PENN Entertainment Advances Land-Based Casino Project with Groundbreaking Ceremony in Council Bluffs

PENN Entertainment, Inc. has scheduled a groundbreaking ceremony for September 14, 2026 to mark the start of construction on its new Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs land-based facility in Council Bluffs, Iowa and the project carries an estimated cost between 180 and 200 million dollars while officials project an opening in 2028 once all regulatory approvals are secured.

The new casino will replace the adjacent Ameristar Council Bluffs riverboat operation and planners describe a structure that will house approximately 1,000 slot machines along with 25 table games plus fresh dining venues that connect directly to existing hotel and entertainment amenities already on the property.

Project Scope and Development Timeline

Construction crews are expected to begin site work immediately after the September ceremony and the entire build-out is slated to span roughly two years with the 2028 target date serving as the operational launch point provided state regulators grant final clearances throughout the process. Observers note that PENN Entertainment has coordinated closely with local authorities to align permitting steps and the company has outlined a phased approach that keeps the current riverboat running until the land-based venue reaches completion.

Design documents indicate the facility will integrate with the existing Ameristar infrastructure so guests will experience seamless transitions between the new casino floor, hotel towers, and surrounding amenities without needing to relocate to a separate site.

Economic Impact and Job Creation

Company projections show the construction phase will generate about 450 temporary positions while the finished venue is forecast to support roughly 50 permanent roles once operations stabilize and local workforce development programs have already begun identifying candidates who can fill both short-term building trades and long-term hospitality positions.

Regional economic models suggest the investment will circulate through supply chains and service sectors in the Council Bluffs area and state gaming revenue reports from recent years have tracked steady contributions from similar land-based conversions across Iowa.

Facility Features and Operational Details

The casino floor plan allocates space for the 1,000 slot machines and 25 table games in a configuration that maximizes traffic flow between gaming areas and the new dining outlets while architects have incorporated direct pedestrian links to the existing hotel and parking structures to maintain convenience for regular visitors. PENN Entertainment has stated that the replacement project responds to shifting regulatory preferences that favor permanent land-based structures over riverboat configurations and the company expects the transition to improve operational efficiency once the move is complete.

Pending approvals from the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission remain the critical gating item and company filings indicate ongoing dialogue with regulators to address any outstanding compliance requirements before the 2028 opening window.

Transition from Riverboat to Land-Based Operation

The current Ameristar Council Bluffs riverboat will continue service until the new building opens and management has outlined plans to relocate gaming equipment, staff, and guest services in a coordinated sequence that minimizes disruption for players and employees alike. Once the land-based casino is active the riverboat will be decommissioned according to state environmental and safety guidelines and the adjacent waterfront area may undergo additional redevelopment studies in future phases.

Industry records show several other Iowa properties have completed similar conversions in prior years and those transitions have produced measurable increases in annual gaming volume after the shift to fixed facilities.

Conclusion

The September 14, 2026 groundbreaking marks a concrete milestone in PENN Entertainment’s multi-year strategy to modernize its Council Bluffs asset and the 180 to 200 million dollar investment, combined with the projected job totals and facility specifications, establishes a clear roadmap that runs through the 2028 opening. Local officials and company representatives will gather at the ceremony to highlight the economic and operational benefits expected from the completed project while regulatory milestones continue to guide the remaining timeline.