together. So this buffet is called The Epic Buffet. That should have been the first indicator for a mess all together but! I had decent hopes that maybe it would be okay. Well it wasn't. Food was luke warm, tasteless, and the set up is a mess. I swear, my boyfriend tried the pie and stated he had no idea if it was apple or peach because he couldn't taste it plus the fruit could have been either by the looks of it. The meat was bland and tasted like gray and I could not even stomach the pasta that was weirdly sweet. Regardless, two stars because the interior of the casino is decently pleasing toward the eye and the staff was nice enough. Otherwise, never again with that buffet.
(2)Kyle F.
Horrible service. My girlfriend is from Australia and is 29 yrs old but since she doesn't carry her passport they wouldn't let her in. She lives in Chicago and there is no reason she would carry it all the time, for security reasons. I would never go to this place. They take advantage of the senior citizens here! Don't go there if you are older then 30!!! Please don't go you will be ripped off!!!! I would rate them 0 stars but I can't
(1)Lauren P.
DO NOT GO HERE. The guy checking I.D.s refused my sober husband entry to this casino. My husband has a baby face and they probably didn't even want to let him in since he looks young. They said they wouldn't let him in because he was showing signs of impairment. BULLCRAP!!!!!!!!!!!! Not going here ever.
(1)J P.
Hollywood in Joliet is OK. Hollywood Aurora is terrible. Rude dealers. They don't ask if you're ready when they spin the roulette wheel. The only reason is ever go here is that it's close to home. Rivers Casino is the best casino around. Hollywood Aurora knows nothing about customer service! This place is a dump. All elderly people, pulling their oxygen.
(1)Patrick H.
Not a good place to go. The are more than stacked against you. Any game I like they get rid of. They got rid of their Texas Hold'em game, and don't have mini baccarat. Those are the table games that pay the most out. Odds are more in your favor with these games. The Buffet is pure garbage, don't waste your time and money. It's so over priced for food you would get at Old Country Buffet. The only thing that they ever do right is having good quality entertainment here. I enjoyed hanging out here on New Years watching a great CCR cover band named Fortunate Sons and Amercian English.
(2)Elias I.
$200 in 15 minutes with zero play. Wasn't expecting to get rich but I could have gotten at least a little play!
(1)Susan B.
We ate at the epic buffet for lunch on Tuesday. HORRIBLE. Place has totally gone down. Very few choices, over cooked food.I guess that's what you get for being comped
(1)Jay S.
Hollywood is somewhat pretty okay as far as the casino goes. There are table games and a good amount and selection of various slot machines. The place where I feel this casino really drops the ball is the buffet. While there is a decent and varied selection of food on the buffet, is not nearly as decent or as widely varied as one might expect for the amount of money they charge for the buffet. For example, they didn't have the stuff to make tacos there, but the only possible taco filling with ground bees, not all too exciting. There are many other examples as well, but it occurs to me that there are just too many to write even just one more here. So I will send the spots are pretty good, the table games are fine, but the buffet pretty much sucks.
(3)Becca H.
Staff is very rude, if im going somewhere to spend a decent amount if money I would expect the staff to be at least friendly. I agree with some of the other reviews, spend money elsewhere.
(1)Marsh K.
Do not go here. If you had any drinks beforehand they will claim you've had too much. Spend your money elsewhere.
(1)Carla P.
Let's start by saying I'm not a gambler. I've been to a handful of casinos in my life; Reno, New Jersey, North & South Dakota, New England and now Illinois. Bad stuff first: The payouts on their slots Suck (with a capital "S"). If you go into the smoking room you will instantly get cancer. The drinks are insanely overpriced. The bathrooms while clean, dispensed a 3" sheet of very thin paper for drying your hands and there was no bathroom attendant nor was there any lotion in the middle of a very cold and dry Chicagoland winter. No entertainment for the masses, just some guy reading off names and when we asked what it was about, it wasn't something you could get in on it was by invitation only which I think is lame in the general public area. Good stuff: The blackjack dealers were mostly cool, except for one which made my friend feel bad for placing a bet to the right of me (disrupting my cards and all that) which was just rude -- mind your own p&q's lady. I did not have any reason to complain to the staff so all my dealings with them were on good terms and they were mostly quite friendly. We found some of the customers to be curt and some others to be exceptionally cool. And the waitresses came around more often than at other casinos, but then again those casinos gave free booze and this one overcharged. The food served in the walk up diner (not the buffet) was delicious and we happened to mention that we would be splitting the burger we ordered and they cut it in half and served it on 2 plates with extra fries which was nice. I don't know if I'll ever go back because I like slots that have better pay outs. Then again I hear that Rosemont is crowded and Elgin slots pay just as poorly.
(2)Kathleen H.
This is a shameful industry. You might as well flush your money down the toilet. It is a more admirable way to bid it farewell. They try to seduce you with the Hollywood motif to make you feel special and important but it does not hide the fact that you're still in Aurora, IL being bilked out of money by an organization whose sole purpose is to make money off of people's weakness and loneliness. This place reeks of sadness and desperation. Aside from being aesthetically gross and germ infested, it is not a glamorous place or a source of fun--you go there and just hear the collective sound of money and hope being siphoned away from vulnerable people and into the casino's filthy pockets. Gambling destroys the lives of gamblers and their families. One star because I can't give negative stars.
(1)Kelly K.
Besides the obvious point of winning on slots....which is Hit or Miss depending on which day you visit...Hollywood Aurora is pretty good. I like their Epic Buffet & am now at Producer Level so I can go to their VIP Room every day & eat for Free. Was not too impressed with the food offered on the day I visited , the VIP Room,in December. This location is good with mailing all sorts of freebies to entice you to come to the casino. Free Food, Free Slot Play, Bonus Slot Play, etc. The Fri/Sat Night Bands are Great! The Valets are friendly & accommodating. Security will drive you to the Parking Deck. If you are looking for a night to watch the Bands, and only bring the amount of $$$$ you want to lose, then its a good value....otherwise sometimes, the only winning machines, that will give you money $$$, are the ATM Machines that are scattered throughout the Casino Floor;-(;-(;-(......I wish the Buffet offered some Gluten Free Options...especially Desserts!
(4)Yvonne M.
This is the WORST casino in the Chicagoland area. Today I had the most unusual and disgusting experience at this terrible place. I arrived at 5pm and sat down for some blackjack. An hour later, I ordered a glass of wine. And hour after that, the terrible waitress came back and I got another drink. Again an hour passes and the waitress finally makes her way back around...I order a wine. 10 minutes later, a manager named Michael came over to tell me that I'm drinking too much and I'm going to have to wait 30 minutes for my drink. Umm...in 4 hours, I drank two drinks and was ordering my third. Now, keep in mind that the woman sitting across from me drank at least 8 beers in a shorter amount of time. I feel very discriminated against as I had only two drinks while others at the table were being served a mass amount of drinks. I will never come back again and they will never again see another dime from my pocket. I intend on following up on this by writing, calling and telling anyone at a higher level of management about the rudeness I experienced today.
(1)Joy S.
Hollywood is my favourite Casino in IL. Probably because it's the most convenient. It's not huge, so if I lose my gambling companion, I don't have to trek a mile to find them. Parking can be a pain here, despite their garage (the garage is a pretty far walk). But if there's any street parking available when you go, it's not bad. Being in IL, you can't smoke inside. So it's got that nasty fishy smell from the buffet, and no smoke to mask it. But there is a decent tented smoking area outside with heaters for the winter, and benches to sit on - and it's easy to access from the casino floor. If you're a member (which is free to sign up, they give you a card to swipe when you play to earn points), they send you coupons for free food and mystery cash each month. It's a great incentive to get me back in there semi-regularly. And their diner food is greasy good. I'm a fan of their grilled cheese. Hollywood Casino is a fun way to waste a couple hours. Or a couple hundred dollars. Either way.
(3)George H.
If you have had anything to drink do not come here. I had a few beers and was definitely not drunk and they denied me. We drove about 20 miles and had to go home without any play. Writing a letter to management. So disappointed.
(1)Matt L.
It's well established in the previous 7 reviews that this place is depressing, even as far as dumpy Midwest casinos go. They don't allow smoking inside, which probably keeps people away. I was surprised to find room at the craps table on a Saturday night. It was the first non-smoking casino I've ever been in, and taking odds on come bets without being able to smoke made me all shifty and nervous. What no one has talked about yet is the Epic Buffet. For $19.97 after tax, this is not a good deal. If I were starving and had $20 and the only restaurant around was the Epic Buffet at the Hollywood Casino - Aurora, I would probably eat the currency instead of eating at the Epic Buffet again. I'm not sure why I'm giving this place two stars, especially since I've never had such bad luck on the slots, but we had a good time, so whatevs.
