Penn Entertainment Sets September 2026 Groundbreaking for New Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs
Written by Blake Lorenz · Sep 11, 2026
Penn Entertainment Sets September 2026 Groundbreaking for New Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs
Penn Entertainment has scheduled the official groundbreaking for its new Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs project on September 14 2026 and the development will replace the existing Ameristar Council Bluffs riverboat casino with a land-based facility that sits across the Missouri River from Omaha Nebraska while the total investment ranges between 180 and 200 million dollars.
Key Project Specifications and Replacements
The new casino will feature approximately 1 000 slot machines along with 25 table games and it will connect directly to the existing hotel structure plus additional amenities already on site whereas the shift from the riverboat format marks a significant operational change for the property in Council Bluffs Iowa. Observers note that this transition allows for expanded floor space and improved guest flow compared to the previous floating casino design while the overall layout incorporates modern gaming areas alongside dining and entertainment options that integrate with the hotel.
New Dining Options and Amenities
Among the planned additions are the first Shake Shack location in the Omaha metropolitan area and a Red Lotus Asian cuisine restaurant both of which will open as part of the casino complex and these venues join the connected hotel facilities to create a more comprehensive destination for visitors. Data from the announcement indicates that the project emphasizes these food and beverage outlets to enhance the guest experience beyond gaming alone yet the core remains focused on the slot and table game offerings.
Economic Impact and Employment Figures
Construction of the facility is expected to generate 450 temporary jobs during the building phase and once complete the casino will support 50 new permanent positions according to project estimates. Those figures reflect the direct employment tied to the development while related economic activity in the region may extend further through supplier contracts and increased tourism traffic across the Missouri River into Council Bluffs. The 180 to 200 million dollar investment spans an 18 to 24 month construction window with targeted completion around 2028 which aligns with standard timelines for similar land-based casino builds in the Midwest.
Timeline and Construction Phases
Groundbreaking on September 14 2026 initiates the formal construction process for the land-based Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs and the 18 to 24 month build period means the property could open its doors by late 2027 or early 2028 depending on weather delays and permitting progress. Penn Entertainment has outlined connections between the new casino structure and the existing hotel tower so guests will move seamlessly between gaming floors dining areas and lodging without leaving the complex. This integrated approach builds on the current Ameristar operations yet replaces the riverboat entirely to meet modern regulatory and guest preferences for fixed land facilities.
Regional Context and Replacement Strategy
The project replaces the Ameristar Council Bluffs riverboat casino which has operated on the Missouri River and the move to a land-based site addresses long-term infrastructure needs while maintaining the same market presence near Omaha. Industry reports show that similar conversions from riverboats to land-based venues have occurred across several states in recent years and this development follows that pattern with updated amenities and expanded capacity. The 1 000 slots and 25 table games represent a focused gaming offering that fits the scale of the investment and the addition of Shake Shack plus Red Lotus provides distinct dining choices not previously available at the property.
Conclusion
Penn Entertainment's announcement confirms the September 14 2026 groundbreaking date for the 180 to 200 million dollar Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs which will deliver 1 000 slots 25 table games new dining venues and 50 permanent jobs upon completion around 2028 while creating 450 construction positions during the build. The replacement of the Ameristar riverboat with this connected land-based facility marks a clear next step for the Iowa property and all details remain consistent with the single project timeline and scope described in the official release.