PENN Entertainment Announces Relocation of Boomtown Casino Operations to New Land-Based Hollywood Casino New Orleans

PENN Entertainment has announced plans to invest approximately 195 million dollars in a project that relocates its existing Boomtown Casino and Hotel New Orleans riverboat operations from Harvey, Louisiana, to a new adjacent land-based facility branded as Hollywood Casino New Orleans, and the move remains subject to regulatory approval while promising 140,000 to 145,000 square feet of development space along with around 875 slot machines, 45 table games, a retail sportsbook, dining options, and additional amenities.

Scope of the Proposed Development

The project outlines a comprehensive shift from riverboat-based gaming to a permanent onshore structure, and developers expect the new facility to open in 2029 once all necessary approvals clear state and local channels. Observers note that the land-based design allows for expanded amenities beyond what a riverboat configuration typically supports, including larger dining areas and integrated retail sportsbook operations that connect directly to the gaming floor. Data from the announcement indicates the development will occupy space right next to the current riverboat site, which reduces logistical hurdles during the transition period while maintaining access for existing customers who already frequent the Harvey location.

Construction timelines hinge on regulatory reviews, yet the company has positioned the investment as a direct response to shifting market preferences that favor land-based venues over floating casinos in the region. Those familiar with Louisiana gaming regulations point out that the 2018 state law opened pathways for such conversions, and PENN Entertainment's proposal follows that established framework without introducing new legislative requirements.

Regulatory and Timeline Considerations

State gaming authorities must review and approve the relocation before groundbreaking can proceed, and company filings detail a structured process that includes environmental assessments alongside operational licensing updates. The expected 2029 opening date provides a multi-year window for these steps, allowing time for detailed planning that incorporates feedback from local stakeholders in Jefferson Parish where Harvey sits. Figures released alongside the announcement show the 195 million dollar commitment covers both the physical build and equipment upgrades, with slot machine counts set near 875 and table games limited to 45 to align with current market demand patterns observed in similar Louisiana properties.

Company statements emphasize that the transition will preserve jobs and revenue streams during construction, while the new facility design incorporates modern infrastructure that supports both traditional casino play and sports betting operations under one roof. Those tracking industry movements note this approach mirrors other recent onshore shifts in Louisiana, where operators have leveraged the 2018 law to improve guest experiences through expanded square footage and diversified amenities.

Context Within Louisiana Gaming Trends

Louisiana riverboat casinos have steadily moved toward land-based models since the 2018 legislation passed, and PENN Entertainment's project represents another step in that ongoing pattern. The Boomtown Casino and Hotel New Orleans currently operates as a riverboat, yet the planned Hollywood Casino New Orleans will replace it with a fixed structure that offers greater flexibility for future expansions. Reports indicate the adjacent location minimizes disruption for regular visitors, while the added retail sportsbook and dining options aim to attract a broader audience throughout the greater New Orleans area.

Project specifications list 140,000 to 145,000 square feet of total development, which includes gaming areas, support facilities, and public spaces designed to enhance overall guest flow. State records show multiple operators have pursued similar conversions in recent years, resulting in improved operational efficiency and higher capacity for amenities that riverboat constraints previously limited. The 2029 target date aligns with phased construction schedules that account for permitting, material sourcing, and workforce coordination across the region.

Conclusion

PENN Entertainment's announcement details a 195 million dollar investment to relocate Boomtown Casino and Hotel New Orleans operations to the new Hollywood Casino New Orleans land-based facility, complete with 140,000 to 145,000 square feet of space, 875 slot machines, 45 table games, a retail sportsbook, and dining amenities slated for a 2029 opening pending regulatory approval. This development continues the established trend of Louisiana riverboat casinos transitioning onshore under the framework created by the 2018 state law, and all project elements remain tied directly to the single announcement released by the company.