Rough economic times, new state laws, competition from slot machines and more modern casinos meant all bets were off when it came to an economic revival. At the 20th anniversary of Hollywood Casino-Aurora, it was obvious that even though the boats had brought millions of dollars in revenue to Aurora – which, to name a few, helped build the aquatic centers, neighborhood parks, roads and a police substation, not to mention contributed generously to local nonprofits – it could be argued those broken promises continued. Unfortunately, there are no guarantees when it comes to redevelopment. “After 2 decades of broken promises, fantasy plans, forgotten dreams, downtown redevelopment in Aurora is underway,” the subhead went on to proclaim. “Tomorrow is here,” touted headlines on that much-anticipated opening, when local residents and dignitaries climbed onto Hollywood Casino-Aurora’s City of Lights boat to take that first gambling “cruise” on the Fox River. Had it not been for Hollywood Casino, I would never have found myself sitting across a small table from Willie Nelson on his bus after a show, hearing about his wild career. Staff got to do interviews with the likes of Frank Sinatra and Ann-Margret. Then came the star-studded grand opening in June of ‘93.
