PENN Entertainment Launches New Hollywood Casino Hotel Project in Council Bluffs

The groundbreaking ceremony for the new land-based Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs took place on September 14, 2026, and it marked the official start of a major construction effort led by PENN Entertainment to replace the aging Ameristar riverboat casino with a modern facility. The project carries an estimated cost between 180 adn 200 million dollars, and it will connect directly to existing structures while introducing fresh entertainment and dining features once completed.

Project Scope and Key Features

Plans call for approximately 1,000 slot machines along with 25 live table games, and the development will add new dining options that include the area’s first Shake Shack location. Construction is slated to create about 450 temporary positions focused on building the facility, while the finished venue is expected to support 50 permanent roles once operations begin. The timeline targets an opening in 2028, though final approvals remain pending from relevant authorities.

Workers broke ground on the site during the September 14 event, and this step shifts the focus from the riverboat setup that has operated for years to a land-based structure designed for improved guest access and expanded amenities. Connections to current facilities will allow seamless movement between the new and established areas, which reduces disruption for ongoing visitors during the transition period.

Timeline and Regulatory Path

Project leaders have outlined a multi-year build that starts immediately after the ceremony, and they continue to work through required permits before full-scale operations can launch in 2028. The shift away from the riverboat model reflects broader industry movements toward permanent structures that offer more space for gaming floors, dining, and other guest services. Data from local coverage shows the investment range and job projections remain consistent across announcements tied to this specific development.

But here's the thing: the 50 permanent positions represent ongoing employment opportunities once the doors open, while the 450 construction roles provide shorter-term work that supports the regional economy during the build phase. Observers note that the inclusion of a Shake Shack marks the first such outlet in the area, which adds a nationally recognized dining option to the casino complex.

Economic and Community Impact

The development is projected to bring updated gaming capacity with the 1,000 slots and 25 tables, and it will maintain links to the existing infrastructure that already serves Council Bluffs visitors. Those who've studied similar projects know that land-based facilities often allow for greater flexibility in layout compared to riverboat designs, which can improve traffic flow and overall guest experience once operational. The ceremony itself highlighted these planned upgrades, and it drew attention to how the 180 to 200 million dollar investment aligns with PENN Entertainment's strategy for modernizing its Iowa properties.

Turns out the pending approvals for the 2028 opening involve coordination with state regulatory bodies that oversee gaming expansions, and project documents emphasize the creation of both construction and permanent jobs as central outcomes. One study from regional economic reports revealed patterns where such investments sustain local employment beyond the initial build, though specifics here stay limited to the stated figures of 450 construction roles and 50 permanent positions.

Conclusion

teh September 14, 2026 groundbreaking sets a clear path forward for the Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs, and it replaces the Ameristar riverboat with a land-based venue that includes expanded gaming, new dining choices, and direct facility connections. According to reports from local broadcast coverage and additional details in regional print sources, the timeline and job estimates remain central to the announcement. This single project continues to move through its approval stages with an eye toward the 2028 launch.