PENN Entertainment Advances Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs Project
PENN Entertainment has scheduled the groundbreaking ceremony for September 14, 2026, to launch construction of a new $180–200 million land-based Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs in Iowa, and this development will replace the existing Ameristar Council Bluffs riverboat casino with a modern facility that connects directly to the current hotel and amenities. The project features approximately 1,000 slot machines along with 25 table games while adding new dining options that include the first Shake Shack in the Omaha area plus Red Lotus Asian eatery, and completion is projected within 18–24 months after work begins.
Project Scope and Timeline
The announcement outlines a shift from the riverboat format to a permanent land-based structure that integrates with existing infrastructure, and this approach allows the operator to maintain operations during the transition period while expanding the overall footprint. Construction crews will handle site preparation starting in September 2026, with the full build expected to wrap up between late 2027 and mid-2028 depending on weather and supply chain factors. Those involved in the planning note that the design emphasizes seamless connections to the hotel tower and parking areas already in place, which reduces the need for additional standalone structures.
Economic Contributions
Data from the project indicates the creation of 450 construction jobs during the build phase and 50 permanent positions once the facility opens, and these figures come from PENN Entertainment's public statements on local hiring priorities. The investment range of $180–200 million covers gaming floor expansion, dining venues, and infrastructure upgrades, while regional economic analyses suggest increased tax revenue for Pottawattamie County and the state of Iowa once operations stabilize. Industry reports highlight similar land-based conversions in other Midwest markets that produced measurable upticks in visitor spending and employment retention.
Facility Features and Amenities
The new casino will house roughly 1,000 slot machines and 25 table games in a consolidated layout that improves guest flow compared with the riverboat setup, and dining additions such as Shake Shack and Red Lotus Asian eatery introduce national and regional brands to the Council Bluffs market. These outlets connect directly to the existing hotel, allowing guests to move between accommodations, gaming, and meals without leaving the property. Planners have incorporated flexible event space that can accommodate concerts and private functions, building on the venue's established role as a regional entertainment destination.
Regulatory and Market Context
Iowa gaming regulations require formal approval processes for land-based conversions, and PENN Entertainment has already secured the necessary permits to proceed with the September 2026 start date. According to industry coverage of the announcement, the move aligns with broader trends where operators replace aging riverboats with permanent structures to enhance guest experience and operational efficiency. State revenue data from comparable projects shows steady contributions to education and infrastructure funds once facilities reach full capacity.
Community and Employment Impact
Local workforce development programs stand to benefit from the 450 construction roles, which span skilled trades and general labor positions, while the 50 permanent jobs focus on gaming operations, hospitality, and food service. PENN Entertainment has indicated partnerships with area training centers to prioritize Council Bluffs and Omaha residents for hiring, and similar initiatives at other company properties have produced sustained employment rates above regional averages. The project timeline allows for phased recruitment so that construction workers transition into operational roles where possible.
Conclusion
The September 2026 groundbreaking marks a clear step forward for the Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs site, replacing the riverboat with an integrated land-based complex that expands gaming and dining choices while generating hundreds of jobs. Completion within 18–24 months will position the property for continued operation alongside the existing hotel and amenities, and ongoing updates from PENN Entertainment will detail progress toward the 2027–2028 opening window. This single development reflects standard industry practice for modernizing riverboat assets into permanent facilities.