PENN Entertainment Breaks Ground on New Land-Based Hollywood Casino in Council Bluffs

PENN Entertainment has announced the start of a major redevelopment project in Council Bluffs, Iowa, and the company held a groundbreaking ceremony on September 14 to mark the beginning of work on the new land-based Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs. The initiative carries an estimated cost between 180 and 200 million dollars, and it will replace the existing Ameristar Council Bluffs riverboat casino with a permanent facility built on land. Construction crews expect to finish the project within 18 to 24 months, which means the casino could open in 2028 once all regulatory approvals are secured. The new venue will feature roughly 1,000 slot machines along with 25 live table games, and it will add several dining options that include the first Shake Shack location in the Omaha area. Planners designed the building to connect directly with the existing hotel and other amenities already on the property, so guests can move between facilities without leaving the complex. Throughout the construction period the riverboat will continue to operate, which allows the site to maintain its current gaming and hospitality services until the land-based replacement opens.

Project Scope and Facility Features

The redevelopment centers on a shift from a riverboat operation to a land-based structure that meets modern casino standards. Observers note that the layout incorporates expanded gaming space along with new food and beverage outlets, and the addition of a Shake Shack represents the first such restaurant in the broader Omaha metropolitan region. According to project details the facility will maintain connections to the existing hotel tower, which preserves access to lodging and other established amenities while the new casino floor takes shape.

Those involved in the planning have emphasized that the riverboat will remain active during the entire build phase, and this approach prevents any interruption in revenue or visitor access. The transition strategy keeps the focus on continuity for both employees and guests who rely on the current location.

Construction Timeline and Workforce Impact

Work on the site began after the September 14 ceremony, and crews will spend the next 18 to 24 months erecting the new structure. The timeline places the anticipated opening in 2028, subject to final regulatory clearances from Iowa gaming authorities. During this window the project will generate around 450 construction jobs, and once the facility opens it will add approximately 50 new permanent positions to the existing workforce.

Project managers have coordinated the schedule so that the riverboat casino stays operational, and this overlap ensures that employment levels remain stable while the land-based building rises. Data from similar regional projects shows that such phased approaches can support steady local hiring throughout the construction cycle.

Regulatory Path and Local Economic Context

Final approvals from state regulators will determine the exact opening date, and PENN Entertainment has already begun the necessary application process. The company continues to operate the riverboat while it advances the new plans, which demonstrates a commitment to maintaining service levels in Council Bluffs. Industry reports indicate that the 180 to 200 million dollar investment will contribute to broader economic activity in the area through both temporary construction roles and the longer-term addition of permanent staff.

One study of comparable casino expansions in the Midwest revealed that land-based facilities often attract increased visitor traffic once construction concludes, and the inclusion of new dining concepts such as Shake Shack may further support that pattern. The project remains on track to meet its 2028 target provided regulatory reviews proceed without delay.

Conclusion

The Council Bluffs redevelopment marks a significant step for PENN Entertainment as it transitions the Ameristar riverboat into a modern land-based Hollywood Casino Hotel. With groundbreaking completed in September and an 18-to-24-month construction window ahead, the project will deliver expanded gaming, new dining choices, and direct links to existing hotel amenities. Construction will create hundreds of temporary positions while adding dozens of permanent roles upon opening in 2028, and the riverboat will continue serving guests throughout the build. Regulatory approvals remain the final requirement before the facility can welcome visitors to the updated site.