(2)Cali M.
Not from America? Don't go here!!! I am originally from Canada but I am living in America. Jeff and I traveled to this casino from Indiana. After a few hours when we arrived we were very excited to try out the buffet we had heard so much about. I have been in the United States just over a year and I have never had a problem using my Saskatchewan province identification. The security guards stared at it blankly for about 10 minutes and compared it to the one in their identification book. It looked exactly the same because it IS the same. It is a legit Saskatchewan drivers permit and ID card. (I had my birth certificate with me as well) I used this same card to get my US workers permit and cross the boarder multiple times. All after the September 11th security heights. The security guard called a police officer to have him come look at my identification. He was very friendly and joked around with us. He was honest that he did not know that much about Canadian identification and the security guard went upstairs to verify with his supervisor. Throughout this I was being very friendly because I absolutely could not see a problem. I use this ID for everything! Around 15 minutes later the security guard came downstairs and told me that I wouldn't be admitted entrance. They told us that they could not tell us why and the manager/supervisor didn't even come down to tell us himself. To me that says a lot. I was very upset, after all we just drove 2 hours and it was going to be 2 hours back without eating and completely ruining our plans for the evening. I wouldn't go to Hollywood casino. They don't respect diversity nor do they care about anyone's feelings. Even though we were not admitted entrance we still had to pay for parking. What an awful experience.
(1)Mike K.
so mymom and gf came to our bball gamein Aurora and it was mom'sbday so i wanted to take her out for dinner.However our gamegotout latesonot much was open....however once there was mention of a casino in the area i knewmy momwould be more than satisfied. so we hit the casino,which offerred free valet service...cool! it wasnt a very elaborate casinolike the ones i'dbeen to before, it was just your typical sketchy small casino in the middleof Aurora. Im not big on losing money so i didnt gamble,i quickly hit the bar for lemonade before heading over to the snackbar where they had the bestest hamburgers albeit on the small side,with fries and free refills. a starving man couldnt ask for anything better. The cashier and cook vere very helpfuland friendly, whilethey offered breakfast options and other diner specials, just a tad high priced but hell, you're at a casino, you're expected to lose money here,right? Anyways, i ate my meal, which came on a kieser bun no less, and it was good,mom lost money so she was happy,and the little sketchy casion in the middle of Aurora had our car parked in the front of the building and ready to go back to Chicago in less than an hour spent there. good times....i think.
(3)Lucas W.
Poker room has really gone down hill over the past 3 years. Which is sad because that is the only reason I will even walk into a casino. If you are a poker player and you are looking for action this is not the place. The only reason I gave it 3 stars is because they still employ one of the best dealers in the mid-west. Anyone who's played poker in Aurora knows who I'm talking about.
(3)Vibhor D.
I was pleasantly surprised to find a casino of this level so nearby in Aurora. I went on a Sunday evening at 7. Had 4 5 roulette tables open along with couple of blackjack , 3 card poker and few other variety of poker against the house. For blackjack min was ranging from 15-20$. Made a cool 100$ in half an hour. Dealer seemed fare and was not dishing out the 21's that often. In fact till the time i stayed there wasn't any blackjack to her. Also got lucky with the bonus payout which is a nice one at 1 to 9 for flush and above. For roulette I did not find any restrictions. Earned a cool 100$ in 20 minutes. Now the issues. Although not free but I never received any attendant to ask for drinks. Waiting time is high but they still don't open more tables. Might be due to shortage of dealers but still. Live poker is Texas holdem limits 10-20 and no limits 1-2. Same here they don't open new table with people waiting. The worst of them all. Their chips are sticky and difficult to toss which does not give that feel of gambling. There is a buffet which closed quite early will try next time. Its 19.99$ for weekends I guess.
(4)Cher M.
As a frequent Vegas-goer, I know you shouldn't expect to leave a casino with the $$ you came with, but I didn't expect to leave with nothing in my stomach after getting violently ill from eating at the buffet. The buffet was comped, which was nice (hence the single star) but I have been alternatively feverish, chilled, vomiting, and doing other sicky-stomach related tasks since I left 8 hours ago. The food isn't kept hot or cold, it's just placed in tubs on tables for unsuspecting victims. I had a single plate of food that tasted "off" and will never go back. I don't know what part of my plate caused this, but here's a tip: no matter how much free play the throw your way, Don't eat in the casino. You'd be better off down the street at Taco Bell.
(1)Michael G.
As a group of us were departing the train in Aurora from Chicago, we witnessed something I had never seen before in the city. People, despite the bells and lights of a train about to depart, running across the tracks. I mean, I'm not exaggerating, the train was already in motion. I turned to one of my companions (as we stood waiting to cross once the train was out of the station) and said, "I guess if that's what they have for entertainment out here in Aurora, who can blame them?" Now I know that's probably far off in reality for the city as a whole, but judging by Hollywood Casino (which is all I've seen of Aurora) it would be easy to get that misconception. This is, seriously, the smallest casino I've ever been in. It's pretty much just one room. Which, if the bet minimums were in line I guess would be okay. But they're not. A $10 minimum bet for any table game? Now I know that's not exactly Vegas high rolling, but it's more than the action I was looking for. So I went and wasted some time on the cheap video poker. Hollywood Casino definitely has low end slots and video machines (including video roulette if you can pry a seat from underneath the average 80-year old patron's cold, nearly dead behinds) in abundance - though not much else. While there was nothing to justify its substantial price tag of $17.99 (plus tax) on the weekend, the Epic Buffet does have a lot of food. Not good food necessarily (except the macaroni and cheese was tasty) but average - for a buffet - cuisine. And the desert bar is actually pretty well stocked. The hours of operation are kind of short though. They only serve dinner until 11:00 p.m. on weekends and 9:00 p.m. on weekdays? I guess that goes along with the aged clientele here nicely, but it's not exactly glitzy (or convenient for late night gaming). There are a couple of little neat things that keep this from being a total fail of a casino. For one, there is some movie memorabilia scattered about (and silver screen related slot titles) so they're at least *trying* to establish a theme (if there's one thing I hate it's a casino which looks like every other casino). And, secondly, there are free soda stations on the gaming floor. Is it a good way to kill a couple of hours in Aurora if you're stuck there? Maybe. But is it a fun time to be had and a reason to make a special trip out here? No. Frankly, I think I'd have a more interesting time gambling with my life running across the train tracks.
(2)Dee M.
This is the first casino I've ever been to. I didn't really know what I was doing but I won a few dollars thanks to all of the free spins I was getting from games. Coming in you might think that it's gonna be some extravagant place & it does look nice BUT when you get into the actual casino it actually looks kinda dull. Not enough lightening.. Parking is free if you join the Hollywood rewards program.
(3)Courtney S.
My first time at a casino! Watch as my thought process goes from "Oh, what fun!" to "Help! I need an adult!" in a trip through a place far past its prime and that reeked of desperation and depression. The building is a well-maintained homage to Things As They Were. Hollywood relics secured in glass cases added a nice touch, but the machines, buffet, carpeting, and even signage were straight out of the Reagan 80s. Times may have changed, but the casino is left standing in a time warp wondering what the hell happened. Right off the bat, money will fly right out of your wallet. Valet parking is $5, but you'll only save a dollar if you bring out the hiking boots and self-park. The ATM inside has a very high service charge ($4.50 from my bank, $5 from a friend's). Frosty, watered-down margaritas were $3, and a bottle of beer was $4.50. About 80 percent of the casino floor is dedicated to slot machines, which vary in name and theme but not in gameplay. Maybe I'm not the target audience, but I can't comprehend the allure of putting money in to a machine that warbles, wobbles, spins a few discs and MIGHT spit out anything in return. I'll stick with paying for my Call of Duties, which spit out entertainment and are guaranteed to line Bobby Kotick's pocket. We actually won semi-regularly on the slot machines, which was a big surprise and must be a great allure to the regulars. One friend won $20 on a 2¢ machine, another put in $10 and got $34 back. It'd be nice to see more and different machines, though. The blackjack and roulette, as excited as we were to try them, were just too costly. A minimum bet of $25? No way. Even for a Saturday night, that's high. A casino's set out to make money, so most of this is to be expected. I can't fault the casino for my experience with several of their customers, suffice it to say I felt very uncomfortable. But between the lack of variety in machines, high buy-ins and extremely depressing atmosphere, I'll save my money and go elsewhere. Anywhere else.
