PENN Entertainment Sets Groundbreaking for New Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs
Paul Hansen · Sep 11, 2026
PENN Entertainment Sets Groundbreaking for New Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs
PENN Entertainment has scheduled the official groundbreaking for September 14 2026 on a new land-based Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs in Iowa and the development carries an estimated cost between 180 and 200 million dollars while it will replace the current Ameristar Council Bluffs riverboat casino operation.
Project Scope and Location Details
The facility will sit on land that connects directly to the existing hotel and other amenities already in place at the Council Bluffs site and observers note this integration allows the new structure to leverage established infrastructure without requiring separate support buildings. Construction crews will work through an 18 to 24 month period so the casino is projected to open sometime in 2028 once all phases reach completion.
Planned Gaming and Dining Features
Inside the new building guests will find approximately 1,000 slot machines along with 25 live table games and the layout also introduces several fresh dining choices including the first Shake Shack location in the broader Omaha area. These additions expand the current offerings while the riverboat itself will no longer serve as the primary gaming venue once the land-based structure opens its doors.
Employment and Construction Timeline
During the build phase the project is expected to generate roughly 450 construction jobs and after opening it will create about 50 new permanent positions according to project details released by the company. The schedule places the start of work in mid-September 2026 which gives contractors a clear window to meet the 2028 target without overlapping major seasonal weather challenges common in the region.
Local officials and industry analysts have tracked similar transitions from riverboat to land-based casinos in other states and data from those earlier projects shows steady increases in visitor numbers once facilities move onto solid ground. The Council Bluffs plan follows that pattern by anchoring the new casino to the existing hotel tower so guests can move between lodging and gaming without crossing outdoor spaces.
Regulatory and Development Background
Iowa regulators approved the land-based conversion concept before the announcement and PENN Entertainment has coordinated with state agencies to align the September 2026 start date with all required permits. The company outlined the full scope in recent filings which list the slot and table game counts along with the specific dining additions that will debut alongside the gaming floor.
Connection to Existing Operations
Because the new building links straight to the current hotel and facilities the transition minimizes disruption for regular visitors who already use the Ameristar property. Construction fencing will isolate work zones from active areas so the riverboat casino can continue normal operations until the land-based replacement is ready.
Conclusion
The September 2026 groundbreaking marks the next step in a multi-year effort that began with regulatory approvals and ends with a fully integrated land-based casino opening in 2028. Project documents detail every major component from the 1,000 slot machines and 25 table games to the Shake Shack debut and the job figures tied to both construction and permanent staffing. Those who follow Iowa gaming developments can reference teh original announcements through industry coverage and project summaries that track the same timeline and specifications.