PENN Entertainment Advances Hollywood Casino Hotel Project in Council Bluffs

PENN Entertainment will break ground on September 14, 2026, for a new land-based Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs valued between 180 and 200 million dollars, and this facility will replace the existing Ameristar Council Bluffs riverboat casino currently operating on the Missouri River in Iowa. The project shifts operations from a floating vessel to a permanent structure on land, which brings expanded space for gaming floors and hospitality amenities while maintaining the company's presence in the region. Construction timelines project completion within 18 to 24 months after the initial groundbreaking ceremony, allowing the venue to open its doors to visitors by late 2027 or early 2028 depending on weather and supply chain factors.

Project Specifications and Features

The new casino will house more than 1,000 slot machines along with 25 table games in a consolidated gaming area designed for efficient player flow and modern equipment standards. Dining options expand significantly with the addition of the first Shake Shack location in the Omaha metro area plus the Red Lotus Asian eatery, both positioned to serve casino guests and local residents alike. These restaurants join the broader property layout that includes hotel accommodations and supporting retail spaces, creating a multi-use destination that integrates entertainment with everyday amenities.

Site preparation work begins immediately after the September 14, 2026, ceremony, and crews will focus first on foundation work and utility connections before moving into vertical construction phases. The land-based format eliminates river-related maintenance costs associated with the current riverboat setup, which has operated for years under Iowa gaming regulations that permit such vessels along the Missouri River boundary.

Economic Contributions and Job Creation

Project leaders estimate the development will generate 450 construction jobs during the build phase, drawing workers from Council Bluffs, Omaha, and surrounding communities in western Iowa and eastern Nebraska. Once operational the facility plans to add 50 permanent positions focused on gaming operations, food service, hospitality, and facility maintenance. These roles supplement the existing workforce already employed at the Ameristar riverboat, with many positions expected to transition as the new property comes online.

Local suppliers and contractors stand to benefit from material purchases and subcontracting opportunities throughout the construction window. Iowa economic reports track similar casino developments as contributors to regional tax revenues, and this project follows established patterns where land-based venues support steady year-round activity compared to seasonal river operations limited by weather or water levels.

Transition from Riverboat to Land-Based Operations

The existing Ameristar Council Bluffs riverboat will continue service until the new Hollywood Casino Hotel reaches full operation, at which point gaming activities shift to the permanent structure. This phased approach minimizes disruption for regular patrons while allowing time for staff training on updated systems and layouts. Regulatory oversight from Iowa gaming authorities covers both the transition period and final licensing for the expanded land-based venue, ensuring compliance with state rules on machine counts, table limits, and responsible gaming measures.

Observers familiar with regional casino trends note that land-based facilities often incorporate larger event spaces and hotel towers that riverboats cannot easily accommodate due to size constraints on the water. The Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs project incorporates these elements to compete more directly with other Midwest gaming destinations that have already moved away from floating platforms.

Timeline and Next Steps

Groundbreaking on September 14, 2026, marks the official start of site work, with major milestones including steel erection and interior fit-out scheduled over the following 18 to 24 months. Updates on progress will come through company announcements and local permitting records as construction advances. Once open the property will operate under the Hollywood Casino brand, maintaining continuity with PENN Entertainment's national portfolio while introducing new dining concepts tailored to the Omaha-Council Bluffs market.

Conclusion

The September 14, 2026, groundbreaking for the Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs represents a significant infrastructure shift for PENN Entertainment in Iowa, replacing a long-standing riverboat with a modern land-based complex that includes expanded gaming, new restaurants, and additional employment opportunities. Completion within the stated 18-to-24-month window will allow the company to maintain continuous market presence while upgrading facilities to current industry standards. According to industry reporting on the project, these developments align with broader trends toward permanent structures in river-adjacent gaming markets across the Midwest.