Project Announcement Details

PENN Entertainment announced plans to invest approximately $195 million to replace its existing Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans riverboat operation in Harvey, Louisiana, with a new land-based Hollywood Casino New Orleans facility on an adjacent inland site, and this development represents the company's fourth such riverboat-to-landside relocation while subject to regulatory approval the project features around 875 slot machines, 45 table games, a retail sportsbook, dining options, and more with an expected opening in 2029 that aligns with a broader Louisiana industry trend enabled by a 2018 state law allowing onshore shifts.

Facility Features and Site Transition

The new Hollywood Casino New Orleans will occupy an inland location right next to the current riverboat setup in Harvey, which allows for expanded operations without the constraints of a floating vessel, and observers note that the design incorporates roughly 875 slot machines along with 45 table games plus a retail sportsbook and various dining options that together create a comprehensive entertainment destination expected to open its doors in 2029 once all necessary regulatory steps receive clearance. This move marks the fourth instance where PENN Entertainment has shifted from a riverboat format to a permanent land-based structure, building on prior relocations completed by the company in other markets.

Data from the announcement highlights how the adjacent site selection minimizes disruption during the transition phase while maximizing accessibility for visitors who currently frequent the Boomtown riverboat, and those familiar with similar projects point out that land-based facilities often support larger gaming floors and additional amenities compared to their riverboat predecessors.

Regulatory Path and Timeline

Regulatory approval remains a key requirement before construction begins, with the timeline targeting a 2029 opening that gives state officials and local authorities sufficient time to review the plans in detail, and reports indicate that the 2018 Louisiana law continues to facilitate these onshore shifts across the industry by removing previous barriers that kept casinos on water. The project announcement comes at a point when several operators in the state have already pursued comparable moves, creating a pattern that regulators have addressed through established processes.

According to the project outline, the $195 million investment covers the full scope of development from site preparation through final fit-out, and the phased approach allows the existing Boomtown riverboat to continue operating until the new facility reaches completion in 2029.

Context Within Louisiana Gaming Landscape

Louisiana's 2018 legislation opened the door for riverboat operators to transition to land-based locations, and this specific PENN Entertainment initiative follows that framework while adding to the count of four total relocations the company has undertaken, and figures from industry tracking show how such moves have supported expanded offerings like retail sportsbooks and increased table game counts at new sites. The Harvey location benefits from its proximity to the greater New Orleans market, which provides a steady visitor base for both the current riverboat and the planned inland casino.

Those who track state gaming developments note that the combination of 875 slots and 45 tables plus dining and wagering options positions the Hollywood Casino New Orleans as a full-scale destination once operational, and the adjacent inland site choice reduces logistical challenges associated with water-based infrastructure maintenance.

Broader Company Strategy

This relocation continues PENN Entertainment's pattern of updating its portfolio through land-based conversions, with the New Orleans project serving as the latest example after three earlier successes in other jurisdictions, and the $195 million commitment reflects the scale required to deliver modern gaming and hospitality amenities that meet current market expectations. The 2029 target date incorporates time for permitting, design finalization, and construction while the existing Boomtown operation maintains service in the interim.