Hollywood Casino Breaks Ground in Council Bluffs
Council Bluffs is stepping into the spotlight in a big way. First announced in April 2025, PENN Entertainment's plans to transform the current Ameristar property into the new Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs officially moved from plans to progress with a groundbreaking ceremony on September 14, 2026.
The $180–$200 million investment will bring a new land-based gaming and entertainment destination to Council Bluffs, with Hollywood Casino expected to open in 2028. Once complete, the facility will replace the adjacent Ameristar Council Bluffs riverboat casino, pending customary regulatory approvals.
From Riverboat to Hollywood
This isn't just a simple upgrade—it's a full-on reinvention. The new Hollywood Casino will bring gaming operations ashore with approximately 1,000 slot machines and 25 live table games, creating a fresh, modern experience under PENN Entertainment's Hollywood Casino brand.
The project ushers in an entirely new era for a Council Bluffs gaming destination that has welcomed visitors along the Missouri River for decades.
Built for a Better Experience
The new casino is only part of the experience. Hollywood Casino will connect directly to the existing pavilion and hotel, giving guests convenient access to more than 160 hotel rooms along with existing amenities, including 1853 Bistro and Steakhouse, The Sportsbook Restaurant and Bar, Club 38 VIP Lounge, and the Buffet.
Two new dining concepts are also joining the property. Shake Shack will make its Omaha metropolitan-area debut in Council Bluffs, while Red Lotus, a fast-casual Asian concept, will offer made-to-order dishes and noodles.
Nearby accommodations, including Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites-I-29 and Hampton Inn Council Bluffs, offer additional options for turning a night of entertainment into an overnight stay.
The Fun Doesn't Stop
There's no need to wait until 2028 to get in on the action. Ameristar Council Bluffs will remain open throughout construction, allowing guests to continue enjoying the current casino, hotel, dining, and entertainment offerings while the new facility takes shape.
Construction is anticipated to take approximately 18–24 months. Once Hollywood Casino is complete, the existing riverboat casino will retire, and gaming operations will transition to the new land-based facility.
A Major Investment in Council Bluffs
The $180–$200 million development represents a significant investment in the future of Council Bluffs' visitor economy. PENN expects construction to support approximately 450 jobs and anticipates adding approximately 50 permanent positions when the new casino opens. Ameristar Council Bluffs currently employs more than 500 team members.
With a new casino, new dining experiences, and existing hotel amenities coming together on one property, Hollywood Casino Hotel Council Bluffs will add another major reason to stay, play, and explore in Council Bluffs.
