PENN Entertainment Moves Ahead with Land-Based Hollywood Casino New Orleans 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 this move aligns with a broader shift that began after the 2018 state law took effect. The project remains subject to regulatory approval, yet the company has outlined a development spanning 140,000 to 145,000 square feet that will include around 875 slot machines, 45 table games, a retail sportsbook, multiple dining options, and additional guest amenities, with an expected opening targeted for 2029.

Project Scope and Development Details

The relocation keeps operations in the same general area while shifting from a riverboat setup to a permanent land-based structure, which allows for expanded facilities and improved guest access without changing the overall market presence. Observers note that the new building will sit adjacent to the current riverboat site, creating a seamless transition for employees and visitors who already know the Harvey location. Data from the announcement shows the square footage allocation supports a mix of gaming floors, dining venues, and support areas that together exceed the capacity of the existing vessel, and this expansion reflects the type of onshore conversion the 2018 legislation was designed to encourage.

Regulatory steps still lie ahead, including review by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board and local zoning authorities, before construction can begin in earnest. Those who've followed similar projects in the state point out that once approvals are secured, the timeline to 2029 leaves room for detailed planning and phased building work that minimizes disruption to current riverboat services. The investment figure of roughly $195 million covers land preparation, construction, equipment installation, and initial marketing efforts tied to the Hollywood branding.

Background on the 2018 Law and Industry Shift

Louisiana's 2018 legislation opened the door for riverboat casinos to move onshore, and PENN Entertainment's announcement represents one more step in that ongoing process. Several operators have already completed or started similar transitions, demonstrating that land-based facilities offer operational advantages such as easier expansion, lower maintenance costs associated with vessels, and greater flexibility in layout design. According to the company release, the Hollywood Casino New Orleans project continues this established pattern while introducing the Hollywood brand to the New Orleans market for the first time.

The new facility's gaming mix includes approximately 875 slot machines alongside 45 table games, creating a balanced offering that caters to both casual visitors and dedicated players. A retail sportsbook will occupy a dedicated section, providing regulated sports wagering options in line with current state rules. Dining and other amenities are planned to complement the gaming experience, though specific restaurant concepts remain under development pending final design reviews. Those tracking the project note that the 140,000–145,000 square foot footprint allows space for these elements plus back-of-house operations and parking infrastructure.

Timeline and Next Steps

Subject to regulatory approval, construction activities are expected to ramp up in the coming years, with a target opening date set for 2029. This extended runway gives PENN Entertainment time to complete environmental assessments, secure permits, and coordinate with local partners on infrastructure improvements near the Harvey site. The company has stated that the existing Boomtown riverboat will continue operating until the new facility is ready, ensuring continuity for staff and customers throughout the transition period.

State officials have not yet issued formal comments on the specific proposal, but the framework established by the 2018 law provides a clear pathway for such relocations when operators meet required criteria. Figures shared in the announcement indicate the total investment will support hundreds of construction jobs during the build phase and maintain or increase permanent employment once the land-based casino opens. The move keeps the operation within the same parish, preserving the local tax base and community ties that have developed around the Boomtown brand over the years.

Conclusion

PENN Entertainment's $195 million commitment to create Hollywood Casino New Orleans marks a significant milestone in the company's Louisiana portfolio and fits squarely within the state's post-2018 regulatory environment. The project details, from the 140,000–145,000 square foot development and gaming capacity to the 2029 opening target, provide a concrete roadmap that regulators and stakeholders can now evaluate. As approvals move forward, the relocation from riverboat to land-based operations will serve as another example of how operators are adapting to the opportunities created by earlier legislation while maintaining service to the New Orleans market.