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

Penn Entertainment has set September 14 2026 as the date for breaking ground on its new Hollywood Casino Hotel project in Council Bluffs Iowa which carries an estimated cost between 180 and 200 million dollars and will replace the current Ameristar riverboat casino with a permanent land-based structure, the development includes plans for 1000 slot machines along with 25 table games plus new dining venues that feature a Shake Shack location while the overall facility will connect directly to the existing hotel tower and surrounding amenities according to project details released by the company.

Project Scope and Facility Details

The new Hollywood Casino Hotel will transition operations from the existing riverboat format to a fixed land-based building that integrates with current infrastructure on the site and observers note this shift allows for expanded gaming space along with additional food and beverage options that were not feasible on the water-based vessel, construction will incorporate 1000 slots and 25 table games as core gaming components while the Shake Shack addition introduces a nationally recognized quick-service brand to the property's dining lineup.

Those familiar with the plans indicate the structure will maintain connectivity to the existing hotel and other on-site features which means guests can move between accommodations and the new casino floor without leaving the complex and this design approach supports continuity of operations during the build phase where possible.

Employment and Construction Timeline

The project is projected to generate 450 construction jobs during the active building period while creating 50 permanent positions once the facility opens and these figures come from the company's public announcement outlining workforce needs for both the development phase and ongoing operations, completion is expected within an 18 to 24 month window following the September 14 2026 groundbreaking which places the opening window sometime in 2028 depending on weather conditions and supply chain factors.

Local workforce data from similar regional projects shows that construction employment often draws from surrounding counties which spreads the economic activity beyond the immediate Council Bluffs area and the 50 permanent roles will likely cover gaming operations food service and facility maintenance once the land-based casino begins full operations.

Regulatory and Development Context

Iowa regulatory processes require approvals from the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission before land-based casino construction can proceed and Penn Entertainment has aligned its timeline with those requirements to meet the announced September 2026 start date, the company has also coordinated with local authorities in Council Bluffs to address infrastructure needs such as road access and utility connections that support the larger facility footprint.

Industry reports from the American Gaming Association highlight that land-based conversions from riverboats have become more common in states along the Mississippi River corridor because they allow operators to expand square footage and add amenities that increase visitor capacity over time.

Integration with Existing Amenities

The new Hollywood Casino Hotel will link directly to the current hotel structure which already provides lodging options for guests and this integration means the property can continue offering overnight stays throughout construction without major disruption to that revenue stream, additional amenities already on site such as parking and entertainment venues will remain accessible and will complement the expanded gaming and dining offerings once the project finishes.

Project managers have stated that phased construction techniques will keep portions of the existing riverboat operational during early stages of the build which helps maintain employment levels until the new facility reaches full staffing capacity.

Conclusion

The September 14 2026 groundbreaking marks the official start of Penn Entertainment's transition from riverboat to land-based operations at the Council Bluffs location and the 180 to 200 million dollar investment covers gaming expansion dining additions and workforce growth that includes 450 construction positions plus 50 permanent roles with an 18 to 24 month completion target, all elements connect back to the existing hotel and amenities to create a unified complex once the work concludes.