Hollywood Casino Council Bluffs Project Marks New Era for Iowa Gaming

PENN Entertainment has broken ground on a new land-based Hollywood Casino in Council Bluffs, Iowa, and the move replaces the aging Ameristar riverboat casino that has operated since the mid-1990s. The project carries an estimated cost between 180 and 200 million dollars, with an expected opening in 2028, and observers note that this development brings together expanded gaming options, new dining choices, and infrastructure upgrades while connecting directly to the existing hotel and amenities already on site. The facility plans include more than 1,000 slot machines along with 25 live table games, and these elements form the core of the gaming floor. A parking garage will support visitor access, while new restaurants will open, and the area’s first Shake Shack location stands out among the additions. Construction activity is projected to generate around 450 jobs during the building phase, and once operational the casino expects to add about 50 permanent positions.

Project Scope and Key Features

The new Hollywood Casino will occupy a land-based structure that eliminates the limitations of the riverboat format, and this shift allows for a larger footprint that accommodates expanded amenities without the constraints of water-based operations. Those who have followed Iowa gaming developments recognize that land-based facilities often deliver greater flexibility in layout and guest experience, and the Council Bluffs project applies that approach through its direct connection to the existing hotel tower.

Design elements emphasize seamless integration, so visitors can move between gaming areas, dining venues, and hotel rooms without leaving the property. The parking garage addresses capacity needs for larger crowds, and the addition of 25 table games expands beyond the riverboat’s typical offerings. Data from similar regional projects shows that such expansions frequently increase visitor dwell time, though the Council Bluffs numbers will become clear only after the 2028 opening.

Economic Impact and Job Creation

Construction of the new casino is expected to support approximately 450 temporary positions over the multi-year build, and these roles span skilled trades, project management, and support services. Once the doors open, the permanent workforce of roughly 50 employees will handle daily operations across gaming, hospitality, and food service departments. Industry reports indicate that casino projects of this scale often stimulate nearby retail and service businesses, and Council Bluffs stands to benefit from that ripple effect as construction activity ramps up.

Local suppliers and contractors gain opportunities during the build phase, and the long-term presence of the Hollywood Casino brand provides a stable anchor for the regional economy. Figures from comparable Midwest developments reveal that sustained employment and tax contributions continue well beyond the initial construction period, and Iowa officials have already factored these projections into regional planning documents.

Timeline and Transition from Riverboat Operations

Groundbreaking has occurred in recent months, and the multi-year construction schedule targets a 2028 debut for the completed facility. The existing Ameristar riverboat will continue operating until the new property is ready, which ensures continuous employment and revenue during the transition. Project managers have outlined phased construction milestones that keep disruption to a minimum, and coordination between demolition planning and new-build activities remains a central focus.

By 2028 the land-based Hollywood Casino will offer an updated guest experience that includes the first Shake Shack in the area along with additional dining concepts still under development. The connection to the current hotel means overnight guests retain easy access, and the parking garage will handle increased vehicle volume. Observers note that similar replacements in other states have shortened the time between announcement and opening when regulatory approvals move efficiently, and Iowa’s process has followed that pattern so far.

Integration with Existing Infrastructure

The new casino will link directly to the established hotel and amenities, and this integration reduces the need for separate support systems while preserving the value of prior investments. Guests will encounter a unified layout that combines gaming, lodging, and dining under one operational umbrella, and the design avoids the fragmented feel sometimes associated with older riverboat setups. Construction teams are incorporating utility and access upgrades that serve both the new building and the existing structures, which streamlines long-term maintenance.

Those who have studied regional casino projects recognize that such connections often improve operational efficiency and guest satisfaction metrics, and the Council Bluffs plan applies those lessons through careful site planning. The parking garage addition further supports this integrated model by centralizing vehicle access for all property features.

Conclusion

The Hollywood Casino Council Bluffs project represents a significant capital investment that modernizes gaming infrastructure in western Iowa while preserving employment continuity. With a 2028 opening on the horizon, the development will introduce expanded gaming capacity, new dining options, and improved parking through a land-based facility connected to the existing hotel. Construction and permanent job figures provide measurable economic contributions, and the transition from the Ameristar riverboat marks a clear evolution in how the property serves visitors. As work progresses, updates on milestones will track the project from groundbreaking through final completion.