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

PENN Entertainment has initiated a major redevelopment project in Council Bluffs, Iowa, with a groundbreaking ceremony marking the start of construction on the new Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs; this land-based facility carries an estimated cost between 180 and 200 million dollars and will replace the existing Ameristar Council Bluffs riverboat operation.

The development remains slated for a 2028 opening pending regulatory approvals, and it will feature approximately 1,000 slot machines together with 25 live table games plus new dining options while construction proceeds.

Project Scope and Facility Features

The new Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs represents a shift from the riverboat model to a permanent land-based structure that incorporates expanded gaming capacity along with hospitality elements, and observers note that the design allows for integrated dining experiences that expand beyond the current setup. Those involved in the project have outlined plans for roughly 1,000 slot machines paired with 25 live table games, which together form the core gaming offerings once the facility opens to the public.

Construction activities are projected to generate around 450 jobs during the building phase, and the existing riverboat will maintain operations without interruption until the new venue reaches completion in 2028. This approach ensures continuity for employees and visitors throughout the transition period.

Timeline and Regulatory Process

Groundbreaking took place recently, and the full timeline stretches toward an anticipated 2028 debut that hinges on necessary regulatory clearances from state authorities. PENN Entertainment has coordinated with local and state officials to advance the approvals, which cover aspects such as zoning, gaming licensing, and environmental considerations before full-scale work advances.

September 2026 marks an intermediate point in the construction schedule where progress updates are expected, although teh primary milestones remain tied to the 2028 opening date. The riverboat will continue to serve as the operational base in the meantime, allowing the company to sustain revenue streams while the land-based replacement takes shape.

Economic and Employment Impact

The project carries an investment range of 180 to 200 million dollars, and this capital infusion supports job creation both during construction and after the facility opens. Around 450 positions are anticipated in the building phase alone, with additional opportunities emerging in operations, hospitality, and gaming services once the land-based casino activates.

Local economic activity stands to benefit from the permanent structure, which replaces the riverboat while maintaining the same gaming footprint in terms of slots and tables. Data from similar regional developments shows that such transitions often stabilize employment levels over the long term, and PENN Entertainment has indicated that current staff will transition smoothly to the new site.

Transition from Riverboat to Land-Based Operations

The Ameristar Council Bluffs riverboat has served the market for years, yet the new Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs will provide a fixed-location alternative that eliminates water-based operational constraints. This change aligns with broader industry patterns where land-based facilities offer greater flexibility for expansions and amenities.

Throughout construction the riverboat will remain fully functional, and visitors will continue to access existing gaming and dining options without disruption. Once the 2028 opening occurs, the riverboat operations will cease as the new venue assumes all activities.

Industry Context and Future Outlook

According to reports from the American Gaming Association, land-based casino projects like this one contribute to regional economic development through direct investment and sustained employment. The Council Bluffs location benefits from its proximity to the Omaha metropolitan area, which supplies a steady visitor base for the expanded offerings.

Regulatory oversight falls under the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, which reviews all aspects of the redevelopment before granting final permissions. This process ensures compliance with state standards for gaming integrity and public safety.

Conclusion

The PENN Entertainment redevelopment in Council Bluffs centers on replacing the Ameristar riverboat with a 180 to 200 million dollar land-based Hollywood Casino Hotel that includes 1,000 slot machines, 25 table games, and new dining facilities, with an expected 2028 opening and 450 construction jobs created along the way. The riverboat continues service until then, maintaining continuity for the market while the new structure rises. This single project illustrates the ongoing evolution of gaming infrastructure in Iowa under established regulatory frameworks.