Penn Entertainment Moves Forward with Major Casino Replacement Project in Council Bluffs

Penn Entertainment has set September 14, 2026 as the date to break ground on its new land-based Hollywood Casino Hotel in Council Bluffs, Iowa, a project valued between 180 and 200 million dollars that will replace the adjacent Ameristar Council Bluffs riverboat casino which has operated for three decades.

The development marks a significant shift from water-based to permanent land facilities, and construction crews will deliver 1,000 slot machines along with 25 table games plus expanded dining and entertainment venues that include Shake Shack and Red Lotus locations.

Project Scope and Timeline Details

Work on the site is expected to last between 18 and 24 months once crews begin, which means the new facility could open its doors sometime in 2028 depending on weather conditions and supply chain factors during the build phase.

Design plans call for a full-service hotel component integrated with the casino floor, while the existing riverboat structure will be phased out once the land-based operation reaches full functionality.

Employment and Economic Contributions

Industry analysts tracking regional gaming projects note that the Council Bluffs development is projected to generate 450 construction positions during the active building period and 50 ongoing roles once operations commence.

Local workforce development offices have already begun coordinating with Penn Entertainment representatives to align training programs with the anticipated skill requirements for both the construction and permanent staffing phases.

State economic reports from the Iowa Department of Revenue indicate that gaming facilities contribute measurable tax revenue streams to host communities, and observers expect teh upgraded Hollywood property to maintain or increase those contributions through higher visitor capacity and diversified amenities.

Entertainment and Dining Enhancements

Food and beverage offerings will expand beyond traditional casino dining with the addition of Shake Shack and Red Lotus concepts, while broader entertainment programming will feature larger performance spaces designed to host concerts and events year-round.

Those who have reviewed similar Penn Entertainment projects in other markets point out that the company often pairs new builds with refreshed brand identities, and the Hollywood Casino name signals a continuation of that approach in Council Bluffs.

Regulatory and Community Context

The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission has already reviewed preliminary plans for the land-based transition, and project documents filed with the agency outline compliance measures for responsible gaming programs alongside standard operational protocols.

City officials in Council Bluffs have expressed support for the investment, citing long-term infrastructure improvements and increased tourism potential as key outcomes once the facility opens.

Conclusion

The September 2026 groundbreaking represents the latest step in a multi-year planning process that began with Penn Entertainment's decision to modernize its Iowa presence, and the completed project will transition the market from its historic riverboat format to a contemporary land-based destination featuring updated gaming, dining, and lodging options.