PENN Entertainment Launches Construction on Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs Replacement Project

PENN Entertainment has started work on a new land-based Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs in Council Bluffs, Iowa, across from Omaha, Nebraska, and this development will replace the current Ameristar riverboat casino with a modern facility. The project carries an estimated cost between 180 and 200 million dollars while it incorporates roughly 1,000 slot machines along with 25 table games plus new dining venues that include the first Shake Shack in the Omaha area and a Red Lotus Asian eatery. Connections to the existing hotel form part of the plan so visitors gain seamless access between the new gaming space and established accommodations. Construction is set to last 18 to 24 months with an anticipated opening in 2028 and crews will keep the riverboat casino running throughout the build phase to maintain uninterrupted operations for patrons.

Project Details and Facility Features

The new structure brings a shift from the riverboat format to a fixed land-based site and observers note that this change allows expanded floor space for the slot machines and table games while integrating dining options directly into the complex. Data from project announcements indicate the inclusion of Shake Shack as a standout addition since it marks the brand's debut in the Omaha metropolitan region and the Red Lotus Asian eatery adds variety to the on-site choices. Links between the casino floor and the current hotel tower ensure guests move easily without leaving the property and this layout supports both day visitors and overnight stays.

Construction Timeline and Ongoing Operations

Work began in recent months and the 18 to 24 month schedule points to a 2028 completion date with crews expected to manage phased building so the riverboat continues full service during the entire period. According to industry reports the approach minimizes disruption for regular customers and allows the existing facility to generate revenue while the land-based replacement takes shape. Those following the project see the timeline as straightforward since it aligns with standard large-scale casino builds in similar markets.

Economic Impact Through Job Creation

The development will generate approximately 450 construction jobs during the active building phase and it will add 50 new permanent positions once the facility opens. Figures from the announcements show these roles span various trades for the construction period while the permanent hires cover gaming operations, food service, and guest services in the completed casino. Local economies often track such projects closely because the temporary and ongoing employment numbers contribute directly to workforce activity in Council Bluffs and surrounding areas.

Integration With Existing Infrastructure

Planners designed the new casino to connect with the current hotel so the overall property gains expanded capacity without requiring guests to navigate separate sites. This integration keeps the focus on a single destination experience and it supports continued use of hotel rooms even as the gaming area transitions from the riverboat to the land-based building. Reports highlight that the approach preserves operational continuity while delivering upgraded amenities across slots, tables, and dining.

Key Milestones and Next Steps

Groundbreaking marks the formal start and subsequent phases will include foundation work, structural framing, and interior fit-outs leading up to the 2028 opening. Updates from PENN Entertainment indicate steady progress tracking with the riverboat remaining active so revenue streams stay intact. People monitoring regional casino developments note that this project follows patterns seen in other conversions where operators move from water-based to land-based sites for greater flexibility and guest comfort.

Conclusion

The Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs project represents a clear expansion and modernization effort by PENN Entertainment with specific investments in slots, table games, dining, and job creation all tied to the 2028 target date. Construction continues alongside ongoing riverboat operations while the 450 temporary positions and 50 permanent roles take shape over the coming months and years. Details remain consistent across available announcements and the focus stays on delivering the new facility within the stated budget and schedule parameters.