Penn Entertainment Schedules 2026 Groundbreaking for New Hollywood Casino Replacement in Council Bluffs

Penn Entertainment has set September 14, 2026, as the date to break ground on a land-based Hollywood-branded casino in Council Bluffs, Iowa, with construction costs projected between 180 and 200 million dollars. The project replaces the adjacent Ameristar Council Bluffs riverboat casino, and the company targets a 2028 opening once all required approvals clear regulatory channels. Observers note that this move shifts operations from a floating facility to a permanent structure connected directly to the existing 160-room hotel and surrounding amenities. The development includes approximately 1,000 slot machines along with 25 table games, while new dining venues will feature the first Shake Shack location in the Omaha metropolitan area plus a Red Lotus Asian restaurant. Project planners expect the construction phase to generate 450 jobs, followed by 50 permanent positions once the facility opens. Those figures come from company statements released alongside the announcement, and they align with typical employment patterns seen in similar regional casino expansions across the Midwest.

Project Timeline and Regulatory Path

Groundbreaking activities begin in September 2026, yet the full build-out spans roughly two years before the targeted 2028 launch. Penn Entertainment must still secure final permits from Iowa gaming regulators, and the process includes environmental reviews plus local zoning confirmations. People familiar with state licensing procedures explain that riverboat-to-land conversions often encounter extended approval periods because authorities examine traffic impacts, water usage, and community benefit agreements in detail.

The existing Ameristar riverboat sits adjacent to the planned site, allowing crews to maintain operations during much of the construction period. Once the new building stands complete, the riverboat will be decommissioned and removed. This phased approach keeps revenue streams active while the land-based venue takes shape, and it mirrors strategies used in other states where operators transitioned from boats to fixed structures without full service interruptions.

Facility Features and Amenities

The casino floor will house the slot and table game mix mentioned earlier, yet the emphasis on dining sets this project apart from many regional competitors. Shake Shack will introduce its signature burgers and shakes to an area previously without the chain, while Red Lotus brings pan-Asian cuisine with sushi, noodles, and wok dishes. Both restaurants will sit inside the casino complex and connect to the existing hotel through indoor walkways.

Additional amenities already on site, including parking structures and entertainment spaces, will integrate with the new building. The design keeps the hotel as the central hub, so guests can move between rooms, gaming areas, and restaurants without leaving the property. According to project documents, architects focused on creating a cohesive campus rather than isolated structures, which helps reduce guest travel time and improves overall flow.

Economic and Employment Impact

Construction employment peaks at 450 workers during the busiest phases, drawing labor from Council Bluffs and nearby Omaha. Permanent staffing adds 50 full-time roles once doors open, covering positions in gaming, food service, security, and maintenance. Local economic analysts point out that these numbers represent steady rather than explosive growth, yet they still contribute to the regional hospitality sector that already employs thousands along the Iowa-Nebraska border.

Penn Entertainment projects the facility will support ongoing tax revenue for Pottawattamie County and the state of Iowa through gaming taxes plus sales and property levies. Figures released with the announcement show the investment range of 180 to 200 million dollars, which places the project among mid-sized casino builds in the Midwest. Community benefit agreements typically accompany such developments, and past Iowa projects have directed portions of revenue toward local infrastructure and education funds.

Market Context in the Omaha-Council Bluffs Area

The Omaha-Council Bluffs market already hosts several gaming options, yet the Hollywood rebrand and land-based format introduce fresh competition. The new venue will operate under the Hollywood Casino name, leveraging brand recognition from other Penn properties nationwide. Industry reports indicate that land-based facilities often achieve higher visitor counts than riverboats because of easier access and expanded square footage for amenities. The connection to the 160-room hotel gives the project an immediate lodging advantage that standalone casinos must build from scratch. Guests staying at the hotel gain direct indoor access to slots, tables, and the new restaurants, which increases the likelihood of extended visits and higher per-customer spending. Data from similar integrated resorts shows that on-site hotel guests generate measurably more gaming revenue than day-trip visitors alone.

Conclusion

The September 2026 groundbreaking marks a clear step forward for Penn Entertainment in Council Bluffs, replacing the riverboat with a modern land-based Hollywood Casino expected to open in 2028. The 180 to 200 million dollar investment brings roughly 1,000 slots, 25 table games, Shake Shack, and Red Lotus to the site while creating hundreds of construction jobs and dozens of permanent positions. All elements connect to the existing 160-room hotel, forming a unified destination once approvals finalize and construction concludes.