PENN Entertainment Unveils Plans for Land-Based Hollywood Casino New Orleans Through Major Relocation Project

PENN Entertainment announced plans to invest approximately $195 million to relocate its existing Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans riverboat operations in Harvey, Louisiana, to a new adjacent land-based facility branded as Hollywood Casino New Orleans, and the move would feature 140,000–145,000 square feet of development with around 875 slot machines, 45 table games, a retail sportsbook, dining options, and other amenities once regulatory approval clears the path forward.

Observers note that the project remains subject to regulatory approval while the company targets an expected opening in 2029, and this initiative continues a broader trend of Louisiana riverboat casinos moving onshore following a 2018 state law that enabled such transitions for operators seeking more stable land-based setups.

Project Scope and Facility Details

The proposed development would replace the current riverboat operations with a permanent structure located right next door, which means the transition could maintain continuity for existing customers while introducing expanded amenities that fit modern gaming preferences, and the layout includes dedicated spaces for slots, table games, and a retail sportsbook alongside dining venues that together create a comprehensive entertainment destination.

Company filings indicate the investment totals roughly $195 million, and this figure covers construction of the 140,000–145,000 square foot facility that would house approximately 875 slot machines along with 45 table games, while the addition of a retail sportsbook reflects ongoing demand for sports wagering options within the market.

Those who've studied the announcement point out that the land-based format offers advantages over riverboat constraints, such as greater flexibility in floor design and easier access for visitors, and the branding shift to Hollywood Casino New Orleans aligns with PENN Entertainment's portfolio strategy of using established names across its properties.

Regulatory Path and Timeline

Approval processes in Louisiana involve multiple state gaming authorities, and the company has stated that the project depends on securing those clearances before groundbreaking can proceed, while the 2029 opening target allows time for design finalization, permitting, and construction phases that typically span several years in the gaming sector.

According to the investor release, PENN Entertainment outlined the relocation as a strategic step that builds on the 2018 legislation, and this law opened doors for riverboat operators to transition onshore without losing their existing licenses, which has led several properties across the state to pursue similar moves in recent years.

Background on Louisiana's Onshore Casino Trend

The 2018 state law marked a turning point for the industry by permitting riverboats to relocate to land-based sites under specific conditions, and since then multiple operators have taken advantage of the change to develop more accessible venues that no longer face river-level restrictions or weather-related interruptions, and the Boomtown relocation fits squarely into this established pattern.

State records show that several riverboat casinos have already completed or announced onshore projects, which demonstrates how the regulatory environment now supports long-term capital investments of the scale PENN Entertainment has proposed, and the Harvey site benefits from its proximity to existing infrastructure that could speed up the overall timeline once approvals arrive.

Company statements emphasize that the new facility would continue to operate under the same gaming authority framework, and this continuity helps ensure a smooth shift for both employees and patrons who currently use the riverboat location, while the expanded square footage allows for amenities that riverboat designs often limit due to space and structural constraints.

Conclusion

The announcement positions PENN Entertainment to deliver a modern land-based gaming experience in the New Orleans market by 2029, pending regulatory sign-off, and the $195 million investment underscores the scale of commitment to the Harvey location while following the trajectory set by the 2018 law that continues to reshape Louisiana's casino landscape.