PENN Entertainment Launches Major Redevelopment for Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs

PENN Entertainment has announced the start of a major redevelopment project in Council Bluffs, Iowa, with a groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for September 14 that marks the beginning of construction on a new land-based Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs, and this $180–200 million initiative will replace the existing Ameristar Council Bluffs riverboat casino with a modern facility featuring approximately 1,000 slot machines along with 25 live table games plus new dining options that include the first Shake Shack in the Omaha area while creating direct connections to the existing hotel and amenities.

Project Scope and Key Features

The new development brings together multiple components that address both gaming and hospitality needs in one integrated site, and observers note that the shift from a riverboat operation to a permanent land-based structure allows for expanded floor space and improved guest flow throughout the property. Construction crews will work across an 18–24 month timeline that keeps the current riverboat operational during the entire build phase so that revenue streams and employment remain stable until the new venue opens in 2028 pending regulatory approvals from Iowa gaming authorities.

Timeline and Construction Details

Groundbreaking on September 14 sets the official start date for site preparation and foundation work, after which phased construction will proceed in stages that prioritize minimal disruption to ongoing casino operations, and project managers have outlined plans that include utility upgrades, structural steel erection, and interior fit-out all coordinated to meet the 2028 opening target. The riverboat will continue operating during construction, which means visitors will see no interruption in gaming or hotel services until the transition occurs once the land-based facility receives final regulatory sign-off.

Economic Impact and Employment

According to project estimates the redevelopment will generate around 450 construction jobs during the build period while adding 50 new permanent positions once the facility opens, and these figures reflect direct employment tied to the casino expansion without including indirect effects on local suppliers or hospitality vendors. Data from similar projects in the region shows that such investments often support broader workforce development through training programs and supplier contracts that extend benefits beyond the immediate site boundaries.

Regulatory Path and Future Operations

Regulatory approvals remain a key milestone before the 2028 opening can proceed, and PENN Entertainment has already initiated coordination with state and local oversight bodies to address licensing, safety, and zoning requirements throughout the construction window. The new Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs will maintain continuity with the existing hotel tower and related amenities, creating a seamless guest experience that combines updated gaming options with established lodging and entertainment offerings already familiar to visitors.

Conclusion

This single redevelopment project in Council Bluffs represents a focused capital investment by PENN Entertainment that centers on replacing an aging riverboat format with a purpose-built land facility, and the September 14 groundbreaking launches an 18–24 month construction schedule expected to deliver the new venue in 2028 while preserving current operations and adding measurable employment opportunities in the process. Further updates on permitting progress and construction milestones will come from official company releases as the project advances.