PENN Entertainment Advances Land-Based Casino Project with Council Bluffs Groundbreaking

PENN Entertainment conducted a groundbreaking ceremony for the Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs, a project designed to replace the existing Ameristar riverboat facility that has operated since the mid-1990s in Council Bluffs, Iowa. The development carries an estimated cost between 180 and 200 million dollars and will introduce a permanent land-based structure connected directly to the current hotel and pavilion. Construction timelines point toward a 2028 opening once regulatory approvals clear, while the initiative is projected to generate roughly 450 construction positions during the build phase along with 50 ongoing roles after completion. The new venue will house approximately 1,000 slot machines and 25 live table games, expanding the gaming options available in the area. Additional features include the region’s first Shake Shack location and a fast-casual Asian restaurant named Red Lotus, both positioned to serve visitors alongside the core gaming floor. These elements form part of a broader plan to modernize the property while maintaining continuity with the established hotel infrastructure already on site.

Project Scope and Site Integration

The facility will occupy land adjacent to the existing structures, allowing seamless access between the new casino building, the hotel tower, and the pavilion that currently supports events and dining. This connected layout eliminates the need for separate transportation between gaming areas and lodging, a change from the riverboat model where guests accessed the casino via a floating platform. Observers note that the design keeps the hotel and pavilion operational throughout construction, minimizing disruption to current visitors and staff. Data from the company indicates that the shift from the aging riverboat addresses maintenance demands that have accumulated over three decades of service. The land-based configuration also removes weather-related limitations that sometimes affected river access, creating a more consistent operating environment year-round.

Employment and Economic Details

Construction activity is expected to draw approximately 450 workers over the multi-year timeline, with hiring focused on local and regional labor pools. Once operational, the expanded facility will support about 50 additional permanent positions in areas such as gaming operations, food service, and guest services. These figures represent direct employment tied to the new building rather than indirect effects across the broader Council Bluffs economy. The project remains subject to final regulatory review, with state and local agencies reviewing plans before full construction proceeds at scale. Pending those clearances, equipment mobilization and foundation work are scheduled to advance in phases through late 2026 and into the following year.

Timeline and Regulatory Path

Company announcements place the target opening in 2028, assuming standard permitting progress and no extended delays in approvals. The schedule aligns with similar regional casino replacements that have moved from riverboat to land-based formats in recent years. As of September 2026, preliminary site preparation activities are underway while detailed engineering reviews continue with oversight bodies. The transition maintains the Hollywood Casino branding that PENN Entertainment has applied to the property, preserving guest recognition while updating the physical plant. Existing loyalty programs and hotel reservations will carry forward without interruption during the phased build.

Conclusion

The groundbreaking marks a defined step in replacing Council Bluffs’ longstanding riverboat casino with a modern land-based alternative. Details released by PENN Entertainment outline the scale, amenities, and employment projections tied to the 180-to-200-million-dollar investment, with connections to the existing hotel and pavilion ensuring operational continuity. Further updates will follow as regulatory milestones are reached and construction advances toward the 2028 target date.