PENN Entertainment Advances Major Casino Replacement Project in Council Bluffs

PENN Entertainment has scheduled the groundbreaking for September 14, 2026, on a new land-based Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs in Iowa, and the $180–200 million project will replace the adjacent Ameristar Council Bluffs riverboat casino once regulatory approvals clear. The development carries an expected opening in 2028 and will include roughly 1,000 slot machines along with 25 live table games plus new dining options that feature the first Shake Shack in the Omaha area.

Construction timelines project 18 to 24 months of work that will connect the new facility to the existing hotel and amenities already on site. The company has stated the existing property currently employs more than 500 people while the build phase alone should generate about 450 construction jobs and create 50 new permanent positions once operations begin.

Project Scope and Features

The planned casino will shift operations from the riverboat format to a permanent land-based structure that integrates directly with current hotel infrastructure. Observers note that this approach allows the property to expand its gaming floor while maintaining guest access to established lodging and related services throughout the transition period.

Plans call for approximately 1,000 slot machines paired with 25 live table games, and dining expansions will introduce the Shake Shack location that marks the first of its kind in the broader Omaha market. Those who've reviewed the details point out how the connections to the existing hotel aim to preserve operational continuity while the new building takes shape adjacent to the riverboat site.

Timeline and Regulatory Path

Groundbreaking remains set for September 14, 2026, with full operations targeted for 2028 after the 18-to-24-month construction window. Regulatory approvals from Iowa authorities stand as the next required step before work can proceed, and company statements emphasize that the project timeline hinges on those clearances moving forward without delay.

Industry reports indicate similar replacement projects in other states have followed comparable sequences where riverboat facilities give way to land-based structures once permits finalize. The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission will review the necessary documentation, and PENN Entertainment has outlined a process that keeps the current Ameristar operations running until the new venue reaches completion.

Economic and Employment Impact

The construction phase projects roughly 450 temporary jobs while the finished property expects to add 50 permanent roles on top of the more than 500 positions already supported by the existing Ameristar location. Data from regional economic studies shows casino developments of this scale often generate indirect employment through supply chains and visitor spending in surrounding communities.

According to figures released with the announcement, the total investment falls between $180 million and $200 million, and those funds will flow into local materials, labor, and equipment purchases during the build-out. People familiar with Iowa gaming expansions note that such projects typically contribute to tax revenues once the facility opens and begins operations in 2028.

Integration with Existing Infrastructure

The design emphasizes direct linkages between the new casino structure and the current hotel amenities, which reduces disruption for guests during construction. This connection strategy allows the property to maintain revenue streams from lodging and other non-gaming offerings while the gaming floor transitions from the riverboat to the land-based site.

Experts tracking regional casino trends have observed that integrated developments like this one often improve operational efficiency by consolidating facilities under one footprint. The inclusion of new dining options alongside the gaming expansion further positions the venue to attract a broader visitor base from the Omaha-Council Bluffs area once it opens.

Conclusion

PENN Entertainment's plans position the Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs as a significant upgrade from the current riverboat setup, with the September 14, 2026, groundbreaking marking the start of an 18-to-24-month construction period leading to a 2028 opening. The project details include specific gaming counts, dining additions, job projections, and infrastructure connections that align with the company's public statements. Regulatory approvals remain the key milestone ahead, and the timeline reflects standard processes seen in comparable gaming facility replacements.