(1)Dj Nightwolf ..
Remember that scene in Swingers where they walk into that rinky dink casino? Yeah, that's immediately what I thought of when I came here the first time. I don't know, maybe it was just me, but something felt a little "off" about this place. It wasn't just the place, but it was the people too. Some of them looked like they weren't having fun, it almost me think they had a gambling problem & they couldn't stop playing. I'm not big on gambling. I've only played the slot machines a few times with some friends, but that's about it. So, I really can't comment on much else, but, I will say that this is an alright place to meet up with friends for some more drinking after the other local bars have closed for the night. Especially, since there are always some interesting characters at the bar in the late night hours. It's an alright casino. Nothing special, but if you come here with a bunch of friends who can make any place fun, then you're money baby! Holla!!!â„¢
(3)Matt M.
Good stuff. This is by far the best riverboat in Illinois. It has the best layout and the nicest staff. The downside is the parking situation sucks.
(4)matthew s.
Point blanlk this place sucks i dunno who like it other than gamblers.Decor is really cheesey.One decent thing is sometime my friends that gamble there give me there free buffet tix. so i go there to eat the buffet it ok...other than that stay away oh yeah the staff is usually in a daydream like state.
(1)John K.
Thatz not okay. I came here on a Friday night to gamble and drink beer and get dinner. I'd never been before. It was bigger than I thought it would be, and the casino floor was actually quite nice. The dealers turned out to be cool and friendly, and there were $10 minimums at 6pm. (Nice! We're at 5-Stars so far...) I gambled for a while and then ate at the buffet. (Down to 4 stars.) It was $30, and the food was not awesome. The pizza was like the small thin Tombstone or Jack's pizzas you buy in the grocery store. The mac and cheese was fine...but not worth $30. For that price, it'd be cool to see some nicer, fancier options like you do at, say, Horseshoe Hammond. After eating some thin Jack's pizza slices, I went back to gamble some more. I ordered a beer from a roving waitress and drank it. Then, about five minutes later, the waitress came back around and I ordered another. "No," she said. "It's too soon." I thought she was joking. (The croupier at my table had been cracking jokes and hamming it up, so I thought maybe she was playing off of him. With mounting horror, I realized she wasn't.) I asked the waitress to clarify. She insisted she couldn't or would't serve me another drink, at least for a while. She reiterated, "Too soon." And here's where I have to tell you a little about me: I had a full stomach from the buffet. I'm 5'11 and not skinny. And I definitely wasn't being loud or inappropriate. (I'm very introverted.) I was just a quiet man who wanted his second beer. Even so, the nanny state had descended. And here, really, is the rub: This place would have had NO PROBLEM if I'd slapped down my entire kid's college fund on the gaming table and gambled it away in a matter of seconds. That would have been enabled with all speed. (Indeed, while I was winning my $10 with my little minumum bets, a gentleman at my table lost many hundreds of dollars in quick succession without being cautioned or questioned.) But my wish to DRINK BEER at the same rate I drink in a bar? DAS IST VERBOTEN!!! WHAT YOU WANT IS BAD! FORBIDDEN! Excuse me...but first of all, what I want is AWESOME. Secondly, it should certainly be allowed in a casino of all places. When I realized the waitress was serious, I cashed out my chips and left the table. I got my second beer over at the bar-- which served me no problem-- but still had a bad taste in my mouth about this. I left soon thereafter. In conclusion... I am 35, and I would like to gamble in a casino for ADULTS, please. If I can be trusted to wager hundreds or thousands of my dollars without question, shouldn't that same entity trust me to DRINK A BEER at my own pace? I've never encountered this treatment at Horseshoe, or Rivers, or even Hollywood Joilet, a sister property. (Incidentally, in Vegas, I've encountered THE OPPOSITE of this policy-- many drinks proffered constantly, and free, to boot). Until I hear that this has changed at Hollywood Aurora, I won't be back.
(1)Rosa K.
I'm a hairdresser... so I signed up for a class with a well known stylist that decided to book the event at Hollywood's Casino ballroom. Good deal... the cost of the class was used to comp my product purchases, and I got CEU hours toward the renewal of my cosmetology license, AND the casino treated us to free lunch buffet normally $20. Plus free valet parking... pretty schnazzy. So as far as events... pretty nice. Hollywood takes care of you if you're a big time stylist. The buffet on the other hand... well I hate buffets in general. They are almost always piles of inexpensive, flavorless, poorly prepared, overly cooked, stale, reheated cold food. Hollywood's buffet was no exception. Definitely not worth $20. Free, maybe... for someone else, not me. My stomach is still moaning the strangest sounds. Complaints my guess, and or the agony of its hard work trying to digest yucky food. In addition, the hostess was this crabby rude lady maybe in her 50s. She didn't know how to seat people, obviously didn't have eyes or didn't care who was first, and didn't have a polite bone in her body. I kindly asked if it was possible for me to have a booth, She smirked and flat out told me "no." Not a "let me check for you" or "I'll try" just "No" as she walked away, right past a booth in front of us where 2 customers had just left. Psh... Afterwards I made a stop by the poker room... I used to play much more frequently... as in I don't really play anymore. Funds are tight. Time is limited. Back in the day I hated playing at Hollywood... but it's the only casino with a decent poker room this side of the state line. But I hated it so much I'd drive over to Indiana anyway and suck up the tolls. Was worth it too, there's always better play in Indiana. I didn't play today, didn't have cash on me and the ATMs here charges a ridiculous $4.50 transaction fee on top of my bank's charges... Vegas doesn't even charge that much. Ridiculous. So I didn't stick around even though the poker room guy was friendly and helpful and got me a seat right away.... (one of the reason's why I used to hate hollywood's poker room is they wouldn't take reservations over the phone, and you had to go there and wait over an hour for a seat. They did this on purpose too so you'd play the other games that the house would make more money on while you waited.) Anyways... might check out Hollywood's poker room again in the near future and give a more updated review. P.S.-- Hollywood Casino's Poker Room # for reservations: 630-801-7471
(3)Kevin A.
SOMEONE SHOOT ME AGAIN...I'M STILL ALIVE As if the torture of the outlet mall wasn't enough, I was then subject to the horrors....HORRORS of the Hollywood Casino. Much like the real Hollywood, this place is sad, depressing, and filled with lost empty souls. Picture people on payday cashing their paychecks and playing penny slots (eventually the machines will just accept checks I'm assuming), grannies with oxygen tanks on scooters out for their last hurrah, the sense of false hope in the air. God this place is depressing. Avoid like the plague.
(1)Vishal B.
Being that its a local casino near enough to drive to without planning much makes it a regularly visited place. This was my first Casino after I turned 21. Lost 20 bucks in 5 minutes and wanted to go home. But after coming here time after time. I like that its easy to navigate inside. Driving there, parking and walking through the long tunnel over the river isn't ideal but thats why you Valet. They have a buffet that I have never tried. I will say that this place is badly in need of a renovation. The tired old Hollywood theme is worn out. movie props on display in dark cases need to go. They can make it a whole 40's 50's Golden era Hollywood theme very easily. The dealers can be either friendly or just rude. I am not a fan of having one Roulette wheel for 2 tables, you have to wait forever for the next spin, kills a fun buzz. They do have newer slots at least, They need a big community play slot like EBay or Deal or No Deal. I have never seen this place so crowded that I cant walk through it, which I like... I have never played more than 150 here though.. thats all you need for a couple hours of playtime.. then back home driving through a poverty stricken Aurora makes you really wanna drive a bit faster to get out of there!
(3)Kate W.
While I had a good time here, it had more to do with the people I was with than with the casino itself. There were good things though: I won some money The Epic Buffet is a great name There's a self serve soda fountain on the casino floor Bathrooms are clean Yeah, if that's really all I can come up with for good things at a casino there's a problem. The not so good things were as follows: The aforementioned Epic Buffet wasn't epic at all (I'm trying really hard to avoid using the phase "epic fail") Drinks were pricey Few spots available for table games (mostly slots) $10 and $15 minimum bets for roulette... I wasn't looking to spend that much per spin And the people there were generally really depressing There's also no smoking inside. That can be a pro or a con, depending on whether you smoke or not. If you do smoke though, there are giant fish in the river you can watch while you're outside. I liked the fish, but I don't credit the casino with that. I also have to note, that while two and five cent slots seem like a good idea, they're really just there because no one will ever really cash out of them. Even if you win 5 times your money back on the nickle slots, you've only really one a quarter. Not many people are going to cash out with those winnings. You're just going to keep playing and give all your money to the casino. Still, it's fun to push buttons and pull the slot machine lever. That alone was worth my money.
