PENN Entertainment Advances New Hollywood Casino Development in Council Bluffs

PENN Entertainment has started construction on a new land-based Hollywood Casino in Council Bluffs, Iowa, and the project replaces the Ameristar riverboat casino that opened in the mid-1990s, while the development carries an estimated cost between 180 and 200 million dollars, incorporates more than 1,000 slot machines along with 25 live table games, and features new dining options that include the area's first Shake Shack location.

Project Scope and Design Elements

Construction crews will integrate the new facility directly with the existing hotel and surrounding amenities, which allows visitors to move between gaming areas, lodging, and restaurants without leaving the property, and the design calls for expanded space that supports both slot machines and table games in a single structure built on land rather than water. Observers note that this shift from riverboat to land-based operations aligns with broader industry changes in Iowa, where permanent structures often provide greater flexibility for amenities and guest flow. Data from similar projects in the region shows that land-based casinos frequently achieve higher year-round utilization compared with vessels limited by seasonal river conditions.

Economic Contributions and Employment Figures

The development is projected to generate around 450 temporary construction positions during the build phase, and once complete the casino will support approximately 50 new permanent roles in operations, hospitality, and gaming services. Local economic reports indicate that such investments often stimulate additional spending at nearby businesses, because workers and visitors frequent restaurants, retail outlets, and service providers outside the casino itself. According to the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, gaming facilities contribute measurable tax revenue that supports state and municipal budgets, and the Council Bluffs project follows that established pattern.

Groundbreaking Ceremony Details

Officials held the formal groundbreaking on September 14, 2026, and representatives from PENN Entertainment joined local government leaders plus community partners at the site to mark the occasion. The event included remarks on the long-term role the facility will play in the regional economy, while attendees reviewed architectural plans that emphasize connectivity between the new casino, the existing hotel tower, and additional guest services. Photographs from the ceremony show heavy equipment positioned for initial site work, and participants signed commemorative beams that will remain part of the finished structure.

Timeline and Operational Expectations

Company statements set a target opening date in 2028, which provides roughly two years for foundation work, structural framing, interior fit-out, and regulatory inspections. Construction schedules of this scale typically include phased milestones that allow for weather-related adjustments common in the Midwest climate, and project managers have indicated that supply chain coordination will focus on major components such as gaming equipment and kitchen installations. Once operational, the casino will maintain the Hollywood Casino brand identity that PENN Entertainment uses at other properties across multiple states.

Regulatory and Community Context

Iowa licensing requirements mandate compliance with state gaming statutes, and the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission oversees approval processes that cover both construction standards and ongoing operational oversight. Community input sessions held prior to groundbreaking addressed traffic patterns, employment opportunities, and infrastructure needs, and those discussions produced agreements that outline how the developer will coordinate with municipal services during the construction period. Figures released by the commission show steady growth in Iowa's commercial casino sector over the past decade, and the Council Bluffs project adds to that expansion.

Conclusion

The Hollywood Casino development in Council Bluffs represents a direct transition from the long-operating Ameristar riverboat to a modern land-based venue, and the timeline, employment projections, and amenity list provide clear parameters for what the finished facility will deliver by 2028. Local stakeholders continue to monitor progress as site work advances, and updates on construction milestones will appear through official channels as the project moves forward.