PENN Entertainment Charts New Path with Land-Based Hollywood Casino New Orleans Relocation

PENN Entertainment has outlined a $195 million investment to shift its Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans riverboat operation from Harvey, Louisiana, onto an adjacent land-based site that will carry the Hollywood Casino New Orleans name once complete.

The move aligns with a 2018 Louisiana law that opened the door for riverboat casinos to transition onshore, and observers note this project follows the same pattern already underway at several other properties across the state. Plans call for roughly 140,000 to 145,000 square feet of new development that will house about 875 slot machines, 45 table games, a retail sportsbook, multiple dining venues, and additional guest amenities.

Project Scope and Timeline

Construction would replace the current riverboat setup with a permanent structure built right next to the existing location, allowing the company to maintain its Harvey address while modernizing the entire gaming and entertainment experience. The company has stated the new facility remains subject to regulatory approvals, yet the target opening sits in 2029, giving planners time to navigate permitting and build-out phases without rushing the process.

Those familiar with similar conversions point out that land-based venues typically offer greater flexibility for expansions, easier access for visitors, and reduced operational costs tied to water-based maintenance. PENN Entertainment's announcement highlights these advantages as central reasons for the relocation, while keeping the focus on delivering a refreshed destination that continues to serve the greater New Orleans market.

Industry Context in Louisiana

Louisiana has watched several riverboat operators pursue onshore moves since the 2018 legislation took effect, and this latest proposal from PENN Entertainment continues that steady shift. The state’s regulatory framework now supports these transitions provided operators secure local and state approvals, which often involves coordination with parish governments and gaming control boards.

According to the company’s investor release, the Hollywood Casino New Orleans project would preserve the existing workforce and customer base while upgrading facilities to meet modern expectations. The retail sportsbook addition stands out as a notable feature, reflecting broader demand for integrated sports wagering options within casino properties across the region.

Regulatory Path Ahead

Approval steps include review by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board along with local authorities in Jefferson Parish, where Harvey is located. Company representatives have indicated they will work closely with these bodies throughout the process, and similar projects elsewhere in the state have cleared comparable hurdles within expected timeframes. The 2029 opening date builds in buffer for any adjustments that may arise during permitting or construction.

Data from the investor announcement shows the investment covers the full scope of development, from site preparation through interior fit-out and technology integration. Observers tracking the sector note that such capital commitments often signal long-term confidence in a market’s stability, particularly when operators choose to anchor operations more permanently on land rather than water.

Conclusion

PENN Entertainment’s relocation plan for the Boomtown operation represents a measured step toward a fully land-based Hollywood Casino New Orleans, one that follows established state policy and mirrors moves by other operators. With regulatory review still ahead and a 2029 target in place, the project now enters the detailed planning stage where final designs, approvals, and construction schedules will take shape. The outcome will determine how the property evolves within Louisiana’s evolving casino landscape while continuing to serve its established customer base in the New Orleans area.