Penn Entertainment Schedules 2026 Groundbreaking for Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs Replacement

Penn Entertainment has confirmed plans to break ground on September 14, 2026, for a new land-based Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs project valued between 180 and 200 million dollars, and this development will replace the existing Ameristar Council Bluffs riverboat casino located across the Missouri River from Omaha, Nebraska.

The facility will feature approximately 1,000 slot machines along with 25 table games, while new dining venues such as Shake Shack and Red Lotus will join the property upon completion, and the entire project carries an estimated timeline of 18 to 24 months with a target opening in 2028.

Project Scope and Location Details

Construction crews will work on a site adjacent to the current riverboat operation, which allows the new structure to integrate with existing infrastructure while converting the gaming experience from a water-based vessel to a permanent land-based building, and this shift aligns with broader industry trends where operators move away from floating casinos toward fixed facilities that offer expanded amenities and easier access for guests.

Observers note that the Council Bluffs location benefits from proximity to the Omaha metropolitan area, which draws a steady flow of visitors across state lines, and the announcement specifies that the development will maintain continuous operations at the Ameristar riverboat until the new building opens.

Economic Contributions and Employment Figures

The project is expected to generate 450 construction jobs during the build phase, and once operational the property will support 50 permanent positions according to company statements released alongside the timeline, while local suppliers and service providers stand to benefit from increased activity tied to the larger footprint of the land-based casino and hotel complex.

Data released by Penn Entertainment indicates that the investment range of 180 to 200 million dollars covers construction, interior fit-out, and initial equipment purchases, and this capital outlay reflects the scale required to deliver a full-service destination that includes both gaming and non-gaming attractions.

Industry analysts tracking Midwest gaming markets point out that land-based venues often achieve higher throughput compared with riverboat configurations because of increased square footage and simplified logistics, and the Council Bluffs site already possesses established transportation links that will support the transition without major additional infrastructure work.

Timeline and Key Milestones

Groundbreaking is set for September 14, 2026, which places site preparation and foundation work in the latter part of that year, and subsequent phases will include structural erection, mechanical systems installation, and finishing work that together span the 18-to-24-month window leading to a 2028 debut.

Project managers have outlined a sequence that keeps the existing Ameristar riverboat running throughout construction, which prevents any interruption in gaming revenue or guest services, and this approach mirrors strategies used in other conversions where operators maintain continuity while building the replacement facility nearby.

Regulatory filings and public notices associated with the development have already begun moving through Iowa gaming oversight channels, and those documents detail compliance requirements for environmental assessments, traffic studies, and workforce training programs tied to the job creation targets.

Guest Amenities and Operational Upgrades

The planned dining lineup introduces Shake Shack and Red Lotus alongside existing offerings, and these additions expand the range of quick-service and full-service options available to visitors who may spend extended time on the property, while the overall design incorporates modern gaming floors sized for 1,000 slots and 25 table games.

Hotel accommodations will form part of the new structure, which allows the operator to capture overnight stays that previously relied on external lodging partners, and this vertical integration supports longer guest visits that in turn increase participation across both gaming and dining revenue streams.

Conclusion

The September 2026 groundbreaking marks the start of a multi-year effort that will reshape the Council Bluffs gaming landscape, and the completed Hollywood Casino Hotel will stand as a permanent replacement for the Ameristar riverboat with expanded capacity, new food outlets, and sustained employment opportunities for the region.