PENN Entertainment Advances Relocation Plan for Hollywood Casino New Orleans

PENN Entertainment has outlined plans to direct roughly $195 million toward moving gaming operations from the Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans riverboat in Harvey, Louisiana, to a new land-based facility that will operate under the Hollywood Casino New Orleans name, and the company has positioned the project as a direct response to shifting regulatory options available since the passage of a 2018 state law that permits riverboat casinos to transition onshore. The existing hotel component at the Harvey location would continue operations without interruption while the new inland site takes shape, which allows the company to maintain lodging revenue during the multi-year construction phase that targets an opening in 2029. The proposed Hollywood Casino New Orleans would include approximately 875 slot machines along with 45 table games, a retail sportsbook, dining options, and additional guest amenities once it opens its doors. These specifications reflect the scale of investment PENN Entertainment has committed to the relocation, and the project remains subject to regulatory approval before any construction can begin in earnest. Observers familiar with Louisiana gaming regulations note that the move aligns with broader industry patterns where operators have sought to replace floating riverboat venues with permanent structures that offer greater operational flexibility and visitor convenience.

Key Elements of the Proposed Facility

The new location would eliminate the need for riverboat infrastructure, which has historically required compliance with specific maritime rules and maintenance schedules that land-based properties avoid entirely. Instead the facility would stand on solid ground, providing expanded space for gaming floors, food service areas, and entertainment zones without the spatial constraints that accompany vessel-based designs. PENN Entertainment has indicated that the transition would preserve employment levels while potentially creating additional positions during both construction and ongoing operations once the site reaches full capacity. Data from state gaming reports show that several other Louisiana operators have completed similar onshore conversions in recent years, and those projects have delivered measurable increases in visitor traffic and average spend per guest compared with their former riverboat setups. The Hollywood Casino New Orleans development would follow the same pathway, yet it would introduce the Hollywood brand to the greater New Orleans market for the first time, which could draw a distinct customer segment already familiar with the name from other PENN Entertainment properties across the country.

Regulatory Pathway and Timeline

Approval from the Louisiana Gaming Control Board and related state agencies represents the next critical step before ground can break on the new site. The 2018 legislation established clear procedures for such relocations, requiring public hearings and detailed impact studies that examine traffic patterns, local economic effects, and community infrastructure demands. PENN Entertainment has stated that it intends to work closely with regulators and local officials throughout the review process, and the company expects the timeline to accommodate an opening during 2029 once permits are secured. The existing Boomtown riverboat would cease gaming operations after the new facility opens, yet the hotel tower would remain available to guests and would continue to generate revenue through lodging and related services. This phased approach allows the operator to minimize disruption for current patrons while gradually shifting gaming activity to the inland location that offers improved accessibility and expanded amenities.

Industry Context in Louisiana

Louisiana’s 2018 law opened the door for riverboat operators to pursue land-based alternatives, and multiple properties have taken advantage of the provision to modernize their footprints. The PENN Entertainment project in Harvey represents one of the larger investments announced under this framework, and it underscores the continued interest operators maintain in strengthening their presence in the New Orleans metropolitan area. Figures compiled by state regulators indicate steady growth in gaming revenue across converted properties, which has encouraged additional companies to evaluate similar transitions. The Hollywood Casino New Orleans development would add a branded destination that complements existing gaming options in the region, and it would introduce a retail sportsbook component that has proven popular at other land-based sites. Because the project remains in the planning stage, final design elements and exact amenity offerings could evolve based on feedback from regulators and market research conducted closer to the opening date.

Conclusion

The relocation plan announced by PENN Entertainment centers on a $195 million investment that would establish Hollywood Casino New Orleans as a permanent land-based gaming destination while preserving the Boomtown hotel operations during the transition period. With regulatory review still ahead and a target opening set for 2029, the project follows established procedures under the 2018 state law and aligns with ongoing shifts within Louisiana’s casino sector toward inland facilities that feature expanded gaming, dining, and entertainment options.