PENN Entertainment Advances Land-Based Casino Plans with Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs Project

PENN Entertainment has started a major redevelopment project in Council Bluffs, Iowa, where a groundbreaking ceremony marks the shift from the existing Ameristar Council Bluffs riverboat casino to a new land-based Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs. The initiative carries a budget between 180 and 200 million dollars and will introduce roughly 1,000 slot machines along with 25 table games plus fresh dining choices once complete. The new facility replaces the riverboat operation that has served the area for years, and construction timelines place the opening in 2028 following an 18 to 24 month build period. During that window the riverboat casino stays open to maintain continuous service for visitors and employees.

Project Scope and Facility Upgrades

Observers note that the move to a land-based structure allows expanded floor space and modern amenities compared with the riverboat layout. The planned casino floor centers on 1,000 slot machines and 25 table games while new dining venues add variety that the current setup does not provide. Project documents outline these core elements as the foundation for the Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs brand.

Construction teams will handle site preparation and building erection in phases, and the 18-to-24-month schedule accounts for both structural work and interior fit-outs. Because the riverboat remains operational throughout, daily gaming activity continues without interruption even as crews work nearby on the permanent land-based replacement.

Construction Timeline and Milestones

The project timeline begins with the scheduled groundbreaking ceremony, after which crews move into active building phases expected to span 18 to 24 months. That duration leads to a 2028 opening date when the full land-based Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs becomes available to the public. Officials have confirmed that the riverboat will keep running during construction so revenue streams and guest access stay steady until the new property opens.

Progress checkpoints include foundation work, structural framing, and systems installation, each aligned to meet the 2028 target. The schedule also incorporates time for inspections and final commissioning before the property welcomes its first guests.

Economic Impact and Employment Figures

Data from the announcement shows the project will generate approximately 450 construction jobs over the build period. Once the facility opens, the development supports about 50 new permanent positions in addition to roles already tied to the riverboat operation. These figures reflect direct labor needs for both the construction phase and the subsequent operational stage of the Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs.

Local suppliers and contractors stand to benefit from material and service contracts during the 18-to-24-month window, while the shift to a larger land-based venue positions the property for increased capacity once 2028 arrives. The 180-to-200-million-dollar investment covers building costs, gaming equipment, and dining infrastructure that will define the finished site.

Operational Continuity During Transition

Because the riverboat continues to operate, players and staff experience no gap in gaming availability while crews construct the new land-based casino. This approach maintains existing revenue and employment levels until the Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs opens its doors in 2028. Transition plans call for a coordinated move of gaming equipment and personnel once construction wraps up.

The 1,000 slot machines and 25 table games planned for the new floor represent the primary gaming offerings, and dining additions expand food and beverage choices beyond what the riverboat currently provides. All elements remain on track for the 2028 debut.

Conclusion

The PENN Entertainment project in Council Bluffs centers on replacing the Ameristar riverboat with a modern land-based Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs at a cost of 180 to 200 million dollars. Key specifications include 1,000 slot machines, 25 table games, and new dining options, with construction lasting 18 to 24 months and a 2028 opening date. The riverboat stays active during the build, 450 construction jobs arise during that period, and roughly 50 new permanent positions emerge after opening. Details appear in the World Casino Directory report and align with filings from the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission.