PENN Entertainment Moves Forward with Land-Based Hollywood Casino Hotel in Council Bluffs

PENN Entertainment will break ground on September 14, 2026 for a new land-based Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs project valued between 180 and 200 million dollars while the existing Ameristar Council Bluffs riverboat casino sits adjacent to the planned development site and state regulators review the necessary approvals before work begins. The initiative centers on replacing the riverboat operation with a permanent facility that integrates directly with the current hotel structure and surrounding amenities already in place.

Project Scope and Key Features

The facility will include roughly 1,000 slot machines along with 25 table games once it opens to the public and developers have outlined plans for expanded dining that features the first Shake Shack location in the greater Omaha area. Connections to the existing hotel will allow guests to move between gaming areas, lodging, and new food options without leaving the property while construction crews prepare the site for a target opening in 2028.

Observers note that the shift from riverboat to land-based operations aligns with broader industry trends where operators seek more flexible spaces for larger gaming floors and additional amenities. Data from similar projects shows that land-based venues often support higher guest volumes because they eliminate the physical constraints of vessels while still meeting state gaming regulations.

Timeline and Regulatory Process

Groundbreaking is scheduled for September 14, 2026 and the company has stated that all work remains pending regulatory approvals from Iowa authorities. The project timeline calls for completion by 2028 with phased construction expected to minimize disruption to the current casino operations during the transition period. Those who have followed similar replacements note that regulatory reviews typically focus on site plans, environmental impact, and compliance with gaming statutes before permits are issued.

According to announcements shared through industry channels the ceremony will mark the official start of major earthwork and foundation preparation on the Iowa site. The company continues to coordinate with local officials to ensure all documentation meets requirements before crews arrive on the specified date.

Economic Impact and Job Creation

Projections indicate the construction phase will generate approximately 450 jobs while the completed facility is expected to add 50 permanent positions once operations begin. These figures come directly from company statements and reflect estimates based on comparable developments in the region. Economic analysts have pointed out that such projects often create additional indirect employment through supply chains and local services although the core numbers remain tied to the direct construction and operations roles.

The investment range of 180 to 200 million dollars covers the full scope of building the new structure along with interior fit-out and integration work with the existing hotel. Funding details have not been released publicly yet industry reports show that major operators frequently use a combination of internal capital and financing arrangements for projects of this scale.

Integration with Existing Operations

The new building will connect physically to the current Ameristar Council Bluffs hotel which means guests will retain access to established amenities while the gaming floor transitions from the riverboat to the land-based venue. This approach allows the operator to maintain continuity for regular visitors during the multi-year construction window and reduces the need for separate infrastructure investments. Those tracking the project note that maintaining hotel access throughout construction represents a deliberate strategy to limit revenue interruptions.

Conclusion

teh September 14, 2026 groundbreaking represents a significant step in PENN Entertainment's plan to modernize its Council Bluffs presence by replacing the riverboat with a larger permanent facility. With approximately 1,000 slots, 25 table games, new dining options including the first Shake Shack in the Omaha area, and direct links to the existing hotel the project is positioned to open in 2028 once regulatory approvals clear. The expected creation of 450 construction jobs and 50 permanent positions underscores the local economic dimension while the overall 180 to 200 million dollar investment reflects the scale of the transition. Further updates will depend on the outcome of pending regulatory reviews and construction progress after the ceremony date.