Some way-back machines only go so far.
I found that out when trying to get information from our online library, which unfortunately and thanks to too many owners over the decades, only goes back to 1997.
That’s four years after Hollywood Casino set “sail” on the Fox River, opening its doors to big-time gambling in downtown Aurora. Which meant I was unable to pull specific details on how it was way-back then.
My thought was to see how things have changed in the 33 years between Hollywood Casino Aurora’s first job fair and its latest, which will take place Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4-8 p.m. in the training room at 49 W. Galena Blvd. in downtown Aurora.
Back then, the casino had to be floating on water in order for the gambling to be legal, which sounds downright archaic considering all the gaming now taking place on land and sea and most especially in cyberspace.
When I joined The Beacon-News in May of 1993 the buzz was all about Aurora getting one of Illinois’ earliest new riverboat casino licenses. While many considered it a risky venture, it was such BIG news that the managing editor assigned two reporters to do nothing but casino stories for six months prior to its opening. And one writer even got to stay on that beat for another half year after that pair of riverboats set sail on June 17, 1993.
Times have certainly changed.
Unlike the newspaper business, the internet has been great for gaming and gambling. Not only is it available 24/7 just about anywhere in the world, the industry has thrived under new laws that helped turn this once-taboo activity into mainstream entertainment.
Those paddlewheel gambling boats are as much a thing of the past as newspaper delivery boys. I’m not here to complain, however, but to inform readers of the many employment opportunities this big new casino is bringing our way.
When Hollywood Casino Aurora opens its new $360 million land-based and thoroughly modern facility near I-88 – some time around the middle of this year – it will double the number of permanent jobs that had been offered by its original version.
Saturday’s job fair is specifically looking for people 21 and older to fill open table games positions. Those include casino operations shift managers and dealers, both experienced and non-experienced who will be trained. Positions include day-one benefits, paid time off, professional training and 401(k) benefits for full-time and some part-time employees.
Greg Moore, vice president and general manager of Hollywood Casino Aurora, tells me this is the first of several job fairs, as the company is also hiring for positions that include culinary back of house, food and beverage front of house, banquet, hotel, spa, surveillance, security, facilities, transportation and valet, cage and professional positions.
All told there will be about “800 team members, up from 400,” he said, adding that the facility will feature around 1,200 gaming positions, 220 guest rooms, a retail sportsbook, outdoor entertainment area, full service spa, high-end bars and restaurants and a 12,000-square-foot event center.
While those interested in working at the new casino are encouraged to apply in advance through hollywoodcasinoaurora.com, computers will be available at the job fair to complete on-site applications, Moore said, noting there could be offers made on the day of the job fair, particularly for those who show they have the kind of personality it takes to make a good dealer.
“We are looking for people who can bring that main character energy to the job … those that don’t just go through the motions but are friendly, talkative and want to be part of the show,” he said.
Moore told me he was in high school back when the casino first opened in Aurora. But he assured me there are some employees, including seven dealers, who have been with the casino since day one.
“They are just the greatest people ever,” Moore said, quickly adding that enthusiasm is mounting as the company gets “deeper into the planning” and more team members are brought on board.
“Words cannot describe how excited I am,” he said, noting that of the 17 casinos in Illinois, this new facility “will give the others a run for their money” at the number one spot.
“It will,” he said, “be beautiful.”
dcrosby@tribpub.com