(2)Amy M.
Good way to kill an hour and spend 20.00. Although a little strange in this community to only have $10 minimums at the roulette table. Especially with .02 slot machines Luckily they had video roulette with a $3 minimum
(3)Anthony M.
This is a nice little casino. I am not a real big gambling man, so I don't go out to casinos that often. This casino is a full service casino, meaning they have slots and table games. As soon as we walked in we were we got margaritas and was met by a pit boss that signed us all up a players card ( Which gave us free parking at the end of the night) All in all it was a good trip. I lost a bit of money but nothing to big. The friends that we were with won over $500 so of course they bought the drinks the rest of the night.
(4)Santiago A.
I'm going to go in a different direction here and give this Casino 4-stars. I think it has several upsides that make it worth visiting. I know I'm in the minority here (no, not because I'm Mexican), because I think that it is a decent place. Also, I feel like many people come expecting Vegas at Aurora prices. I'll tell you the same thing I told Redford, "It ain't gonna happen." The casino itself look good. I've been to much, much worse and in bigger cities. So, yeah, even though once you get past the entrance it's not too special... it could look worse. Also, they have free parking across the street. Boo ya! For me free parking is like an instant +1 star because it makes things easier and keeps money in your pocket for what you came here to do. If you are coming from the city, then it is very close and easy to get to from the Aurora Metra station. I'll give you the bad before I give you the best: the table prices are a little outta whack. I think they are a little high and don't have enough $5 blackjack tables. I usually play $10 or $25 myself, but hate playing at a table alone (I also hate playing at a table with people that are terrible at blackjack... but that goes without saying). If they have one or two $5 tables no one plays the others and just hovers around for their chance at an empty seat. It doesn't make sense. This isn't Vegas so forget about high stakes anything. Sure, one table of $25 and one for $100, but that's it. The rest should be $5 or $10 if that's what people want. THE HOUSE ALWAYS WINS... unless people don't play. So the solution is quite simple: lower the limit and let them empty their pockets for you. The more people play, the more the casino profits. This ain't Vegas and no whales are going to swim their way. Ok, why is this place really 4-stars? The rewards program. If you go there and hit the slots on a regular basis or play table games with your reward card, then you get tons of greet deals in the mail. Free dinner in the restaurant (which is surprisingly good). Free cash coupons. Go redeem it and it is either a set cash about, say, $25-50? I guess it could be more if you gamble more. There are also mystery coupons that range from $10-$500. Of course the $10 ones more up more often, but I've had a $150 before. My point is, everybody wins. This program follows the proven rule that if the gambler plays enough, they will lose. So, give out wads of cash and know they will spend that money and more. In exchange, someone like myself gets to place a few more bets, which equal a while longer of fun. Win-win.
(4)Ernesto A.
Just hit a $3,000.00 jackpot and got a free lobster dinner at the Steak House ($180.00 dinner)! Good times at Hollywood!
(5)Bev h.
major fails: - no smoking. you already had to build your shit on a river to allow gambling, but no smokes? lame. - shouldn't your drinks be cheaper to encourage people to stay longer/spend more money on gambling? $3 frozen margarita (that was WEAK and tasted like ass) was the "special," and bottled domestics were $4? i could get those prices in chicago, but i'm on a janky ass boat in aurora- get it together! - the buffet is actually called the Epic Buffet. nothing epic about it. and even at $19.99 a head, they have shitty options and you have to get your own drinks. good stuff: -$5 valet is not bad. -you will feel much better about the state of your life and finances after witnessing some of the people in here desperately plugging away at the penny slots like they might actually win a substantial amount of money (as others have mentioned, payouts are pretty sub-par). if i were writing this review based solely on the backside of the margarita girl, we are talking solid 5+ stars! she's the only reason i'm droppin a deuce on this place.
(2)Christine B.
I honestly hate gambling but my fiances family enjoys it so I went along for the ride. While the decor is somewhat tacky, I didn't mind because really, what casino has decor that isn't tacky. Either way, what made me happy is that all of the casinos in Illinois are smoke free. We live in Indiana and you could cut the smoke in our casino's with a knife. It's so gross. This place was very clean, not a lot of used cups lying around and sodas are free. I actually won a little bit and of course everyone made out like bandits. They just have that lucky gene. They also have hosted tables which is a nice touch. Buffet prices are usually around $18 which seems a bit high but whatever, we didn't eat there anyway. Nice place if you want to kill a few hours on a Sunday afternoon. It was Easter Sunday and wasn't busy. Parking in their garages is $4 but if you get a players card (which is free) then the parking is free, you just present your card on the way out.
(4)Julie A.
This is a smaller casino located in Aurora with a Hollywood theme. The movie props are fun to check out. The steakhouse is pretty good, the buffet..not so good. They seemed to have gotten rid of many of their quarter slots (with a 3 quarter max). They have no quater wheel of fortune.. boo hoo. It appears that they have brought in a lot of 5 & 2 cent machines.. which as you know means you are spending at least $1.00 a spin minimum if you want a bonus game. Place is clean, staff is very nice. Please bring in some other slots!
(3)Jeetu M.
One of the worst casinos I have ever been too. If you're under 40 you might want to go someplace else
(1)Jack B.
True, there ARE worse casinos in Illinois / Indiana (Empress and Harrah's come to mind....Horseshoe in Hammond is probably the best of the worst, not including Four Winds / Blue Chip), but nobody wins an award for being 'best loser'... The pros: -$5 blackjack....here's the bad part: the shoe is EIGHT decks!!! The casino claims it speeds the game up, but the only down time you experience with the house is during the shoe change....which takes less than 2 minutes each time....also, there are SEVEN player spots at these tables....if you're an experienced blackjack player, you can do the math...for the rest, good luck beating the house... The cons: -Eight deck blackjack shoes favor the house considerably...do the research if you think otherwise. I didn't spend longer than an hour at the blackjack tables and left up a small amount....at least it paid for the drive to the place.. -$1/2 NL hold'em was the only real action this place had when I was there....no really large pots...the money is easy to make here, but the bad beats are really bad...
(2)Greg V.
Slots, Blackjack cards any way you want to try to win some money.....unfortunately I always Lose oh well fun while it lasted I say!
(3)Local G.
well if you've run out of stuff to do then go to hollywood casino in Aurora. This is how you know you have hit rock bottom. First off your in Aurora so this starts off bad, then you park 2 blocks away and have to walk outside in the cold to get there. The joint looks deserted until you enter the actual casino then it is full of people who look like they have given up on life or are taking time away from their meth addiction. There are a lot of gangs in Aurora and sometimes they hang out at the casino. I only give it 2 stars because I won some money at the craps table with a $5 min.
(2)Mike P.
The Hollywood Casino in Aurora is about the only thing to do in Aurora, beside going to look for Wayne and Garth. There is no admission charge. The table games usually have a $15-$25 minimum. Hollywood does offer live poker play, but there is a waiting list usually. I'm not Mike McDermott, so I stick to my home poker game. The smoke isn't to bad, as the casino has a pretty high ceiling. Aurora is closer than Joliet, by a little. Just take Interstate 88 due west and follow the signs.
(2)Bobby D.
Not a bad casino, Although the downside is that you have to show your State ID, When entering. However, It was my first time being there. But nonetheless is STILL fun.
(4)JP P.
I just love reading reviews of people bitching they lost money at a Casino. How can you top that? Easy, people bitching about the food buffet at a Casino as well! This is Aurora...not Vegas! There are plenty of quality Mexican restaurants within walking distance. So take a break, it just may change your luck...or at least give you some! I think this casino is fair because for the most part, they at least allow you to play with "House" money, all of which depends on your strategy. But given the opportunity and a weak moment, the 'House" will take it right back. Gambling..."games of chance, risk and hope... for money". Sounds Wicked!
(3)Anne B.
This place is smelly and dirty. People that go there are rude you never see an attendant or a waitress Bathrooms are filthy and smoking area has never been cleaned. Worst casino I have ever been to. NO STARS!!!
(1)Ron W.
Talk about adding an insult to injury! This is the "WORST" run casino that I have played in anywhere! I was playing Mississippi Stud and losing since this casino will not allow the dealers to shuffle the cards before putting them back into the machine. The players all got out of the hand and I stopped after the second card and turned my cards over exposing an Ace - Ten. The dealer, Dilip, stopped the game and called for the pit boss like there was a problem. There was no one left in the hand so no one's action was interrupted. Everyone asked him what was the problem and he just made things worst! I was losing already and Dilip just made the evening a lot more worst! This casino is the worst one in the Chicago area and my advise is to drive by and go to one of the others that offer an enjoyable experience!
