PENN Entertainment Moves Forward with Land-Based Casino Replacement in Council Bluffs
Uma Vogel · Sep 13, 2026
PENN Entertainment Moves Forward with Land-Based Casino Replacement in Council Bluffs
PENN Entertainment has scheduled the official groundbreaking for its new Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs on September 14, 2026, marking the start of construction on a $180–200 million land-based facility that will replace the existing Ameristar Council Bluffs riverboat casino operation. The project centers on a permanent structure connected directly to the current hotel and supporting amenities, allowing the property to expand its offerings while maintaining continuity for visitors and staff. Officials from the company have outlined a timeline of 18–24 months from the start of work, with the venue expected to feature more than 1,000 slot machines alongside 25 table games and fresh dining concepts including the first Shake Shack location serving the Omaha metropolitan area.
Key Features of the Planned Development
Design plans call for the new building to integrate with the existing hotel infrastructure, creating a seamless transition between gaming floors, lodging, and food service areas while eliminating the limitations inherent in the riverboat setup. The expanded gaming space will accommodate the increased machine count and table games, and the addition of the Shake Shack outlet represents the first such branded restaurant in the broader Omaha region. Construction crews will focus on building a stable land-based platform that meets all local zoning and regulatory requirements for permanent casino operations in Iowa.
Employment and Construction Timeline
The initiative is projected to generate 450 temporary construction positions during the build phase and 50 new permanent roles once the facility opens, according to project estimates released alongside the announcement. Work is slated to begin precisely on the September 14, 2026 date, with crews handling site preparation, foundation work, and structural assembly in sequence over the following year and a half to two years. Coordination with existing hotel operations will remain a priority throughout to minimize disruptions for current guests and employees.
Local suppliers and contractors stand to benefit from the material and labor demands associated with a project of this scale, and the permanent positions will cover roles across gaming, hospitality, food service, and maintenance departments. The 18–24 month construction window aligns with standard timelines for similar mid-sized casino builds in the Midwest, allowing time for permitting reviews, inspections, and final fit-out before the switch from riverboat to land-based operations.
Regulatory and Market Context
Iowa gaming regulations require land-based facilities to meet specific standards for security, accessibility, and revenue reporting that differ from those applied to riverboat vessels, and PENN Entertainment has confirmed the new design will satisfy all applicable state guidelines. The transition reflects broader industry movement away from floating casinos toward fixed structures that offer greater flexibility for expansions and year-round operations regardless of river conditions. Data from the company filings indicate steady regional demand for gaming and entertainment options in the Council Bluffs–Omaha corridor, supporting the decision to invest in upgraded infrastructure.
Observers note that the inclusion of nationally recognized dining brands such as Shake Shack can draw additional foot traffic from both local residents and visitors traveling between Iowa and Nebraska. The project budget range of $180–200 million covers construction, equipment procurement, and site integration costs, with funding drawn from corporate resources and standard financing channels typical for PENN Entertainment developments.
Integration with Existing Amenities
Because the new casino will connect directly to the current hotel tower and parking facilities, guests will retain access to established rooms, event spaces, and recreational areas without the need for separate transportation or navigation. This approach preserves operational continuity while introducing the expanded gaming and dining components in a single unified complex. Project documents emphasize that the land-based design removes previous capacity constraints tied to the riverboat footprint, enabling the larger slot and table game inventory.
Project Outlook
Completion remains targeted for late 2027 or early 2028 depending on weather, supply chain factors, and inspection schedules during the 18–24 month build period. Once operational, the facility will operate under the Hollywood Casino brand while continuing to serve the same customer base that previously visited the Ameristar riverboat. State revenue tracking through the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission will capture the transition effects on tax collections once the new structure opens.
The September 14, 2026 groundbreaking date provides a clear milestone for tracking progress, and updates on construction milestones are expected to be released periodically through company channels. The combination of increased gaming capacity, new dining options, and job creation positions the development as a notable addition to the local economy in western Iowa.