Ameristar Casino Hotel Council Bluffs

Ameristar Casino Hotel Council Bluffs — Gaming Floor

Ameristar Casino Hotel Council Bluffs stands as Iowa’s premier gaming destination, strategically positioned on the Missouri River’s eastern bank to serve both Iowa residents and the bustling Omaha metropolitan area. This Boyd Gaming flagship property has established itself as the state’s largest casino resort by both hotel capacity and gaming floor square footage since opening its doors in 1996. The property exemplifies modern casino entertainment, combining extensive gaming options with comprehensive resort amenities under one expansive roof. Furthermore, its prime riverfront location offers guests stunning water views while maintaining convenient access to major highways and the Omaha airport.

The expansive 38,000-square-foot gaming floor features over 1,500 slot machines ranging from classic three-reel games to the latest video slots with progressive jackpots. Table game enthusiasts can choose from 36 gaming tables offering blackjack, craps, roulette, baccarat, and specialty games like Three Card Poker and Ultimate Texas Hold’em. The casino operates around the clock, ensuring that gaming action never stops for night owls and early risers alike. Additionally, the dedicated high-limit gaming room provides an exclusive environment for premium players seeking higher stakes and personalized service.

The FanDuel Sportsbook represents a significant addition to the gaming offerings, capitalizing on Iowa’s sports betting legalization in 2019. This modern facility features comfortable lounge seating, multiple large-screen displays, and both staffed betting windows and convenient self-service kiosks. Sports bettors can wager on all major professional and college sports, with comprehensive markets covering everything from NFL and NBA games to March Madness and the World Series. The sportsbook maintains extended hours during major sporting events, creating an electric atmosphere for fans and bettors.

Hotel & Accommodations

The 444-room hotel tower represents the largest gaming resort accommodation in Iowa, offering guests a range of comfortable rooms and luxury suites. Standard rooms feature modern furnishings, flat-screen televisions, complimentary Wi-Fi, and many provide scenic views of the Missouri River and surrounding landscape. However, the crown jewel accommodations are the spacious suites, which include separate living areas, premium amenities, and enhanced river views perfect for special occasions or high-roller experiences. The hotel consistently maintains its three-star rating through attentive housekeeping services and well-appointed guest amenities.

Hotel guests enjoy exclusive access to the property’s outdoor pool area, providing a refreshing retreat during warmer months. The pool deck features comfortable seating areas and cabanas, creating a resort-style atmosphere that distinguishes Ameristar Casino Hotel Council Bluffs from typical Iowa casinos. In addition to recreational amenities, the hotel provides essential business services including meeting rooms and conference facilities for corporate events and social gatherings. Meanwhile, the property’s location offers easy access to area attractions while providing a complete entertainment experience without leaving the resort grounds.

Dining & Nightlife

Culinary offerings at Ameristar Casino Hotel Council Bluffs span from casual dining to upscale restaurant experiences, ensuring every palate finds satisfaction. Ameritail Restaurant serves as the property’s signature dining destination, featuring an extensive menu of American classics and regional specialties in an elegant atmosphere. Float offers a more relaxed dining experience with contemporary American cuisine, while Fork & Spoon provides quick-service options perfect for gaming breaks or casual meals. Each restaurant emphasizes fresh ingredients and skilled preparation, making dining an integral part of the overall resort experience.

The nightlife scene centers around two distinct venues that cater to different entertainment preferences. Bottoms Up Lounge provides a classic casino bar atmosphere where guests can enjoy cocktails, beer, and light fare while staying close to the gaming action. Club Ameristar elevates the evening experience with a more sophisticated lounge setting, featuring premium spirits, craft cocktails, and an atmosphere perfect for celebrating wins or socializing with fellow guests. Both venues frequently host special events and promotions that complement the overall entertainment calendar.

Amenities & Entertainment

The Star Pavilion stands as the crown jewel of entertainment at Ameristar Casino Hotel Council Bluffs, boasting a 1,500-person capacity venue that hosts major touring acts, tribute bands, and special events throughout the year. This state-of-the-art facility features excellent acoustics and sightlines, ensuring every guest enjoys an optimal entertainment experience. Notable performers have graced the Star Pavilion stage, ranging from country music stars to classic rock legends and contemporary pop artists. Furthermore, the venue also hosts comedy shows, corporate events, and seasonal celebrations that draw visitors from across the region.

The Boyd Rewards loyalty program enhances every visit by providing members with exclusive benefits, promotional offers, and earning opportunities across all Boyd Gaming properties nationwide. Members accumulate points through gaming activities, dining, and hotel stays, which can be redeemed for complimentary play, dining credits, hotel stays, and exclusive merchandise. The program features multiple tiers that unlock increasingly valuable benefits, including priority reservations, special event invitations, and personalized customer service. Notably, Boyd Rewards members also gain access to reciprocal benefits at other Boyd Gaming destinations throughout Nevada, Louisiana, and other states.

Plan Your Visit

Ameristar Casino Hotel Council Bluffs welcomes guests 21 years and older to its gaming areas, while hotel and dining facilities accommodate guests of all ages with proper identification. The property maintains designated smoking areas throughout the casino floor, balancing the preferences of smoking and non-smoking guests while ensuring compliance with Iowa gaming regulations. Ample free parking surrounds the property, with both self-park and valet options available to accommodate the high volume of visitors from both Iowa and Nebraska. As a result, guests never need to worry about parking availability or additional fees during their visit.

The strategic location makes Ameristar easily accessible from major highways and provides convenient proximity to Eppley Airfield in Omaha for out-of-state visitors. Council Bluffs casinos benefit from this cross-border appeal, and Ameristar maximizes this advantage through targeted marketing and promotional campaigns. However, visitors should note that Iowa requires all casino patrons to be at least 21 years old, and proper identification is mandatory for entry to all gaming areas. The property’s 24-hour operation ensures that guests can enjoy gaming, dining, and entertainment at any hour that suits their schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions