PENN Entertainment Schedules Groundbreaking for New Hollywood Casino in Council Bluffs

PENN Entertainment has set September 14, 2026, as the date for breaking ground on its new land-based Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs project in Iowa, and the $180–200 million development will replace the existing Ameristar Council Bluffs riverboat casino while connecting directly to the current hotel and pavilion structures. The facility is expected to feature approximately 1,000 slot machines along with 25 live table games, and it will introduce new dining venues that include the first Shake Shack location in the Omaha area. Construction is slated to last between 18 and 24 months, which positions the opening for 2028 and supports the creation of 450 temporary construction positions plus 50 new permanent roles once operations begin.

Project Scope and Site Integration

The announcement centers on transforming the Council Bluffs location from a riverboat operation into a permanent land-based casino that maintains continuity with the adjacent hotel and pavilion already in place. Observers note that this approach allows the company to build on existing infrastructure while expanding the gaming floor and adding food and beverage options that broaden the overall guest experience. Data from the project outline shows the inclusion of both slot machines and table games as core elements, and the addition of Shake Shack represents a specific dining draw that extends appeal beyond traditional casino visitors.

Construction Timeline and Employment Impact

Groundbreaking on September 14, 2026, marks the formal start of an 18-to-24-month build period that leads to a 2028 opening, and this schedule aligns with the need to transition operations away from the riverboat format. Industry reports indicate the project will generate 450 construction jobs during the active building phase, while the completed venue is projected to add 50 permanent positions to the local workforce. Those who have tracked similar developments in the region recognize that such timelines often incorporate phased work to minimize disruption to ongoing hotel and pavilion activities at the site.

Regulatory and Development Context

The move from riverboat to land-based gaming follows established patterns in Iowa where operators have sought modern facilities that improve accessibility and expand amenities. According to coverage on Yogonet, PENN Entertainment has coordinated the September 14, 2026, groundbreaking to comply with state requirements while advancing the replacement of the Ameristar riverboat. Figures from project filings reveal that the $180–200 million investment covers the new casino structure, gaming equipment, and dining additions without altering the connected hotel and pavilion components.

Operational Features and Guest Amenities

Once complete the Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs will operate with roughly 1,000 slot machines and 25 live table games, and these numbers reflect a deliberate scaling that matches current market demand in the Council Bluffs area. The introduction of Shake Shack as the first location of its kind in the Omaha region adds a nationally recognized dining option that integrates with the broader entertainment offerings. People who monitor regional gaming expansions note that connecting the new casino directly to the existing hotel and pavilion creates a unified campus layout that streamlines guest movement between lodging, gaming, and food services.

Economic Contributions to the Region

The 450 construction jobs generated over the 18-to-24-month build period represent a short-term boost to local employment, while the 50 new permanent positions will sustain ongoing operations after the 2028 opening. Research from gaming industry analyses shows that land-based facilities of this scale often support additional indirect economic activity through supplier contracts and visitor spending. The transition away from the riverboat format allows PENN Entertainment to modernize the property while retaining the established brand presence in Council Bluffs, and this continuity helps preserve existing guest relationships during the changeover.

Conclusion

The September 14, 2026, groundbreaking for the Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs sets in motion a multi-year process that replaces the Ameristar riverboat with a $180–200 million land-based facility featuring 1,000 slots, 25 table games, and expanded dining that includes Shake Shack. Construction spanning 18 to 24 months leads to a 2028 debut and delivers 450 construction jobs plus 50 permanent positions, all while linking the new casino to the existing hotel and pavilion. Coverage from Casino.org confirms these core elements as the foundation of the project, and the timeline positions the development as a significant update to Iowa gaming infrastructure.