PENN Entertainment Advances Redevelopment of Ameristar Council Bluffs into New Hollywood Casino Hotel

PENN Entertainment has outlined a comprehensive redevelopment that will replace the existing Ameristar Council Bluffs riverboat casino with a new land-based facility known as the Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs, and the project carries an estimated cost between 180 and 200 million dollars. The initiative includes roughly 1,000 slot machines along with 25 live table games, plus two new dining concepts that feature the first Shake Shack location in the Omaha metropolitan area. Groundbreaking is set for September 14 2026, with an anticipated opening in 2028 once regulatory approvals are secured, while construction is projected to generate about 450 temporary jobs and add around 50 permanent positions upon completion. The transition from riverboat to land-based operations represents a significant shift in the local gaming landscape, and the riverboat will continue to operate throughout the 18-to-24-month construction period. This approach allows uninterrupted service for patrons while the new structure takes shape on adjacent land. Observers note that land-based facilities often provide greater flexibility for expansion and amenities compared to floating vessels, and the design incorporates expanded dining and hotel elements that were not feasible on the current riverboat setup.

Project Components and Features

The new Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs will house approximately 1,000 slot machines and 25 live table games in a consolidated facility that also introduces two distinct dining venues. One of those venues marks the arrival of Shake Shack to the Omaha area, bringing a national fast-casual brand to a region that has previously lacked that option. The hotel component adds overnight accommodations that complement the gaming floor, and the overall layout emphasizes accessibility and flow between gaming, dining, and lodging areas. Those who have reviewed similar PENN Entertainment projects elsewhere observe that the company frequently integrates branded dining experiences to broaden appeal beyond core gaming visitors. Construction timelines call for an 18-to-24-month build phase that begins with the September 14 2026 groundbreaking, and the company has stated that the riverboat will remain fully operational during this window. This continuity ensures that existing staff and revenue streams experience minimal disruption, while the new land-based structure rises alongside the waterway. Data from comparable regional projects indicates that phased development of this type can maintain workforce stability and customer access throughout the transition.

Employment and Regional Impact

The construction phase is expected to create roughly 450 jobs, with an additional 50 permanent positions anticipated once the facility opens. These figures encompass both skilled trades during the build and ongoing roles in operations, hospitality, and gaming services. Local workforce analysts have pointed out that such projects often draw labor from surrounding counties, and the permanent additions represent net growth rather than simple relocation of existing staff. The hotel element in particular expands opportunities in food service and guest services that extend beyond traditional casino floor positions. PENN Entertainment has indicated that the project remains subject to final regulatory approvals from Iowa gaming authorities, and the 2028 target opening reflects that contingency. Similar developments in neighboring states have shown that approval processes typically address environmental reviews, traffic studies, and community benefit agreements before construction can proceed at full scale. The company continues to coordinate with state regulators to align the timeline with those requirements.

Timeline and Next Steps

September 14 2026 serves as the formal start date for ground preparation and foundation work, and the subsequent 18-to-24 months will encompass structural, mechanical, and finishing phases. The riverboat's continued operation during this interval provides a stable operational baseline while the land-based venue takes form. Industry reports on parallel Midwest casino projects show that overlapping operations can reduce revenue gaps and preserve customer loyalty during the switchover. Once open, the Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs will operate under the Hollywood brand that PENN Entertainment has deployed at multiple properties, and the inclusion of the Shake Shack marks a localized first for the Omaha-Council Bluffs market. The facility's design integrates gaming, dining, and lodging into a single campus that replaces the riverboat's more constrained footprint. According to project filings, the total investment range of 180 to 200 million dollars covers both the casino floor and the supporting hotel and food-service infrastructure.

Conclusion

The redevelopment of the Ameristar Council Bluffs riverboat into the Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs consolidates gaming, dining, and lodging under one land-based roof at a cost of 180 to 200 million dollars. With groundbreaking scheduled for September 14 2026 and an expected 2028 opening, the project is projected to generate 450 construction jobs and 50 new permanent positions while the existing riverboat maintains service throughout the build. The addition of 1,000 slots, 25 table games, and the first Shake Shack in the Omaha area expands the property's offerings beyond the current vessel configuration, and regulatory approvals remain the final prerequisite before work begins in earnest.