PENN Entertainment Charts Course for Hollywood Casino New Orleans Relocation

PENN Entertainment has announced plans to invest approximately $195 million in a new land-based Hollywood Casino New Orleans, replacing the existing Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans riverboat operation in Harvey, Louisiana, and moving the entire facility to an adjacent inland site, according to the company release.

The project requires regulatory approval before construction begins, and the expected opening date stands at 2029, when the new property would feature roughly 875 slot machines, 45 table games, a retail sportsbook, dining options, and additional amenities designed to serve visitors in the greater New Orleans area.

Project Details and Timeline

Company officials outlined the scope of work, which centers on shifting operations from the current riverboat setup to a permanent land-based structure that eliminates water-based constraints while maintaining the same market presence, and the move follows a broader pattern established under Louisiana's 2018 state law that permits riverboat casinos to relocate onshore when certain conditions are met.

Construction activities would begin once approvals clear the necessary state and local review processes, with the 2029 target date allowing time for design finalization, permitting, and phased building that keeps the existing riverboat operational during the transition period.

Regulatory Context and Industry Shift

Observers note that the 2018 legislation created a pathway for multiple operators across Louisiana to pursue similar onshore relocations, and PENN Entertainment's announcement aligns with that framework as the company seeks to improve customer access and overall competitiveness in the regional gaming market.

State regulators would evaluate the proposal on factors including site suitability, economic impact, and compliance with gaming statutes before granting final permission for the land-based facility to proceed.

Those who have tracked Louisiana gaming developments point out that several other riverboat properties have already completed or announced comparable moves in recent years, creating a measurable shift away from water-based operations toward fixed inland locations that offer expanded space for amenities and easier visitor logistics.

Facility Features and Market Position

The planned Hollywood Casino New Orleans would include a retail sportsbook alongside the gaming floor, while dining venues and other guest services would round out the experience for patrons who currently visit the Boomtown riverboat, and the company highlighted these elements as key to meeting evolving customer expectations in the New Orleans market.

Figures from state gaming reports show visitation and revenue statistics for the region continue to reflect strong demand, which supports operators' decisions to invest in upgraded physical plants that can accommodate larger crowds and diverse entertainment offerings.

Company statements emphasize that the inland location would remove operational limitations tied to the riverboat format, such as vessel size restrictions and maintenance requirements associated with water-based structures, while allowing for future expansions if demand warrants additional development.

Conclusion

The announcement positions PENN Entertainment to complete the transition by 2029, provided all regulatory steps advance on schedule, and the project represents one more step in Louisiana's ongoing evolution of its casino landscape from riverboat origins to modern land-based facilities.