PENN Entertainment Launches Groundbreaking for New Hollywood Casino in Council Bluffs

On September 14, 2026 PENN Entertainment broke ground on a new land-based Hollywood Casino in Council Bluffs, Iowa and this development will replace the aging Ameristar riverboat facility that has operated for three decades, while the project carries an estimated cost between 180 and 200 million dollars with an expected opening targeted for 2028.

The new facility plans include more than 1,000 slot machines along with 25 live table games, several restaurants that feature the first Shake Shack location in the Omaha area, a parking garage and additional amenities, and the design incorporates direct connections to the existing hotel structure on the property.

Project Scope and Timeline Details

Construction crews began site preparation work on the specified date in September 2026, and the timeline projects a full opening two years later in 2028, while officials from PENN Entertainment have outlined how the land-based structure will provide expanded space compared to the current riverboat setup that has served visitors since the 1990s.

Planners have incorporated modern gaming floors that accommodate the slot machines and table games, and the addition of dining options extends beyond the Shake Shack to include other venues that aim to draw regional visitors from both Iowa and neighboring Nebraska communities.

Economic Impact and Employment Projections

The development is projected to generate around 450 construction jobs during the building phase, and once operational the casino is expected to add approximately 50 permanent positions to the local workforce, while these figures come from company announcements that detail the scale of investment in the Council Bluffs area.

Local infrastructure will see upgrades through the parking garage and connectivity features, and observers note that the shift from a riverboat to a permanent land-based venue aligns with broader trends in the gaming industry where operators seek more flexible layouts and year-round accessibility regardless of river conditions.

Facility Features and Regional Context

The casino will maintain ties to the Hollywood brand that PENN Entertainment operates across multiple states, and the inclusion of familiar amenities such as the Shake Shack marks an expansion of food options that previously were limited on the riverboat configuration, while the overall layout emphasizes convenience for guests staying at the adjacent hotel.

Data from industry reports indicate that similar replacements of older riverboat casinos have led to increased visitor numbers in comparable markets, and the Council Bluffs location benefits from its proximity to the Omaha metropolitan area which supplies a steady stream of cross-border traffic.

Regulatory and Development Background

State gaming regulations in Iowa have supported the transition to land-based facilities, and PENN Entertainment has worked through the necessary approvals to move forward with this specific project that updates an established gaming destination, while the $180 to $200 million investment reflects current construction costs for comprehensive casino complexes that integrate entertainment, dining and parking elements.

According to detailed coverage from Gambling News, the groundbreaking marks a significant milestone for the region, and further context appears in materials from the American Gaming Association which tracks nationwide shifts toward modernized casino infrastructure.

Conclusion

The Hollywood Casino project in Council Bluffs represents a substantial update to an existing gaming operation, and the combination of expanded gaming options, new dining choices and improved facilities positions the venue for continued operation well into the future, while the employment opportunities during construction and after opening contribute measurable economic activity to the local economy through 2028 and beyond.