(1)S. P.
The past several times I was at the Hollywood Casino Aurora, I ended up in the alleged "VIP Lounge." What a joke! After several visits, I can tell you, the "VIP" lounge is a tale of WHAT CAN THEY DO WITH NOODLES OR RICE TONIGHT??? It's an absolute embarrassment! The place needs to invest a few bucks to get some real food in the alleged VIP lounge or close it down. Last time I was there, literally, they had some unidentifiable chunks of meat and water crests swimming around in greasy water that a patron is expected to put on the "clumps" of white rice, an unappetizing dry veggie combination, and a soft-serve ice cream machine for dessert (and the ice cream machine actually was working this visit as it often doesn't!) The last couple of times it was dry squiggly-shaped noodles with a similar unappealing pan of "crap" to be poured onto the dry noodles. Seriously, it calls itself a VIP lounge at a casino and "This is what they serve!!!!" On the most recent visit, only two people were in the VIP at 9 pm on a Saturday night. That, alone, should give them a clue that nobody wants this "crap." At other VIP Lounge casinos in the area, they are packed on a Saturday night - with edible food "choices." The only other convenient "in-casino" option is to go to the Epic Buffet where - after 10 pm - the server told me the last time I was there 30 minutes before the buffet closes: "Hurry up! Hurry up! I'm ready to go home!" (Honest to God! That actually happened the last time I was at the buffet!) For food and VIP-anything, the place is a total fail!!! The only positive I experienced on recent visits to this casino were the accommodating valet employees. That's it!!!
(1)Bill S.
This review is strictly of the epic buffet inside the casino. Went on Saturday at $19.99 felt that it was somewhat of a rip off. Nothing looked appealing to the eye and everything I tried from steak to pizza to pasta tasted stale and bland. Very small variety of choices. Nothing seemed fresh including fruit nor homemade flavor. Heatlamps was the name of the game as food tasted similar to food from frozen aisle section in the store, just reheated. Minimal dessert section and nothing stood out except maybe cheesecake. There was nothing that stood out in the buffet that would have me coming back to it. I do give two stars for the hundred flavor coke machine and the lady who quickly cleared out plates, granted we were only one of three tables there. I will rather try the deli adjacent to the buffet next time.
(2)Samantha B.
This casino is obviously not something you would see in Vegas, so if you don't walk in here with high expectations, you won't be disappointed. For Aurora, I think it's pretty nice. It's always clean, the staff have always been very friendly and helpful, and I really like the slots! Went here last night and we won over $600 on the dollar slots. Can't complain. The drinks are well priced, but not free if you're gambling. Even still, employees walk around, take your orders and bring your drinks so you don't have to leave your table. On weekends they usually have bands play and they're actually pretty good! They also have a buffet, although I've never tried it. If you go to customer service and get a hollywood casino card (completely free to sign up for and only takes about 2 minutes), then you can park in the parking garage for free. It's great.
(4)Patrick H.
Not a good place to go. The are more than stacked against you. Any game I like they get rid of. They got rid of their Texas Hold'em game, and don't have mini baccarat. Those are the table games that pay the most out. Odds are more in your favor with these games. The Buffet is pure garbage, don't waste your time and money. It's so over priced for food you would get at Old Country Buffet. The only thing that they ever do right is having good quality entertainment here. I enjoyed hanging out here on New Years watching a great CCR cover band named Fortunate Sons and Amercian English.
(2)Ethan A.
The slots at the Hollywood are par at best. They barely give any playback and most of them are older than 10-15 years old. I prefer to have a small chance of winning a small amount of money... The table games are always fun and the dealers are fast and effective at their jobs. The casino is much smaller than other casinos I have been to, but it is nice to be able to come in and lose a quick $50 on the craps table in scenic downtown Aurora.... $2 beers on Tuesdays and Thursdays...
(3)Lauren S.
You pay cover,you pay for your drinks...even when gambling. AND pay close attention to your dealer because when I won they cleared my chip off my winning number instead of keeping it there and paying out like they are supposed to do. It happened twice with two different dealers on roulette. The pit bosses did payout after I said something but the response was "it happens some times" You have to pay attention, otherwise they will take advantage, which makes it more depressing instead of entertaining. The place has tons of potential to be a great place for gambling and I really want to like it, especially for closeness but it just all around is a downer. Every time I've been there its never been a good experience.
(2)Karma K.
Oh hell no! It is bad, real bad. Nothing good is going on here except the staff is nice. I feel bad for the staff.
(1)Joe E.
I WON I WON! It's a Casino in downtown Aurora. No frills here! They have a restaurant and some type of buffet going on. I stopped by here on a Saturday afternoon after lunch around the area. I ended up playing roulette and won 24 dollars. Good in my World! This is not your typical super nice casino, but it's not super dingy either. I would put this on par with something in downtown Las Vegas.
(4)Pat E.
Nothing more depressing than seeing obese people with oxygen tanks sitting at slot machines with cocktails. Is this what the future holds for me? There's a buffet, a restaurant, and valet parking. It's very nice for Aurora. The staff was eyeing me because I look 17, I guess?
(3)Kevin P.
I've been a loyal customer of this casino for quite a few years. However I drove an hour and a half to get out there last night with a friend. I got in no problem but they wouldn't let my sober friend in because he was showing signs of intoxication. Now he had a few drinks tonight but was far from intoxicated. When we asked to speak to a supervisor, she tried to say he was slurring his words and wobbling around, neither of which he was doing. This is absolutely ridiculous, that a place that has a full liquor bar would turn a person down that's had a few drinks. Bottom line is they turned down a lot of money, and I will personally never go back.
(1)Eric E.
I'm not much of a gambler so my visits are infrequent. That said I was surprised when we walked in late last night. Most of the casino floor has been remodeled and the game selection has been enhanced. There seemed to be a lot of new games (mostly machine, not table) and I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that the place was extremely clean. This may sound like a stretch but I swear they're pumping a fragrance into the air here. This wouldn't be a stretch people..casino's do a lot of things you don't realize. I learned a lot about them when my folks were stationed in Vegas for a dozen yrs. Last night we played video poker for awhile then bit into the craps table when elbow room was available. I like playing craps and this would be one of my only complaints about Hollywood's setup. They only have two craps tables and on weekends that's just not enough. Hell, that's probably not enough during the week. The two tables looked like flies on shit last night so I was miffed about the wait. The rest of the floor is slots heavy. I'd rather slit my own wrist than dump money in those, but realize that's what most casino trolls like. Whatever floats your boat. Aside from the gambling a live band was playing and we were surprised to see a couple of complimentary soda vending machines on either side of the floor. Floor service was abundant, a cocktail waitress came around with frequency. At the craps table the stick man asked if I had a players card or was interested in one..a nice point of service considering the heavy action at the table. Win or lose my rating is the same. Hollywood has done much to improve.
(3)Paul W.
When a casino charges a fee for PARKING, you know it's a rip off. I'm not here to even gamble in table games or slots, knowing it's a Illinois casino so that means the rules probably are horrible. I went here to play poker since it was very close to me and I didn't feel like driving to Elgin or Horseshoe. After leaving, they charged me $10 for parking. I asked the lady what kind of casino charges money for parking, and she said it's $10 during the weekends, and $4 during the week, but it's "free if I have a membership card." Um no, a casino shouldn't charge parking PERIOD. That just shows how greedy the place is, either that or the city of Aurora, which is a dumpster. Never coming back here again.
(1)Sue M.
Against my better judgement I stopped in this casino to check out the VP action. Malfunctioning old vp machines which default to Keno or slots and would not go to vp screen despite it being multi gaming. Not one but 4 did this. An empty pathetic nasty place. The valet jockeys swing the car doors open when bringing the car around, instead of using care, thus causing stress on the door hinges. An all around negative experience. I threw out my card. Bye bye el dumping supremo casino. No mas.
(1)Ricard A.
I We visit the casino often but on only one occasion many years ago have eaten in their buffet. We did yesterday because we had a buy one get one free e-mail coupon and we had enough comp dollars to cover one dinner. Never again. To charge 18 dollars for food that is mediocre at best is ridiculous. Raise the quality particularly if you consider most customers are already leaving money in the casino. If the purpose of the buffet is to draw or keep customers then it is failing in that regard.
(1)Lucas W.
