PENN Entertainment Schedules Groundbreaking for New Hollywood Casino Hotel in Council Bluffs

The announcement from PENN Entertainment outlines a $180 to $200 million land-based Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs project that will replace the existing Ameristar Council Bluffs riverboat casino, and the company has set the groundbreaking date for September 14, 2026. This development marks a shift from the current riverboat operation to a permanent structure while maintaining continuity with the adjacent hotel property already in place. Reports indicate the new facility will include approximately 1,000 slot machines along with 25 live table games, and it will introduce dining venues such as Shake Shack as part of the expanded offerings. Construction is projected to span 18 to 24 months, which positions the opening for sometime in 2028 once the work reaches completion. The timeline aligns directly with the September 2026 start, allowing crews to move forward without extended delays. Observers note that this schedule reflects standard industry practices for projects of this scale in the Midwest region.

Project Specifications and Design Elements

The new casino will connect directly to the existing hotel, which creates a seamless integration between gaming areas, lodging, and guest amenities. This linkage supports operational efficiency because visitors can access all facilities without leaving the property. The design emphasizes a land-based format that eliminates the limitations associated with the riverboat setup currently in use at the Ameristar location.

Slot machines will number around 1,000 while table games will total 25, and these figures represent the core gaming capacity planned for the facility. Additional dining choices, including Shake Shack, will supplement the gaming floor and provide variety for patrons throughout their visits. Such elements form part of the overall project scope announced by PENN Entertainment.

Employment and Construction Details

The project is expected to generate around 450 construction jobs during the building phase, and it will add approximately 50 new permanent positions once operations begin. These workforce figures cover both temporary roles tied to the 18-to-24-month construction period and ongoing staff needs at the completed casino and hotel complex. Data from the announcement shows these employment impacts as direct outcomes of the investment in Council Bluffs.

Groundbreaking activities scheduled for September 14, 2026, will initiate site preparation and foundation work, after which structural phases can proceed in sequence. The 18-to-24-month window accommodates weather considerations typical for Iowa while allowing contractors to meet the 2028 target date.

Transition from Riverboat to Land-Based Operations

Replacement of the Ameristar Council Bluffs riverboat casino with a land-based Hollywood Casino Hotel represents a significant operational change for the site. The shift removes constraints linked to riverboat regulations and enables expanded floor space along with updated infrastructure. PENN Entertainment has coordinated the timeline so that the existing hotel remains operational throughout construction, preserving revenue streams during the transition.

According to details shared via casino.org reporting, the new venue maintains the Hollywood branding while updating the physical plant to modern standards. This approach ensures continuity for regular visitors who already frequent the Council Bluffs location.

Timeline and Next Steps

With groundbreaking confirmed for September 14, 2026, project managers will focus on permitting, site clearing, and initial utility installations in the weeks that follow. The 2028 opening remains the stated goal, and progress updates are anticipated as construction milestones are reached. The 18-to-24-month duration provides buffer room for any unforeseen adjustments while keeping the overall schedule intact.

Conclusion

The PENN Entertainment initiative in Council Bluffs centers on a single, clearly defined replacement project that converts the riverboat casino into a land-based Hollywood Casino Hotel facility. All announced components, from the $180–200 million investment and September 14, 2026 groundbreaking to the 1,000 slot machines, 25 table games, Shake Shack dining, 450 construction jobs, and 50 permanent positions, tie directly to the 2028 opening target. The connection to the existing hotel completes the integrated development plan without additional unrelated elements.