PENN Entertainment Moves Forward with Land-Based Hollywood Casino New Orleans

PENN Entertainment has announced plans to invest approximately $195 million in a project that will replace its existing Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans riverboat operation in Harvey, Louisiana, with a new land-based facility called Hollywood Casino New Orleans; the development will sit on an adjacent inland site and remains subject to regulatory approvals before construction can begin. The move aligns with a pattern seen across Louisiana since a 2018 state law opened the door for riverboat casinos to relocate onshore, and company officials have outlined a target opening in 2029 once all necessary steps clear.

Project Specifications and Amenities

The new facility is expected to feature around 875 slot machines along with 45 table games, a retail sportsbook, and additional amenities that will support the property's daily operations. These elements represent a shift from the current riverboat setup while maintaining the core gaming offerings that visitors have come to expect from the Boomtown brand. Observers note that the inland location will allow for expanded infrastructure without the limitations that come with operating on water, and the project will connect directly to the existing site in Harvey.

Data from the announcement indicates that the investment covers both the construction of the land-based building and the transition away from the riverboat format. The retail sportsbook forms part of the planned amenities, reflecting the growing integration of sports wagering into casino properties across the state. Those who've followed similar relocations in Louisiana point out that such features often help properties adapt to changing visitor preferences while staying within regulatory frameworks established after the 2018 legislation.

Background on the Current Operation

Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans currently operates as a riverboat in Harvey, a location just outside New Orleans that has served the market for years. The decision to move inland builds on the flexibility provided by the 2018 state law, which permitted these transitions under specific conditions. Company records show that PENN Entertainment has pursued comparable projects elsewhere, including a scheduled closure of the Hollywood Casino Aurora riverboat ahead of its own land-based launch, demonstrating a consistent approach to modernization across its portfolio.

Regulatory Path and Expected Timeline

The project requires regulatory approvals before ground can break, and the timeline points toward a 2029 opening once those clearances are secured. Louisiana gaming authorities will review the proposal, which follows the standard process for casino developments in the state. Experts have observed that similar relocations have taken several years from announcement to completion, and the 2029 target accounts for that sequence of reviews, permitting, and construction phases.

According to the details released, the move keeps the operation in the same general area while shifting it to an inland footprint that offers more room for amenities and operational improvements. The 2018 law created the legal pathway for these changes, and multiple operators have used it to update aging riverboat infrastructure. PENN Entertainment's announcement specifies that the Hollywood Casino New Orleans name will replace the Boomtown branding at the new site, marking a reorientation of the property within the company's regional lineup.

Industry Context in Louisiana

Louisiana has seen several riverboat operators pursue onshore relocations since the 2018 legislation took effect, and this project continues that pattern. The law addressed longstanding constraints tied to water-based operations, allowing properties to pursue more stable and expandable facilities. Figures from recent years show that such transitions often coincide with updates to gaming floors and the addition of non-gaming amenities that broaden visitor appeal.

The Hollywood Casino New Orleans development will maintain the same market focus while introducing an updated physical plant. Those who've tracked these shifts note that the adjacent inland site minimizes disruption for existing staff and suppliers during the transition period. The $195 million commitment reflects the scale required to deliver a modern facility that meets current standards for accessibility, technology, and guest services.

Conclusion

The announcement from PENN Entertainment outlines a clear path from the current riverboat operation to a new land-based Hollywood Casino New Orleans expected to open in 2029, pending regulatory approvals. The project incorporates approximately 875 slot machines, 45 table games, and a retail sportsbook on an inland site adjacent to the existing Harvey location. Enabled by the 2018 state law, the move fits into a wider series of similar transitions across Louisiana, where operators have updated aging riverboat infrastructure with permanent onshore facilities. All details remain subject to the required state reviews before construction proceeds.