PENN Entertainment Advances Redevelopment Plans for Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs

PENN Entertainment has launched a substantial redevelopment initiative in Council Bluffs, Iowa, where a groundbreaking ceremony marks the start of construction on a new land-based Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs that will eventually take the place of the current Ameristar Council Bluffs riverboat casino. The project carries an estimated cost between 180 adn 200 million dollars, and it incorporates roughly 1,000 slot machines along with 25 table games plus expanded dining facilities that will serve visitors once the facility opens its doors. Construction is slated to span 18 to 24 months, with an anticipated opening in 2028, while the existing riverboat operation continues without interruption throughout the building phase.

Project Scope and Design Elements

The new structure shifts the casino from its riverboat format to a permanent land-based site, which allows for greater flexibility in layout and amenities that the previous setup could not accommodate. Developers have outlined space for the specified number of slot machines and table games, and they have allocated areas for multiple dining venues that will provide varied options for guests seeking meals or refreshments during their visits. This configuration reflects a deliberate move toward modern facilities that integrate gaming with hospitality services in a single integrated location.

Observers note that the transition from water-based to land-based operations aligns with broader industry patterns where operators seek to expand square footage and improve accessibility for larger crowds. The design incorporates the 1,000 slot machines and 25 table games as core components, while the dining additions aim to enhance the overall visitor experience without requiring patrons to leave the premises for meals.

Construction Timeline and Operational Continuity

Groundbreaking activities are scheduled to commence in September 2026, setting the stage for an 18 to 24 month build period that concludes with a 2028 debut. During this interval the Ameristar Council Bluffs riverboat will maintain full operations, ensuring that gaming and related services remain available to the public without any gap in service. Project managers have coordinated schedules so that construction crews work around the active riverboat site, minimizing disruptions while advancing the new structure on adjacent land.

The phased approach allows PENN Entertainment to preserve revenue streams from the existing facility even as the replacement property takes shape. Once complete, the land-based Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs will feature the full complement of 1,000 slot machines, 25 table games, and the new dining outlets, all housed in a building designed for long-term use rather than the constraints of a floating vessel.

Employment and Economic Contributions

The initiative is projected to generate approximately 450 construction jobs over the course of the build, drawing workers from the Council Bluffs region and surrounding communities. In addition, the completed property is expected to add about 50 new permanent positions once operations shift to the land-based facility. These roles span gaming floor staff, hospitality personnel, and support functions that support the expanded dining and entertainment offerings.

Local economic data compiled by regional development offices indicate that such construction projects inject measurable activity into supply chains and service sectors during the active building phase. The 450 temporary positions provide immediate workforce opportunities, while the 50 ongoing roles establish a baseline for sustained employment at the new casino. PENN Entertainment has outlined hiring timelines that align with the 2028 opening, allowing for recruitment and training to occur in advance of the transition.

Transition from Riverboat to Land-Based Operations

The Ameristar Council Bluffs riverboat has operated as the primary gaming venue in the area for years, yet the move to a fixed land site addresses limitations inherent in riverboat designs such as space constraints and maintenance requirements tied to water access. PENN Entertainment selected the Hollywood Casino branding for the new property to refresh the market presence while retaining the core gaming capacity of 1,000 slots and 25 tables. The added dining facilities represent an upgrade that expands beyond the riverboat's previous offerings.

Construction crews will erect the new building on land adjacent to the riverboat location, enabling a direct handover once the 2028 opening arrives. Throughout the process the riverboat continues to function, which maintains continuity for regular patrons and preserves the regulatory compliance already in place for the existing license. This methodical replacement strategy reduces downtime risks and supports steady tax contributions to state and local coffers during the entire period.

Conclusion

The redevelopment by PENN Entertainment in Council Bluffs centers on replacing the Ameristar riverboat with a modern land-based Hollywood Casino Hotel that will deliver 1,000 slot machines, 25 table games, and new dining venues by 2028. With groundbreaking set for September 2026 and an investment range of 180 to 200 million dollars, the project creates 450 construction positions and roughly 50 permanent roles while the riverboat maintains uninterrupted service. Details reported through World Casino Directory confirm the scale and timeline, and updates from the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission provide ongoing regulatory context for the transition. The effort illustrates a structured shift in venue format that sustains operations and employment throughout the multi-year process.