Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs Project Launches with Major Groundbreaking in Iowa

PENN Entertainment has initiated construction on the Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs, a project valued between 180 and 200 million dollars that will replace the existing Ameristar riverboat casino with a land-based facility in Council Bluffs Iowa across the Missouri River from Omaha Nebraska; the development incorporates approximately 1000 slot machines along with 25 table games plus new dining venues that include the first Shake Shack location in the Omaha area and the Red Lotus Asian eatery while maintaining connections to the current hotel structure.

Project Scope and Key Features

The facility will feature a comprehensive shift from riverboat operations to a permanent land-based casino hotel complex and construction teams plan to keep the Ameristar riverboat running throughout the build phase so that gaming and hospitality services continue without interruption for visitors and staff; this approach allows the company to sustain revenue streams while the new structure rises adjacent to the existing hotel towers. Observers note that the integration of roughly 1000 slot machines and 25 table games represents a focused expansion of gaming capacity compared to the riverboat setup and the addition of branded dining options such as Shake Shack and Red Lotus introduces new culinary variety that connects directly to the broader Omaha metropolitan market.

Timeline Construction Jobs and Economic Impact

Construction is scheduled to span 18 to 24 months with an anticipated opening in 2028 and the project is expected to generate approximately 450 construction positions during the active building period along with 50 new permanent roles once the facility becomes operational; these figures come from company announcements that detail how the development will unfold on the riverfront site. In September 2026 crews began initial groundwork activities that mark the formal start of the multi-year effort and state records confirm that PENN Entertainment secured the necessary permits to proceed with the land-based conversion while preserving ongoing riverboat functions.

Local workforce agencies have begun coordinating with contractors to fill the construction roles and industry reports indicate that the permanent positions will cover a range of operational needs including gaming floor management food and beverage service and hotel maintenance once the property opens its doors in 2028. The continued operation of the riverboat during construction ensures that employment levels at the current site remain stable until the transition occurs and this phased strategy minimizes disruption for both employees and the regional tourism sector that draws visitors from Nebraska and surrounding states.

Regulatory and Operational Context

Iowa regulatory bodies have reviewed and approved the land-based casino plans under existing gaming statutes that govern riverboat replacements and the process includes ongoing compliance checks to verify that the new facility meets all safety and operational standards before the 2028 debut; this framework allows PENN Entertainment to move forward while adhering to state requirements for licensing and taxation. Data from the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission shows steady casino revenue trends in the Council Bluffs market which supports the business case for investing in upgraded infrastructure that can attract additional patrons from the Omaha area and beyond.

Integration with Existing Infrastructure

The new Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs will link directly to the established hotel towers through planned pedestrian connections and interior pathways that facilitate easy movement between gaming areas dining outlets and lodging accommodations; this design choice preserves the value of the existing hotel asset while expanding the overall footprint to include expanded gaming and food service options. Construction documents outline how the project team will coordinate utility upgrades and site preparation around the active riverboat operations so that daily functions at the current casino continue smoothly during the 18 to 24 month build window.

Conclusion

The Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs development by PENN Entertainment centers on a 180 to 200 million dollar investment that converts riverboat gaming into a land-based destination featuring 1000 slots 25 tables and new dining concepts while creating hundreds of construction jobs and dozens of permanent positions ahead of the 2028 opening. Operations at the Ameristar riverboat will persist throughout construction and the project timeline includes initial site work noted in September 2026 followed by steady progress toward completion. Regulatory approvals from Iowa authorities and integration with the existing hotel ensure the transition aligns with state guidelines and market demands in the Council Bluffs Omaha region.