Key Components of the New Facility

The new casino structure shifts operations from the riverboat format to a land-based building that integrates with existing infrastructure, and this approach allows for streamlined access between gaming areas, lodging, and food service outlets while the design maintains continuity for visitors familiar with the current setup. Construction crews will handle the transition in phases so that operations at the riverboat continue during much of the build period, and the final layout positions the new gaming floor adjacent to the hotel tower for convenient pedestrian flow between sections.

Employment and Economic Effects During Construction

Project planners estimate the construction phase will generate 450 temporary positions across various trades, and these roles span site preparation, structural work, electrical installations, and interior finishing tasks that extend over the full build timeline. Once complete the facility is projected to support 50 new permanent positions in addition to roles already filled at the property, and local workforce data shows such developments often draw labor from surrounding counties in Iowa and Nebraska. Observers note the spending on materials and labor circulates through regional suppliers and service providers, which creates secondary activity in transportation, equipment rental, and food service sectors tied to the site.

Funding for the 180 to 200 million dollar investment comes from Penn Entertainment corporate resources, and the company has outlined the allocation across land preparation, building construction, gaming equipment procurement, and dining venue fit-outs. The inclusion of the Shake Shack marks the first location of that chain in the broader Omaha metropolitan region, and this addition expands the range of quick-service options available to both casino patrons and hotel guests without requiring travel across the Missouri River.

Project Timeline and Phased Completion

Work began in the current quarter with site clearing and foundation activities, and the overall schedule calls for an 18 to 24 month construction window that places substantial completion between late 2025 and mid 2026 depending on weather and supply chain factors. Penn Entertainment has coordinated with local permitting offices to align inspections and utility connections so that the gaming floor, table game pits, and new dining areas reach operational readiness within the stated period. The riverboat will remain in service until the land-based facility receives final regulatory approvals, at which point gaming equipment will transfer to the new building and the older vessel will be decommissioned.

Integration with Existing Amenities

Design documents show the new casino floor will link directly to the established hotel lobby and parking structures, which reduces the need for additional standalone infrastructure and preserves the property's current guest circulation patterns. The 1,000 slot machines and 25 table games represent a modest increase over the riverboat's historical capacity, yet the expanded square footage allows for wider spacing between machines and dedicated areas for table game tournaments. Dining expansions beyond the Shake Shack include updated casual and upscale venues that connect to the main gaming and hotel corridors, and these outlets are expected to operate under the same management structure already in place at the property.