PENN Entertainment Advances Land-Based Transition for New Orleans Casino Operations

PENN Entertainment has outlined a $195 million investment to shift its Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans riverboat operation in Harvey, Louisiana, onto an adjacent inland site that will house the new Hollywood Casino New Orleans, and this move comes as the company seeks regulatory approval while targeting a 2029 opening date. The project will feature roughly 875 slot machines, 45 table games, a retail sportsbook, multiple dining venues, and additional amenities designed to serve visitors in the greater New Orleans area.

Project Scope and Timeline Details

The relocation plan centers on converting the existing riverboat setup into a permanent land-based facility, and observers note that the inland location offers expanded space for amenities without the operational constraints tied to water-based gaming vessels. Construction preparations are expected to begin once state and local approvals clear, with the full transition scheduled to wrap by 2029 so that operations can continue uninterrupted during the build phase.

Company filings indicate the new venue will maintain core gaming elements from the current Boomtown property while adding retail sports betting and refreshed dining options, and these additions align with evolving visitor preferences in the regional market. The facility footprint will occupy land directly beside the current riverboat mooring, which simplifies logistics for staff and suppliers who already work in the Harvey corridor.

Regulatory Pathway and State Law Context

Louisiana's 2018 legislation opened the door for riverboat casinos to move ashore, and this statute has prompted several operators across the state to pursue similar land-based conversions in recent years. PENN Entertainment's proposal remains subject to review by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board and local parish authorities, who will examine traffic, environmental, and economic impact reports before granting final permits.

State records show that gross gaming revenue for properties like Boomtown and others statewide reached approximately $1.9 billion in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, and these figures provide context for the scale of investment now under consideration. The approval process typically includes public hearings, and those familiar with prior conversions note that similar projects have moved forward once operators address infrastructure concerns raised during review.

Operational and Market Implications

Once complete, the Hollywood Casino New Orleans will operate under PENN Entertainment's existing regional portfolio, which already includes multiple properties throughout Louisiana and neighboring states. The shift from riverboat to land-based format allows for larger event spaces and improved accessibility, factors that operators have cited in past conversions as drivers of increased foot traffic.

Monthly visitor counts at the current Boomtown site hover between 60,000 and 70,000, according to industry tracking data, and the new facility is designed to accommodate that volume while offering expanded non-gaming attractions. Analysts tracking the sector point out that land-based venues tend to support year-round programming more readily than vessels limited by weather or water levels.

Industry Trend of Shoreline Conversions

Several other Louisiana riverboat operators have completed or announced similar moves since the 2018 law took effect, and this pattern reflects broader adjustments in gaming infrastructure across the Gulf Coast region. PENN Entertainment's announcement follows those earlier projects, positioning the company to maintain its market presence in the New Orleans metro area through updated facilities.

Local economic reports from Jefferson Parish highlight the role of gaming venues in supporting hospitality jobs and tourism spending, and the Hollywood Casino project is projected to sustain those contributions during and after construction. The timeline to 2029 allows time for phased permitting and design refinements that address community feedback gathered through the approval process.

Conclusion

The $195 million relocation of Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans to the new Hollywood Casino New Orleans site represents a continuation of Louisiana's shift toward land-based gaming operations under the 2018 framework. With regulatory reviews still ahead and a 2029 target date in place, the project will unfold over the coming years as PENN Entertainment works through the required approvals and construction milestones. The planned mix of slots, tables, sports betting, and dining options mirrors features at other regional properties, and the adjacent inland site offers practical advantages for long-term operations in the Harvey area.