PENN Entertainment Advances Inland Shift with Hollywood Casino New Orleans Project

PENN Entertainment announced plans to invest approximately 195 million dollars in relocating gaming operations from its existing Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans riverboat in Harvey, Louisiana, to a new inland land-based facility branded as Hollywood Casino New Orleans, and this project remains subject to regulatory approval while promising around 875 slot machines along with 45 table games, a retail sportsbook, dining options, and additional amenities.

Details of the Relocation Announcement

Company representatives outlined the move as a strategic repositioning that would transition operations from the current riverboat setup to a permanent onshore location, and observers note the existing hotel structure would continue operating without interruption throughout the process. The announcement aligns with broader patterns in Louisiana where multiple operators have pursued similar transitions since the passage of a 2018 state law that permits riverboat casinos to shift to land-based sites under defined conditions.

Those tracking the development indicate the new Hollywood Casino New Orleans would open around 2029 once all approvals clear and construction wraps up, and the timeline allows for phased planning that incorporates local regulatory reviews alongside infrastructure requirements for the inland site.

Current Operations at Boomtown Casino

The Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans riverboat currently serves as the primary gaming venue in Harvey, and it includes hotel accommodations that will stay open during and after the transition to maintain continuity for visitors and staff. Gaming activities at the riverboat encompass standard offerings typical of Louisiana riverboat casinos, yet the relocation aims to expand capacity and modernize the experience through the land-based format.

Features Planned for Hollywood Casino New Orleans

The proposed facility includes specific elements such as 875 slot machines, 45 table games, and a dedicated retail sportsbook, while additional dining venues and other guest amenities would round out the offerings to create a comprehensive entertainment destination. Project specifications emphasize an inland location that removes the constraints associated with riverboat operations, and this change enables expanded floor space along with updated infrastructure designed for long-term use.

Developers have described the design as one that integrates modern gaming technology with hospitality services, and the retail sportsbook component would provide expanded betting options compared to the current riverboat configuration. Data from similar projects in the state shows that land-based venues often achieve higher operational efficiency once relocated, though final outcomes depend on regulatory timelines and construction progress.

Regulatory Path and Timeline Considerations

Approval processes involve multiple state and local agencies that review applications for gaming licenses, site development, and compliance with the 2018 legislation, and PENN Entertainment has positioned the project to move forward once these steps conclude. The expected 2029 opening date incorporates buffer periods for potential delays, while construction phases would follow standard industry sequencing that begins with site preparation and ends with operational testing.

Those monitoring the regulatory environment note that Louisiana has seen several operators complete comparable shifts in recent years, and the Hollywood Casino New Orleans project follows the same framework established under existing statutes. Figures from state records indicate that land-based conversions have increased steadily since 2018, reflecting a consistent trend across the regional gaming sector.

Industry Context in Louisiana

The relocation fits into an ongoing pattern where riverboat operators in Louisiana pursue onshore facilities to address limitations of floating venues, and the 2018 law created the legal pathway that enables such transitions without requiring new legislative action. PENN Entertainment's decision mirrors actions taken by other companies in the state, and the resulting inland properties typically feature expanded amenities and improved accessibility for patrons.

Project documentation highlights that the new site would support both gaming and non-gaming revenue streams through its dining and entertainment components, and this diversified approach aligns with operational models observed at successful land-based casinos elsewhere in Louisiana. The hotel component at the original Boomtown location continues to provide lodging options, ensuring that visitor services remain available during the multi-year transition period.

Conclusion

The planned investment of approximately 195 million dollars by PENN Entertainment represents a significant commitment to the New Orleans market, and the move from the Harvey riverboat to the Hollywood Casino New Orleans inland facility marks another step in the state's evolving gaming landscape. With regulatory approvals pending and an anticipated 2029 opening, the project outlines clear parameters for slot machines, table games, sportsbook operations, and supporting amenities while preserving the existing hotel. Observers continue to track developments as the initiative advances through required reviews and preparation phases.