PENN Entertainment Launches Construction on New Hollywood Casino in Council Bluffs
Henrik Vogel · Sep 19, 2026
PENN Entertainment Launches Construction on New Hollywood Casino in Council Bluffs
Construction crews broke ground on September 14, 2026, for the new land-based Hollywood Casino in Council Bluffs, Iowa, marking the start of a project that will replace the existing Ameristar riverboat facility after three decades of operation, and the development carries an estimated cost between 180 and 200 million dollars while promising more than 1,000 slot machines along with 25 live table games.
The facility will also include multiple new restaurants, one of which introduces the first Shake Shack location serving the Omaha metropolitan area, plus a dedicated parking garage designed to handle increased visitor traffic once the property opens its doors in 2028.
Project Scope and Investment Details
PENN Entertainment has outlined a comprehensive build that shifts operations from the aging riverboat to a permanent structure on land, and this transition reflects broader industry movement away from floating casinos toward fixed-site developments that offer expanded amenities and easier access for guests.
According to the project timeline, site preparation and foundational work began immediately after the September 2026 ceremony, with major structural phases scheduled through 2027 to keep the overall schedule on track for a 2028 debut.
Key Features of the New Hollywood Casino
Design plans call for over 1,000 slot machines and 25 live table games housed inside a modern building that replaces the riverboat format, while additional space will accommodate several restaurants and the parking structure to support daily operations without relying on limited dockside capacity.
The inclusion of a Shake Shack marks the first appearance of that brand in the greater Omaha region, and planners expect the dining options to draw both local residents and visitors traveling from across the state line.
Observers note that the shift to a land-based venue allows for larger floor plans and more flexible layouts compared with riverboat constraints, and this change aligns with similar replacements completed in other Midwest markets where permanent buildings replaced older floating facilities.
Employment and Economic Impact
Project estimates indicate the construction phase will generate hundreds of temporary positions over the next two years, while the completed casino is projected to support hundreds of permanent roles once operations begin in 2028, and these figures come from company announcements tied directly to the Council Bluffs development.
Local workforce data shows the gaming sector in Iowa has historically contributed steady employment opportunities, and the Hollywood Casino project continues that pattern by expanding capacity at an established market location.
Replacement of the Ameristar Riverboat
The current Ameristar riverboat has served Council Bluffs for approximately thirty years, and the decision to replace it stems from the need for updated infrastructure that can accommodate modern gaming and hospitality standards without the operational limitations of a vessel-based setup.
Once the new Hollywood Casino opens, the riverboat will be decommissioned, completing a full transition that PENN Entertainment has coordinated with state regulatory bodies to ensure uninterrupted service during the changeover period.
Timeline Leading to 2028 Opening
Groundbreaking occurred on September 14, 2026, setting a clear sequence of milestones that includes structural completion by late 2027 followed by interior fit-out and licensing reviews ahead of the 2028 launch, and this schedule allows time for thorough testing of all gaming systems before public access begins.
State records confirm that Iowa gaming projects of this scale typically follow a two-year construction window when moving from riverboat to land-based formats, and the Hollywood Casino timeline matches those established benchmarks.
Conclusion
The Hollywood Casino development in Council Bluffs represents a measured investment by PENN Entertainment to modernize an existing operation while introducing new dining and parking amenities that expand the property's appeal, and the September 2026 groundbreaking establishes the starting point for a process expected to deliver results by 2028.
Industry reports, including coverage from Gambling News, document the scale of the 180 to 200 million dollar project and its anticipated job creation, while regulatory filings with the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission track progress toward the scheduled opening.