Penn Entertainment Advances Plans for Land-Based Hollywood Casino Replacement in Iowa

Penn Entertainment has announced plans to replace the Ameristar Council Bluffs riverboat casino with a new land-based Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs, and the project carries an estimated cost between 180 and 200 million dollars while targeting an opening in 2028 pending regulatory approvals. The development will shift operations from the current riverboat setup to a permanent structure that includes roughly 1,000 slot machines along with 25 table games, and it will introduce dining venues such as Shake Shack and Red Lotus as part of the expanded offerings. Financing for the project receives support from landlord Gaming and Leisure Properties, which allows construction to move forward once approvals clear.

Project Scope and Key Features

Observers note that the new facility addresses long-standing limitations of the riverboat model by providing a larger footprint for gaming and hospitality, and the design incorporates dedicated spaces for the additional slots and tables that will replace the existing riverboat operations. The inclusion of Shake Shack brings a nationally recognized quick-service brand to the site while Red Lotus adds a distinct dining concept, and both outlets form part of a broader effort to diversify visitor experiences beyond gaming alone. Construction timelines project an 18 to 24 month build period once groundbreaking occurs, which positions the property for the 2028 target date if all permits and reviews proceed without delay.

Economic and Employment Impact

The initiative is expected to generate approximately 450 construction jobs during the build phase and to create about 50 permanent positions once the casino opens, and these figures reflect direct employment tied to the new land-based operation. Local economic activity stands to benefit from the influx of construction spending and subsequent operational payroll, while the shift from riverboat to land-based infrastructure supports longer-term stability for the Council Bluffs market. Data from the announcement indicates that the project remains fully backed by Gaming and Leisure Properties in its role as landlord, which reduces financing risk and helps maintain the scheduled progression toward 2028.

Timeline and Regulatory Path

Groundbreaking remains subject to necessary state and local approvals, and teh company has outlined a sequence that begins with site preparation followed by structural work that aligns with the 18 to 24 month construction window. The 2028 opening serves as the current benchmark, and any extensions in the approval process could adjust that date accordingly. Industry reports show that similar land-based conversions in other markets have followed comparable regulatory paths, which suggests the Council Bluffs project fits within established timelines for Iowa gaming developments.

What's notable is how the permanent structure allows for expanded amenities that the riverboat could not accommodate, and the addition of hotel elements further positions the property as a full destination rather than a gaming-only stop. Penn Entertainment continues to coordinate with Gaming and Leisure Properties to finalize design details and secure the remaining permits required before work begins.

Financing and Development Partners

Gaming and Leisure Properties provides the financing framework that supports the 180 to 200 million dollar investment, and this arrangement enables Penn Entertainment to focus resources on operational planning and regulatory compliance. The partnership structure mirrors other projects where real estate investment trusts handle property ownership while operators manage day-to-day casino functions, and such models have proven effective in maintaining project momentum across multiple states. According to the announcement details, the financing commitment remains in place and covers the full scope of the land-based replacement.

Conclusion

The transition from the Ameristar riverboat to the new Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs represents a significant infrastructure upgrade for the Iowa market, and the project details outline a clear path that includes specific gaming capacity, dining additions, job creation, and a defined construction schedule. With financing secured and approvals pending, the 2028 opening remains the stated objective, and the development stands to reshape the local gaming landscape once completed. Further updates will depend on the pace of regulatory reviews and construction progress over the coming months.