PENN Entertainment Advances Land-Based Casino Plans in Council Bluffs

PENN Entertainment has started work on a major redevelopment that will bring a new land-based Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs to Iowa, and the project carries an estimated cost between 180 and 200 million dollars. The plan calls for replacing the current Ameristar Council Bluffs riverboat with a facility that includes roughly one thousand slot machines along with twenty-five table games and several new dining choices. Construction is expected to last between eighteen and twenty-four months, after which the property should open to the public in 2028.

Project Scope and Facility Features

The redevelopment centers on moving operations from the riverboat to a permanent structure on land, which will allow for expanded amenities while maintaining the same core gaming offerings. One thousand slot machines and twenty-five table games form the central gaming floor, and additional space will accommodate dining venues that did not exist on the riverboat. The shift eliminates the limitations of a floating casino and creates room for future adjustments in layout and guest services.

Construction Timeline and Continued Operations

Groundbreaking is scheduled to occur soon, and the riverboat will remain open throughout the entire construction period so that existing visitors continue to have access. This overlap ensures revenue streams stay intact while crews build the new facility nearby. Once the land-based casino opens in 2028, the riverboat will close and the transition to the permanent building will be complete.

During the build phase, approximately four hundred fifty construction positions will be filled, and once the facility opens it is projected to add about fifty permanent roles to the local workforce. These figures reflect the direct employment impact tied to the 180 to 200 million dollar investment.

Economic and Regional Context

The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission oversees licensing and regulatory compliance for the project, ensuring that all construction and operational standards meet state requirements. Observers note that projects of this scale often involve coordination between developers, local governments, and regulatory bodies to keep timelines on track. Data from the American Gaming Association shows that land-based conversions can improve long-term operational efficiency compared with riverboat models.

Key Milestones Ahead

After the groundbreaking ceremony, site preparation and foundation work will begin, followed by structural framing and interior fit-out. The schedule targets completion by 2028, which allows time for inspections, licensing finalization, and staff training before doors open. Throughout this period, the existing Ameristar riverboat continues to serve guests without interruption.

Conclusion

The PENN Entertainment redevelopment in Council Bluffs represents a clear shift from riverboat to land-based operations, supported by a defined budget, specific gaming capacity, and a firm opening target. Construction jobs during the build and new permanent positions after opening form the measurable employment outcomes tied directly to the project. With the riverboat staying active until 2028, the transition maintains continuity for visitors while delivering the expanded facility described in the development plans.