Poker room has really gone down hill over the past 3 years. Which is sad because that is the only reason I will even walk into a casino. If you are a poker player and you are looking for action this is not the place. The only reason I gave it 3 stars is because they still employ one of the best dealers in the mid-west. Anyone who's played poker in Aurora knows who I'm talking about.
(3)Vibhor D.
I was pleasantly surprised to find a casino of this level so nearby in Aurora. I went on a Sunday evening at 7. Had 4 5 roulette tables open along with couple of blackjack , 3 card poker and few other variety of poker against the house. For blackjack min was ranging from 15-20$. Made a cool 100$ in half an hour. Dealer seemed fare and was not dishing out the 21's that often. In fact till the time i stayed there wasn't any blackjack to her. Also got lucky with the bonus payout which is a nice one at 1 to 9 for flush and above. For roulette I did not find any restrictions. Earned a cool 100$ in 20 minutes. Now the issues. Although not free but I never received any attendant to ask for drinks. Waiting time is high but they still don't open more tables. Might be due to shortage of dealers but still. Live poker is Texas holdem limits 10-20 and no limits 1-2. Same here they don't open new table with people waiting. The worst of them all. Their chips are sticky and difficult to toss which does not give that feel of gambling. There is a buffet which closed quite early will try next time. Its 19.99$ for weekends I guess.
(4)Elias I.
$200 in 15 minutes with zero play. Wasn't expecting to get rich but I could have gotten at least a little play!
(1)Susan B.
We ate at the epic buffet for lunch on Tuesday. HORRIBLE. Place has totally gone down. Very few choices, over cooked food.I guess that's what you get for being comped
(1)Jay S.
Hollywood is somewhat pretty okay as far as the casino goes. There are table games and a good amount and selection of various slot machines. The place where I feel this casino really drops the ball is the buffet. While there is a decent and varied selection of food on the buffet, is not nearly as decent or as widely varied as one might expect for the amount of money they charge for the buffet. For example, they didn't have the stuff to make tacos there, but the only possible taco filling with ground bees, not all too exciting. There are many other examples as well, but it occurs to me that there are just too many to write even just one more here. So I will send the spots are pretty good, the table games are fine, but the buffet pretty much sucks.
(3)Becca H.
Staff is very rude, if im going somewhere to spend a decent amount if money I would expect the staff to be at least friendly. I agree with some of the other reviews, spend money elsewhere.
(1)Marsh K.
Do not go here. If you had any drinks beforehand they will claim you've had too much. Spend your money elsewhere.
(1)Carla P.
Let's start by saying I'm not a gambler. I've been to a handful of casinos in my life; Reno, New Jersey, North & South Dakota, New England and now Illinois. Bad stuff first: The payouts on their slots Suck (with a capital "S"). If you go into the smoking room you will instantly get cancer. The drinks are insanely overpriced. The bathrooms while clean, dispensed a 3" sheet of very thin paper for drying your hands and there was no bathroom attendant nor was there any lotion in the middle of a very cold and dry Chicagoland winter. No entertainment for the masses, just some guy reading off names and when we asked what it was about, it wasn't something you could get in on it was by invitation only which I think is lame in the general public area. Good stuff: The blackjack dealers were mostly cool, except for one which made my friend feel bad for placing a bet to the right of me (disrupting my cards and all that) which was just rude -- mind your own p&q's lady. I did not have any reason to complain to the staff so all my dealings with them were on good terms and they were mostly quite friendly. We found some of the customers to be curt and some others to be exceptionally cool. And the waitresses came around more often than at other casinos, but then again those casinos gave free booze and this one overcharged. The food served in the walk up diner (not the buffet) was delicious and we happened to mention that we would be splitting the burger we ordered and they cut it in half and served it on 2 plates with extra fries which was nice. I don't know if I'll ever go back because I like slots that have better pay outs. Then again I hear that Rosemont is crowded and Elgin slots pay just as poorly.
(2)Kathleen H.
This is a shameful industry. You might as well flush your money down the toilet. It is a more admirable way to bid it farewell. They try to seduce you with the Hollywood motif to make you feel special and important but it does not hide the fact that you're still in Aurora, IL being bilked out of money by an organization whose sole purpose is to make money off of people's weakness and loneliness. This place reeks of sadness and desperation. Aside from being aesthetically gross and germ infested, it is not a glamorous place or a source of fun--you go there and just hear the collective sound of money and hope being siphoned away from vulnerable people and into the casino's filthy pockets. Gambling destroys the lives of gamblers and their families. One star because I can't give negative stars.
(1)Kelly K.
Besides the obvious point of winning on slots....which is Hit or Miss depending on which day you visit...Hollywood Aurora is pretty good. I like their Epic Buffet & am now at Producer Level so I can go to their VIP Room every day & eat for Free. Was not too impressed with the food offered on the day I visited , the VIP Room,in December. This location is good with mailing all sorts of freebies to entice you to come to the casino. Free Food, Free Slot Play, Bonus Slot Play, etc. The Fri/Sat Night Bands are Great! The Valets are friendly & accommodating. Security will drive you to the Parking Deck. If you are looking for a night to watch the Bands, and only bring the amount of $$$$ you want to lose, then its a good value....otherwise sometimes, the only winning machines, that will give you money $$$, are the ATM Machines that are scattered throughout the Casino Floor;-(;-(;-(......I wish the Buffet offered some Gluten Free Options...especially Desserts!
(4)Cher M.
As a frequent Vegas-goer, I know you shouldn't expect to leave a casino with the $$ you came with, but I didn't expect to leave with nothing in my stomach after getting violently ill from eating at the buffet. The buffet was comped, which was nice (hence the single star) but I have been alternatively feverish, chilled, vomiting, and doing other sicky-stomach related tasks since I left 8 hours ago. The food isn't kept hot or cold, it's just placed in tubs on tables for unsuspecting victims. I had a single plate of food that tasted "off" and will never go back. I don't know what part of my plate caused this, but here's a tip: no matter how much free play the throw your way, Don't eat in the casino. You'd be better off down the street at Taco Bell.
(1)Yvonne M.
This is the WORST casino in the Chicagoland area. Today I had the most unusual and disgusting experience at this terrible place. I arrived at 5pm and sat down for some blackjack. An hour later, I ordered a glass of wine. And hour after that, the terrible waitress came back and I got another drink. Again an hour passes and the waitress finally makes her way back around...I order a wine. 10 minutes later, a manager named Michael came over to tell me that I'm drinking too much and I'm going to have to wait 30 minutes for my drink. Umm...in 4 hours, I drank two drinks and was ordering my third. Now, keep in mind that the woman sitting across from me drank at least 8 beers in a shorter amount of time. I feel very discriminated against as I had only two drinks while others at the table were being served a mass amount of drinks. I will never come back again and they will never again see another dime from my pocket. I intend on following up on this by writing, calling and telling anyone at a higher level of management about the rudeness I experienced today.
(1)Michael G.
As a group of us were departing the train in Aurora from Chicago, we witnessed something I had never seen before in the city. People, despite the bells and lights of a train about to depart, running across the tracks. I mean, I'm not exaggerating, the train was already in motion. I turned to one of my companions (as we stood waiting to cross once the train was out of the station) and said, "I guess if that's what they have for entertainment out here in Aurora, who can blame them?" Now I know that's probably far off in reality for the city as a whole, but judging by Hollywood Casino (which is all I've seen of Aurora) it would be easy to get that misconception. This is, seriously, the smallest casino I've ever been in. It's pretty much just one room. Which, if the bet minimums were in line I guess would be okay. But they're not. A $10 minimum bet for any table game? Now I know that's not exactly Vegas high rolling, but it's more than the action I was looking for. So I went and wasted some time on the cheap video poker. Hollywood Casino definitely has low end slots and video machines (including video roulette if you can pry a seat from underneath the average 80-year old patron's cold, nearly dead behinds) in abundance - though not much else. While there was nothing to justify its substantial price tag of $17.99 (plus tax) on the weekend, the Epic Buffet does have a lot of food. Not good food necessarily (except the macaroni and cheese was tasty) but average - for a buffet - cuisine. And the desert bar is actually pretty well stocked. The hours of operation are kind of short though. They only serve dinner until 11:00 p.m. on weekends and 9:00 p.m. on weekdays? I guess that goes along with the aged clientele here nicely, but it's not exactly glitzy (or convenient for late night gaming). There are a couple of little neat things that keep this from being a total fail of a casino. For one, there is some movie memorabilia scattered about (and silver screen related slot titles) so they're at least *trying* to establish a theme (if there's one thing I hate it's a casino which looks like every other casino). And, secondly, there are free soda stations on the gaming floor. Is it a good way to kill a couple of hours in Aurora if you're stuck there? Maybe. But is it a fun time to be had and a reason to make a special trip out here? No. Frankly, I think I'd have a more interesting time gambling with my life running across the train tracks.
(2)Dee M.
This is the first casino I've ever been to. I didn't really know what I was doing but I won a few dollars thanks to all of the free spins I was getting from games. Coming in you might think that it's gonna be some extravagant place & it does look nice BUT when you get into the actual casino it actually looks kinda dull. Not enough lightening.. Parking is free if you join the Hollywood rewards program.
(3)Joy S.
Hollywood is my favourite Casino in IL. Probably because it's the most convenient. It's not huge, so if I lose my gambling companion, I don't have to trek a mile to find them. Parking can be a pain here, despite their garage (the garage is a pretty far walk). But if there's any street parking available when you go, it's not bad. Being in IL, you can't smoke inside. So it's got that nasty fishy smell from the buffet, and no smoke to mask it. But there is a decent tented smoking area outside with heaters for the winter, and benches to sit on - and it's easy to access from the casino floor. If you're a member (which is free to sign up, they give you a card to swipe when you play to earn points), they send you coupons for free food and mystery cash each month. It's a great incentive to get me back in there semi-regularly. And their diner food is greasy good. I'm a fan of their grilled cheese. Hollywood Casino is a fun way to waste a couple hours. Or a couple hundred dollars. Either way.
(3)George H.
If you have had anything to drink do not come here. I had a few beers and was definitely not drunk and they denied me. We drove about 20 miles and had to go home without any play. Writing a letter to management. So disappointed.
(1)Matt L.
It's well established in the previous 7 reviews that this place is depressing, even as far as dumpy Midwest casinos go. They don't allow smoking inside, which probably keeps people away. I was surprised to find room at the craps table on a Saturday night. It was the first non-smoking casino I've ever been in, and taking odds on come bets without being able to smoke made me all shifty and nervous. What no one has talked about yet is the Epic Buffet. For $19.97 after tax, this is not a good deal. If I were starving and had $20 and the only restaurant around was the Epic Buffet at the Hollywood Casino - Aurora, I would probably eat the currency instead of eating at the Epic Buffet again. I'm not sure why I'm giving this place two stars, especially since I've never had such bad luck on the slots, but we had a good time, so whatevs.
(2)Courtney S.
My first time at a casino! Watch as my thought process goes from "Oh, what fun!" to "Help! I need an adult!" in a trip through a place far past its prime and that reeked of desperation and depression. The building is a well-maintained homage to Things As They Were. Hollywood relics secured in glass cases added a nice touch, but the machines, buffet, carpeting, and even signage were straight out of the Reagan 80s. Times may have changed, but the casino is left standing in a time warp wondering what the hell happened. Right off the bat, money will fly right out of your wallet. Valet parking is $5, but you'll only save a dollar if you bring out the hiking boots and self-park. The ATM inside has a very high service charge ($4.50 from my bank, $5 from a friend's). Frosty, watered-down margaritas were $3, and a bottle of beer was $4.50. About 80 percent of the casino floor is dedicated to slot machines, which vary in name and theme but not in gameplay. Maybe I'm not the target audience, but I can't comprehend the allure of putting money in to a machine that warbles, wobbles, spins a few discs and MIGHT spit out anything in return. I'll stick with paying for my Call of Duties, which spit out entertainment and are guaranteed to line Bobby Kotick's pocket. We actually won semi-regularly on the slot machines, which was a big surprise and must be a great allure to the regulars. One friend won $20 on a 2¢ machine, another put in $10 and got $34 back. It'd be nice to see more and different machines, though. The blackjack and roulette, as excited as we were to try them, were just too costly. A minimum bet of $25? No way. Even for a Saturday night, that's high. A casino's set out to make money, so most of this is to be expected. I can't fault the casino for my experience with several of their customers, suffice it to say I felt very uncomfortable. But between the lack of variety in machines, high buy-ins and extremely depressing atmosphere, I'll save my money and go elsewhere. Anywhere else.
(1)Dj Nightwolf ..
Remember that scene in Swingers where they walk into that rinky dink casino? Yeah, that's immediately what I thought of when I came here the first time. I don't know, maybe it was just me, but something felt a little "off" about this place. It wasn't just the place, but it was the people too. Some of them looked like they weren't having fun, it almost me think they had a gambling problem & they couldn't stop playing. I'm not big on gambling. I've only played the slot machines a few times with some friends, but that's about it. So, I really can't comment on much else, but, I will say that this is an alright place to meet up with friends for some more drinking after the other local bars have closed for the night. Especially, since there are always some interesting characters at the bar in the late night hours. It's an alright casino. Nothing special, but if you come here with a bunch of friends who can make any place fun, then you're money baby! Holla!!!â„¢
(3)Matt M.
Good stuff. This is by far the best riverboat in Illinois. It has the best layout and the nicest staff. The downside is the parking situation sucks.
(4)Vishal B.
Being that its a local casino near enough to drive to without planning much makes it a regularly visited place. This was my first Casino after I turned 21. Lost 20 bucks in 5 minutes and wanted to go home. But after coming here time after time. I like that its easy to navigate inside. Driving there, parking and walking through the long tunnel over the river isn't ideal but thats why you Valet. They have a buffet that I have never tried. I will say that this place is badly in need of a renovation. The tired old Hollywood theme is worn out. movie props on display in dark cases need to go. They can make it a whole 40's 50's Golden era Hollywood theme very easily. The dealers can be either friendly or just rude. I am not a fan of having one Roulette wheel for 2 tables, you have to wait forever for the next spin, kills a fun buzz. They do have newer slots at least, They need a big community play slot like EBay or Deal or No Deal. I have never seen this place so crowded that I cant walk through it, which I like... I have never played more than 150 here though.. thats all you need for a couple hours of playtime.. then back home driving through a poverty stricken Aurora makes you really wanna drive a bit faster to get out of there!
(3)Kate W.
While I had a good time here, it had more to do with the people I was with than with the casino itself. There were good things though: I won some money The Epic Buffet is a great name There's a self serve soda fountain on the casino floor Bathrooms are clean Yeah, if that's really all I can come up with for good things at a casino there's a problem. The not so good things were as follows: The aforementioned Epic Buffet wasn't epic at all (I'm trying really hard to avoid using the phase "epic fail") Drinks were pricey Few spots available for table games (mostly slots) $10 and $15 minimum bets for roulette... I wasn't looking to spend that much per spin And the people there were generally really depressing There's also no smoking inside. That can be a pro or a con, depending on whether you smoke or not. If you do smoke though, there are giant fish in the river you can watch while you're outside. I liked the fish, but I don't credit the casino with that. I also have to note, that while two and five cent slots seem like a good idea, they're really just there because no one will ever really cash out of them. Even if you win 5 times your money back on the nickle slots, you've only really one a quarter. Not many people are going to cash out with those winnings. You're just going to keep playing and give all your money to the casino. Still, it's fun to push buttons and pull the slot machine lever. That alone was worth my money.
(2)Amy M.
Good way to kill an hour and spend 20.00. Although a little strange in this community to only have $10 minimums at the roulette table. Especially with .02 slot machines Luckily they had video roulette with a $3 minimum
(3)Anthony M.
This is a nice little casino. I am not a real big gambling man, so I don't go out to casinos that often. This casino is a full service casino, meaning they have slots and table games. As soon as we walked in we were we got margaritas and was met by a pit boss that signed us all up a players card ( Which gave us free parking at the end of the night) All in all it was a good trip. I lost a bit of money but nothing to big. The friends that we were with won over $500 so of course they bought the drinks the rest of the night.
(4)Rosa K.
