Council Bluffs Casino Project Marks Major Shift as PENN Entertainment Schedules 2026 Groundbreaking
Council Bluffs Casino Project Marks Major Shift as PENN Entertainment Schedules 2026 Groundbreaking
PENN Entertainment has set September 14 2026 as the date for breaking ground on its new land-based Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs in Iowa, a project valued between 180 and 200 million dollars that will replace the existing Ameristar Council Bluffs riverboat casino once regulatory approvals are secured, while the new facility is expected to open in 2028 following 18 to 24 months of construction.
Key Features of the Development
The planned casino will include approximately 1,000 slot machines along with 25 table games, and it will introduce new dining choices such as the first Shake Shack in the Omaha area, all while connecting directly to the existing hotel and pavilion structure at the site. Construction activity is projected to generate roughly 450 jobs during the building phase and to add 50 new permanent positions once operations begin, according to details released in the announcement.
Timeline and Replacement Plans
The riverboat casino currently operating as Ameristar Council Bluffs will transition to the new land-based Hollywood-branded property after approvals from relevant Iowa authorities are finalized, a step that aligns with broader industry movement toward permanent structures rather than floating vessels in the region. Observers note that the 2028 opening date allows sufficient time for site preparation and building while maintaining continuous gaming options during the interim period.
Economic Contributions to the Area
Data from the project announcement shows that the development will support local employment through both temporary construction roles and ongoing staff positions, contributing to the Council Bluffs economy as the facility integrates with existing hotel and pavilion amenities already in place. The connection between the new casino and current structures reduces the need for separate infrastructure while preserving guest access throughout construction phases.
Industry reports indicate that similar land-based replacements in other states have maintained revenue streams during transition periods, and the Iowa project follows comparable patterns where operators expand offerings to include additional dining and entertainment elements that draw regional visitors.
Regulatory Process and Approvals
Final plans remain subject to oversight by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, which evaluates gaming facility proposals for compliance with state standards before construction proceeds, and PENN Entertainment has outlined its timeline in coordination with those requirements. The company has also referenced guidelines from the American Gaming Association on responsible development practices that apply to new casino builds across multiple states.
Project documentation highlights how the Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs will feature expanded gaming capacity compared to the current riverboat setup, incorporating modern amenities designed to meet contemporary visitor expectations while linking seamlessly to the established hotel operations.
Conclusion
The September 2026 groundbreaking initiates a two-year construction window that positions the new Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs to open in 2028, replacing the Ameristar riverboat with a land-based facility that adds dining options, maintains existing hotel connections, and supports local job creation through both building and operational phases. All elements stay contingent on regulatory approvals from Iowa authorities, ensuring the development proceeds in line with established state processes.