PENN Entertainment Breaks Ground on Hollywood Casino Replacement in Council Bluffs
Amir Powell · Sep 18, 2026
PENN Entertainment Breaks Ground on Hollywood Casino Replacement in Council Bluffs
PENN Entertainment has started construction on a new land-based Hollywood Casino in Council Bluffs, Iowa, and this project will replace the Ameristar riverboat casino that has operated since the mid-1990s while the company invests between 180 and 200 million dollars in the development that is scheduled to open in 2028. The facility will include more than 1,000 slot machines along with 25 live table games, and it will also feature a parking garage plus several new restaurants that include the area's first Shake Shack location, and the entire structure will connect directly to the existing hotel and related amenities that already serve visitors.
Construction activity began after the company received necessary approvals, and the timeline calls for completion ahead of the 2028 opening date, while the project is expected to generate around 450 construction jobs during the building phase and approximately 50 permanent positions once operations start. Observers note that replacing the aging riverboat with a permanent land-based structure addresses long-standing infrastructure needs in the region, and the design incorporates modern gaming floors alongside dining options that expand choices for guests who visit the property.
Project Scope and Key Features
The new casino will stand on land adjacent to the current hotel, and this placement allows seamless integration between gaming areas, accommodations, and parking facilities without requiring visitors to navigate separate locations. Over 1,000 slot machines will occupy dedicated floors, and 25 table games will provide options for live dealer play, while the parking garage will offer convenient access that reduces congestion during peak hours. New restaurants, including the first Shake Shack in the area, will add dining variety, and these additions connect to existing amenities so that the overall complex functions as a unified destination rather than a collection of separate structures.
According to project details released by PENN Entertainment, the development maintains continuity with the hotel that has served the site for years, and this connection supports operational efficiency while the company transitions from the riverboat model that has defined the property since the 1990s. Data from the announcement indicates that the investment range of 180 to 200 million dollars covers all major components from gaming equipment to structural work, and the timeline positions the opening for 2028 after phased construction milestones are met.
Economic Impact and Employment Projections
The construction phase alone is projected to create roughly 450 jobs in the Council Bluffs area, and these positions will support various trades from foundation work through finishing details as the building rises over the coming years. Once the casino opens, approximately 50 permanent roles will become available for ongoing operations, and these positions will range across gaming supervision, food service, and facility maintenance. Local economic reports suggest that such developments contribute to sustained activity in hospitality and retail sectors near the site, while the shift from a riverboat to a land-based facility modernizes the infrastructure that has supported regional tourism since the mid-1990s.
Figures released with the groundbreaking announcement highlight that the 180 to 200 million dollar investment will flow through multiple contractors and suppliers during the build period, and the resulting structure is designed to handle increased visitor capacity compared with the older riverboat configuration. Those who have tracked similar projects note that permanent staffing levels typically stabilize within the first year of operation, and the addition of 50 roles represents a baseline that can expand if demand exceeds initial projections.
Timeline and Regulatory Context
Groundbreaking occurred after PENN Entertainment secured permits and completed planning reviews, and the schedule sets the opening for 2028 to allow sufficient time for full construction and regulatory inspections. The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission oversees licensing and compliance for such facilities, and this body has reviewed the transition plans from the riverboat to the land-based site. Construction activity is expected to proceed in stages, with site preparation and foundational work leading into vertical building phases that align with the multi-year timeline.
By September 2026, crews will have advanced several key elements of the project, including structural framing and utility installations, and these milestones will keep the development on track for the 2028 debut. The regulatory framework in Iowa requires ongoing reporting throughout construction, and PENN Entertainment has committed to meeting all standards that govern gaming operations in the state.
Integration with Existing Amenities
The new casino building will link directly to the hotel that has operated alongside the riverboat for decades, and this integration preserves guest access to lodging while expanding gaming and dining options on the same campus. The parking garage will serve both new and existing facilities, and this shared infrastructure reduces the need for additional standalone structures. Restaurants planned for teh site, including the Shake Shack, will complement current food and beverage offerings without duplicating services that already exist at the property.
Design plans emphasize connectivity between the gaming floor, hotel lobby, and parking areas so that movement throughout the complex remains efficient, and this approach reflects standard practices in modern casino development where land-based facilities replace older floating venues. The overall footprint supports both day visitors and overnight guests while maintaining the operational flow that has characterized the Council Bluffs location since the 1990s.
Conclusion
The Hollywood Casino project represents a significant infrastructure update for PENN Entertainment in Iowa, and the replacement of the Ameristar riverboat with a land-based facility will introduce expanded gaming capacity along with new dining and parking features by 2028. Construction employment during the build phase and permanent positions after opening will contribute to local workforce activity, while the connected design preserves the hotel and amenities that have served visitors for years. The 180 to 200 million dollar investment and the scheduled opening date establish clear benchmarks for the development as work progresses through the coming years.