I'm a hairdresser... so I signed up for a class with a well known stylist that decided to book the event at Hollywood's Casino ballroom. Good deal... the cost of the class was used to comp my product purchases, and I got CEU hours toward the renewal of my cosmetology license, AND the casino treated us to free lunch buffet normally $20. Plus free valet parking... pretty schnazzy. So as far as events... pretty nice. Hollywood takes care of you if you're a big time stylist. The buffet on the other hand... well I hate buffets in general. They are almost always piles of inexpensive, flavorless, poorly prepared, overly cooked, stale, reheated cold food. Hollywood's buffet was no exception. Definitely not worth $20. Free, maybe... for someone else, not me. My stomach is still moaning the strangest sounds. Complaints my guess, and or the agony of its hard work trying to digest yucky food. In addition, the hostess was this crabby rude lady maybe in her 50s. She didn't know how to seat people, obviously didn't have eyes or didn't care who was first, and didn't have a polite bone in her body. I kindly asked if it was possible for me to have a booth, She smirked and flat out told me "no." Not a "let me check for you" or "I'll try" just "No" as she walked away, right past a booth in front of us where 2 customers had just left. Psh... Afterwards I made a stop by the poker room... I used to play much more frequently... as in I don't really play anymore. Funds are tight. Time is limited. Back in the day I hated playing at Hollywood... but it's the only casino with a decent poker room this side of the state line. But I hated it so much I'd drive over to Indiana anyway and suck up the tolls. Was worth it too, there's always better play in Indiana. I didn't play today, didn't have cash on me and the ATMs here charges a ridiculous $4.50 transaction fee on top of my bank's charges... Vegas doesn't even charge that much. Ridiculous. So I didn't stick around even though the poker room guy was friendly and helpful and got me a seat right away.... (one of the reason's why I used to hate hollywood's poker room is they wouldn't take reservations over the phone, and you had to go there and wait over an hour for a seat. They did this on purpose too so you'd play the other games that the house would make more money on while you waited.) Anyways... might check out Hollywood's poker room again in the near future and give a more updated review. P.S.-- Hollywood Casino's Poker Room # for reservations: 630-801-7471
(3)Kevin A.
SOMEONE SHOOT ME AGAIN...I'M STILL ALIVE As if the torture of the outlet mall wasn't enough, I was then subject to the horrors....HORRORS of the Hollywood Casino. Much like the real Hollywood, this place is sad, depressing, and filled with lost empty souls. Picture people on payday cashing their paychecks and playing penny slots (eventually the machines will just accept checks I'm assuming), grannies with oxygen tanks on scooters out for their last hurrah, the sense of false hope in the air. God this place is depressing. Avoid like the plague.
(1)Santiago A.
I'm going to go in a different direction here and give this Casino 4-stars. I think it has several upsides that make it worth visiting. I know I'm in the minority here (no, not because I'm Mexican), because I think that it is a decent place. Also, I feel like many people come expecting Vegas at Aurora prices. I'll tell you the same thing I told Redford, "It ain't gonna happen." The casino itself look good. I've been to much, much worse and in bigger cities. So, yeah, even though once you get past the entrance it's not too special... it could look worse. Also, they have free parking across the street. Boo ya! For me free parking is like an instant +1 star because it makes things easier and keeps money in your pocket for what you came here to do. If you are coming from the city, then it is very close and easy to get to from the Aurora Metra station. I'll give you the bad before I give you the best: the table prices are a little outta whack. I think they are a little high and don't have enough $5 blackjack tables. I usually play $10 or $25 myself, but hate playing at a table alone (I also hate playing at a table with people that are terrible at blackjack... but that goes without saying). If they have one or two $5 tables no one plays the others and just hovers around for their chance at an empty seat. It doesn't make sense. This isn't Vegas so forget about high stakes anything. Sure, one table of $25 and one for $100, but that's it. The rest should be $5 or $10 if that's what people want. THE HOUSE ALWAYS WINS... unless people don't play. So the solution is quite simple: lower the limit and let them empty their pockets for you. The more people play, the more the casino profits. This ain't Vegas and no whales are going to swim their way. Ok, why is this place really 4-stars? The rewards program. If you go there and hit the slots on a regular basis or play table games with your reward card, then you get tons of greet deals in the mail. Free dinner in the restaurant (which is surprisingly good). Free cash coupons. Go redeem it and it is either a set cash about, say, $25-50? I guess it could be more if you gamble more. There are also mystery coupons that range from $10-$500. Of course the $10 ones more up more often, but I've had a $150 before. My point is, everybody wins. This program follows the proven rule that if the gambler plays enough, they will lose. So, give out wads of cash and know they will spend that money and more. In exchange, someone like myself gets to place a few more bets, which equal a while longer of fun. Win-win.
(4)Ernesto A.
Just hit a $3,000.00 jackpot and got a free lobster dinner at the Steak House ($180.00 dinner)! Good times at Hollywood!
(5)Bev h.
major fails: - no smoking. you already had to build your shit on a river to allow gambling, but no smokes? lame. - shouldn't your drinks be cheaper to encourage people to stay longer/spend more money on gambling? $3 frozen margarita (that was WEAK and tasted like ass) was the "special," and bottled domestics were $4? i could get those prices in chicago, but i'm on a janky ass boat in aurora- get it together! - the buffet is actually called the Epic Buffet. nothing epic about it. and even at $19.99 a head, they have shitty options and you have to get your own drinks. good stuff: -$5 valet is not bad. -you will feel much better about the state of your life and finances after witnessing some of the people in here desperately plugging away at the penny slots like they might actually win a substantial amount of money (as others have mentioned, payouts are pretty sub-par). if i were writing this review based solely on the backside of the margarita girl, we are talking solid 5+ stars! she's the only reason i'm droppin a deuce on this place.
(2)Christine B.
I honestly hate gambling but my fiances family enjoys it so I went along for the ride. While the decor is somewhat tacky, I didn't mind because really, what casino has decor that isn't tacky. Either way, what made me happy is that all of the casinos in Illinois are smoke free. We live in Indiana and you could cut the smoke in our casino's with a knife. It's so gross. This place was very clean, not a lot of used cups lying around and sodas are free. I actually won a little bit and of course everyone made out like bandits. They just have that lucky gene. They also have hosted tables which is a nice touch. Buffet prices are usually around $18 which seems a bit high but whatever, we didn't eat there anyway. Nice place if you want to kill a few hours on a Sunday afternoon. It was Easter Sunday and wasn't busy. Parking in their garages is $4 but if you get a players card (which is free) then the parking is free, you just present your card on the way out.
(4)Julie A.
This is a smaller casino located in Aurora with a Hollywood theme. The movie props are fun to check out. The steakhouse is pretty good, the buffet..not so good. They seemed to have gotten rid of many of their quarter slots (with a 3 quarter max). They have no quater wheel of fortune.. boo hoo. It appears that they have brought in a lot of 5 & 2 cent machines.. which as you know means you are spending at least $1.00 a spin minimum if you want a bonus game. Place is clean, staff is very nice. Please bring in some other slots!
(3)Jeetu M.
One of the worst casinos I have ever been too. If you're under 40 you might want to go someplace else
(1)Jack B.
True, there ARE worse casinos in Illinois / Indiana (Empress and Harrah's come to mind....Horseshoe in Hammond is probably the best of the worst, not including Four Winds / Blue Chip), but nobody wins an award for being 'best loser'... The pros: -$5 blackjack....here's the bad part: the shoe is EIGHT decks!!! The casino claims it speeds the game up, but the only down time you experience with the house is during the shoe change....which takes less than 2 minutes each time....also, there are SEVEN player spots at these tables....if you're an experienced blackjack player, you can do the math...for the rest, good luck beating the house... The cons: -Eight deck blackjack shoes favor the house considerably...do the research if you think otherwise. I didn't spend longer than an hour at the blackjack tables and left up a small amount....at least it paid for the drive to the place.. -$1/2 NL hold'em was the only real action this place had when I was there....no really large pots...the money is easy to make here, but the bad beats are really bad...
(2)Greg V.
Slots, Blackjack cards any way you want to try to win some money.....unfortunately I always Lose oh well fun while it lasted I say!
(3)Local G.
well if you've run out of stuff to do then go to hollywood casino in Aurora. This is how you know you have hit rock bottom. First off your in Aurora so this starts off bad, then you park 2 blocks away and have to walk outside in the cold to get there. The joint looks deserted until you enter the actual casino then it is full of people who look like they have given up on life or are taking time away from their meth addiction. There are a lot of gangs in Aurora and sometimes they hang out at the casino. I only give it 2 stars because I won some money at the craps table with a $5 min.
(2)Mike P.
The Hollywood Casino in Aurora is about the only thing to do in Aurora, beside going to look for Wayne and Garth. There is no admission charge. The table games usually have a $15-$25 minimum. Hollywood does offer live poker play, but there is a waiting list usually. I'm not Mike McDermott, so I stick to my home poker game. The smoke isn't to bad, as the casino has a pretty high ceiling. Aurora is closer than Joliet, by a little. Just take Interstate 88 due west and follow the signs.
(2)Bobby D.
Not a bad casino, Although the downside is that you have to show your State ID, When entering. However, It was my first time being there. But nonetheless is STILL fun.
(4)