Penn Entertainment Schedules Groundbreaking for Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs

Penn Entertainment has set September 14 2026 as the date to break ground on its new land-based Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs and the project carries an estimated cost between 180 and 200 million dollars while it will stand in Council Bluffs Iowa directly across from Omaha and replace the adjacent thirty-year-old Ameristar Council Bluffs riverboat casino that has operated on the Missouri River for decades.

Project Specifications and Features

The facility will include approximately one thousand slot machines along with twenty-five table games and it will introduce new dining venues such as Shake Shack and Red Lotus while the design shifts the operation from a riverboat format to a permanent land-based structure that eliminates water-based restrictions and allows expanded amenities for visitors. Observers note that this transition aligns with broader industry shifts where land-based properties gain preference because they offer greater flexibility for growth and guest experiences compared to older riverboat models that face seasonal and regulatory limitations on the water.

Timeline and Construction Phases

Construction is expected to span eighteen to twenty-four months with completion targeted around 2028 so the new property can open its doors once the riverboat ceases operations and the entire process begins with the September 14 2026 ceremony that marks the official start of site work on the chosen location. Data from similar regional projects shows that such timelines often include phased development where foundational infrastructure precedes the main building envelope and interior fit-outs follow to meet the final deadline without unnecessary delays.

Economic and Employment Impact

The development is projected to generate four hundred fifty construction jobs during the building phase and fifty permanent positions once the casino and hotel reach full operation and these figures come from company announcements that detail workforce needs across skilled trades and hospitality roles. Those who have tracked Midwest gaming expansions know that such job creation often extends beyond direct hires because suppliers and local service providers see increased demand while the influx of visitors supports nearby restaurants and retail outlets in Council Bluffs and the greater Omaha area.

According to coverage on Casino.org the investment reflects Penn Entertainment's strategy to modernize its Iowa presence and replace aging infrastructure with a property that meets contemporary standards for gaming and lodging. The company has indicated that the new site will maintain continuity for existing Ameristar customers during the transition yet it will introduce updated amenities that attract a wider audience from both sides of the state line.

Regulatory and Market Context

Iowa gaming regulations permit the shift from riverboat to land-based operations when operators meet specific approval criteria and Penn Entertainment has already secured the necessary local and state clearances that allow the project to proceed on the announced schedule. Reports from Hotel News Resource confirm that the Council Bluffs market has maintained steady visitor traffic over the years and the new facility is positioned to capture additional market share by offering expanded non-gaming options alongside the core gaming floor.

Conclusion

The September 14 2026 groundbreaking marks a clear milestone for Penn Entertainment as it moves forward with replacing the thirty-year-old riverboat and the resulting Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs will feature one thousand slots twenty-five table games and signature dining outlets while delivering hundreds of temporary and permanent jobs over the construction and operational phases that run through 2028. This single development illustrates how established operators continue to invest in regional markets by updating physical assets and employment opportunities without relying on older floating platforms.