PENN Entertainment Charts New Course with Onshore Hollywood Casino New Orleans Development

PENN Entertainment announced plans to invest approximately $195 million in a project that would 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 move aligns with ongoing shifts in the state's gaming landscape.

The proposal calls for around 875 slot machines along with 45 table games, a retail sportsbook, and additional amenities, while the expected opening remains set for 2029 provided all regulatory approvals come through in sequence.

Key Elements of the Proposed Facility

Observers note that the new Hollywood Casino New Orleans would stand on dry land right next to the current riverboat location, which creates opportunities for expanded infrastructure and guest services that a floating vessel cannot easily accommodate, and construction would proceed once state and local regulators grant their clearances.

Those involved in the planning have outlined how the 875 slot machines and 45 table games form the core gaming floor, while the retail sportsbook adds a dedicated betting area that meets current market demands in Louisiana, and other amenities would round out the experience with dining, entertainment, and lodging options integrated into the design.

Background on Louisiana's Gaming Relocation Trend

A 2018 state law opened the door for riverboat casinos to transition to onshore locations, and multiple operators across Louisiana have taken similar steps in recent years because the legislation removed previous restrictions that kept gaming vessels on the water. This particular project at Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans represents one more instance of that pattern, where PENN Entertainment seeks to modernize its footprint while maintaining its presence in the Harvey market.

Regulatory bodies will review the plans in detail over the coming months, and the timeline targets a 2029 debut that allows sufficient time for permitting, environmental assessments, and construction phases to unfold without rushing critical safety or compliance checks.

Project documents indicate the inland site offers better access for visitors arriving by car or public transit compared with the riverfront setup, and this change could streamline operations for both staff and guests once the facility opens its doors.

Approval Process and Expected Milestones

State gaming regulators along with local authorities in Jefferson Parish hold the final say on whether the relocation proceeds, and PENN Entertainment has positioned the $195 million investment as a long-term commitment to the region that would sustain jobs and tax revenue through the transition period. The company continues to operate the existing riverboat in the meantime, ensuring continuity of service until the land-based venue becomes operational in 2029.

Industry analysts tracking Louisiana casinos point out that similar onshore moves have allowed operators to increase square footage for gaming and non-gaming attractions, yet each project still requires separate approvals that can extend over multiple review cycles. In this case the adjacent inland parcel simplifies logistics because it sits close enough to the current site that existing utilities and access roads can support much of the new build.

Conclusion

The announcement from PENN Entertainment centers on a straightforward relocation and upgrade of its Harvey property, moving from a riverboat format to a permanent land-based Hollywood Casino New Orleans that features 875 slot machines, 45 table games, and a retail sportsbook. Subject to regulatory approvals, the $195 million project aims for a 2029 opening and follows the framework established by Louisiana's 2018 law that permits such onshore transitions. Details remain tied to the single development plan, with construction and licensing steps still ahead before the facility welcomes its first visitors.