Project Scope and Facility Details

The new structure will house 1,000 slot machines along with 25 table games, while also adding direct connections to the current hotel tower and other on-site amenities already in place. Designers have included several dining concepts, among them the first Shake Shack location to open in the greater Omaha metropolitan region. Observers note that the shift from a riverboat to a permanent land-based building removes previous operational constraints tied to water levels and seasonal conditions on the Missouri River.

Those involved in the planning phase explained that the layout places the gaming floor at the center of the complex, with food and beverage outlets positioned along the perimeter to encourage guest movement between areas. The existing hotel will remain operational throughout construction, and pathways will link it directly to the new casino entrance once the project reaches completion.

Economic Impact and Employment Figures

Company statements indicate the construction phase alone will generate 450 temporary positions, while the finished facility is projected to support 50 additional permanent roles beyond the current staffing levels at the riverboat site. Local workforce data from similar developments in the Midwest shows that such projects often draw labor from surrounding counties, which can spread payroll effects across a wider area. Penn Entertainment has scheduled regular updates on hiring milestones as the build progresses through the coming seasons.

Revenue projections released alongside the ground-breaking announcement point to increased tax contributions for the city of Council Bluffs and Pottawattamie County once the casino reaches full operation. State gaming reports from Iowa list Council Bluffs as one of the primary markets in the eastern portion of the state, and the replacement facility is expected to maintain that position through expanded capacity and updated amenities.

Timeline and Next Steps

Ground-breaking activities began in the current quarter, and project managers have outlined phased construction that prioritizes foundation work followed by structural framing. Completion remains targeted for a window that could place the opening as early as late 2026 or into 2027, depending on weather and supply chain factors. September 2026 has been referenced internally as a potential milestone for interior fit-out inspections, though final dates will be confirmed closer to that period.

Regulatory filings with the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission detail the required inspections and licensing steps that must occur before the gaming floor can open to the public. Penn Entertainment has stated that all permits are already in place for the initial phases of excavation and utility installation, which allows crews to maintain momentum without delays from paperwork.

Brand Transition and Market Context

The move from the Ameristar name to Hollywood represents a rebranding effort by Penn Entertainment across several of its properties, with signage and marketing materials scheduled to update in tandem with the physical construction. Marketing plans include coordinated campaigns that highlight the new dining options and expanded gaming offerings to both local residents and visitors from the Omaha side of the river. Industry analysts tracking Midwest gaming markets have recorded steady visitation numbers at Council Bluffs locations in recent years, which provides a baseline for measuring performance after the new facility opens.

Similar land-based conversions at other riverboat sites in Iowa and neighboring states have shown that permanent structures often allow operators to introduce additional entertainment features that were previously limited by boat size. Penn Entertainment has not announced any further expansions beyond the current scope, yet the design includes space that could accommodate future additions if demand supports them.

Conclusion

The Council Bluffs project forms part of Penn Entertainment's broader strategy to modernize its portfolio with updated facilities that meet current guest expectations for land-based entertainment. Data from the American Gaming Association shows continued investment across multiple states in replacing older riverboat assets with permanent buildings, and the Hollywood Casino Council Bluffs development follows that pattern. Updates on construction progress will continue through official company channels and local regulatory filings as the 18-to-24-month schedule advances.