PENN Entertainment Breaks Ground on Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs Replacement Project

PENN Entertainment held its groundbreaking ceremony for the new land-based Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs on the Iowa side of the Omaha metro area, and the event marks a clear step in replacing the adjacent Ameristar Council Bluffs riverboat facility that has operated for nearly three decades. The project carries an estimated cost between 180 and 200 million dollars, while the new venue will connect directly to the existing hotel and pavilion structures already on site. Construction crews are expected to begin work immediately after the ceremony, with an anticipated opening targeted for 2028 once all regulatory approvals are secured from Iowa authorities.

Facility Specifications and Amenities

The casino floor will house approximately 1,000 slot machines along with 25 live table games, creating a layout that expands gaming options while maintaining the scale appropriate for the regional market. New dining venues include the first Shake Shack location in the Omaha metro area plus Red Lotus, which will offer Asian cuisine selections. These additions will integrate with the existing hotel infrastructure, allowing guests to move between accommodations, gaming areas, and restaurants without leaving the property complex. Observers note that the design emphasizes land-based convenience over the riverboat format that previously defined the site.

Employment and Construction Timeline

Project leaders project the creation of roughly 450 construction jobs during the build phase, followed by approximately 50 new permanent positions once operations begin. The timeline calls for phased construction that keeps the current riverboat running until the land-based facility reaches completion, minimizing disruption for visitors and staff. Regulatory reviews remain pending, yet PENN has indicated that the company will work closely with Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission officials to meet all requirements before opening day.

Broader Industry Context and Company Strategy

PENN Entertainment continues its established pattern of transitioning properties from riverboat configurations to land-based facilities, a move that aligns with similar projects the company has pursued in other states. According to the American Gaming Association, land-based casinos often deliver improved operational efficiency and guest accessibility compared with riverboat models that face seasonal or navigational constraints. The Council Bluffs project fits this ongoing shift, allowing PENN to modernize its Iowa asset while preserving connectivity to the hotel and pavilion that already serve regional customers.

Local economic reports indicate that the new facility could support increased tourism traffic once it opens, particularly through the addition of nationally recognized dining options like Shake Shack. Construction activity itself will generate temporary employment across multiple trades, while the permanent roles will focus on gaming operations, hospitality, and food service. State filings show that PENN has submitted the necessary documentation for review, and the process is expected to continue through standard channels without unusual delays based on prior approvals for comparable projects.

Regional Market Considerations

The Omaha-Council Bluffs market has long supported gaming venues, yet the replacement of the aging riverboat addresses maintenance challenges that accumulate over thirty years of continuous operation. The new structure will eliminate the need for periodic riverboat inspections and mechanical upkeep associated with floating facilities, freeing resources for guest-facing improvements. Data compiled by regional tourism boards shows steady visitor interest in the area, and the updated amenities are positioned to capture that demand more effectively.

Industry analysts have tracked PENN's portfolio adjustments across multiple jurisdictions, noting that land-based developments frequently allow for expanded square footage and flexible floor plans that riverboats cannot accommodate. The Hollywood Casino branding will carry over to the new site, maintaining brand recognition for existing patrons while introducing the facility to new audiences drawn by the modern amenities and dining options.

Conclusion

The groundbreaking ceremony signals the start of a multi-year effort that will reshape the Council Bluffs gaming landscape by 2028. With regulatory approvals still ahead and construction jobs already taking shape, the project delivers measurable employment benefits alongside an upgraded facility designed for long-term use. PENN's move from riverboat to land-based operations follows patterns seen in other markets, and the inclusion of new dining concepts such as Shake Shack adds distinctive appeal within the Omaha metro region. Observers will continue to monitor progress through the permitting stages and construction milestones as the property advances toward its scheduled opening.