PENN Entertainment Initiates Construction Phase for Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs

PENN Entertainment held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs in Council Bluffs, Iowa, and this event signals the next step in the company's ongoing plan to shift from riverboat operations to permanent land-based facilities. The project carries an estimated cost between 180 and 200 million dollars while it will deliver roughly 1,000 slot machines along with 25 live table games plus fresh dining options for visitors. Construction is expected to span 18 to 24 months with the facility targeted to open in 2028. The existing Ameristar riverboat will remain in service throughout the entire build period so that operations continue without interruption for guests and employees. This approach allows the company to maintain revenue streams while the new structure takes shape on solid ground. Observers note that the transition aligns with broader industry movements toward land-based venues that offer expanded amenities and greater flexibility in design.

Project Specifications and Facility Features

The new Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs will occupy a fixed location rather than a floating platform, and this change opens possibilities for larger floor plans that accommodate the planned gaming floor plus additional dining venues. Developers have outlined space for approximately 1,000 slot machines and 25 live table games, yet the exact layout of restaurants and other amenities will be finalized during the construction phase. Data from the announcement shows these elements form the core of the investment that totals between 180 and 200 million dollars. Construction crews will begin site work immediately after the ceremony, and the timeline calls for completion within 18 to 24 months. The schedule places the opening in 2028 when the permanent facility can replace the riverboat setup. During this window the Ameristar riverboat continues to operate at its current location so that gaming and related services stay available to the public.

Employment Opportunities During and After Construction

The development is projected to generate around 450 construction jobs over the course of the build, and these positions will support local workers through the 18-to-24-month period. Once the facility opens, planners expect the addition of 50 new permanent positions that will join the existing workforce at the property. These figures come directly from project details released at the groundbreaking event. Local labor markets often benefit when large-scale projects like this one move forward because temporary construction roles frequently lead to longer-term opportunities in operations and hospitality. The 50 permanent roles will focus on gaming, food service, and facility management according to the outline provided by PENN Entertainment.

Strategic Shift from Riverboat to Land-Based Operations

PENN Entertainment has pursued a pattern of replacing riverboat casinos with land-based venues across several markets, and the Council Bluffs project fits squarely into that strategy. The move to a fixed structure allows for more extensive amenities while it reduces certain operational constraints tied to water-based platforms. The ceremony in Council Bluffs marks the formal start of this latest transition. The Ameristar riverboat will keep running until the new building is ready, which means customers experience no gap in service. This overlap protects both revenue and employment during the changeover. Company records indicate similar replacements have taken place at other locations where land-based facilities eventually provided expanded capacity and updated infrastructure.

Timeline and Next Steps

Groundbreaking occurred as part of the September 2026 activities in the region, and crews are scheduled to advance through foundation work and structural phases over the coming months. The 18-to-24-month construction window leads to a 2028 opening date when the Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs will begin full operations. Project managers have stated that the existing riverboat will stay active until that point. Permitting and site preparation tasks are already underway, while equipment orders for the 1,000 slot machines and 25 table games are expected to follow standard procurement timelines. The 180-to-200 million dollar budget covers all major elements including the building shell, gaming areas, and dining facilities.

Conclusion

The groundbreaking ceremony for the Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs represents a clear milestone in PENN Entertainment's Iowa operations. With construction set to create 450 temporary jobs and 50 permanent roles, plus a facility featuring 1,000 slots and 25 table games, the project follows the established path of moving from riverboat to land-based formats. The Ameristar will continue service through the 18-to-24-month build until the 2028 opening. Further details on the development appear in coverage from World Casino Directory and updates from the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission.