PENN Entertainment Charts New Course with $195 Million Relocation of Boomtown to Hollywood Casino New Orleans

PENN Entertainment has unveiled detailed plans to invest around $195 million in moving its Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans riverboat operation from Harvey, Louisiana, to an adjacent inland location that will become the new Hollywood Casino New Orleans, and this relocation will convert the entire facility from water-based to land-based while preserving the core gaming and hospitality elements that have defined the property.

Company officials outlined the project as one that remains subject to regulatory approval, with construction timelines pointing toward a 2029 opening that will feature approximately 875 slot machines, 45 table games, a retail sportsbook, multiple dining venues, and additional guest amenities designed to enhance the overall visitor experience in the New Orleans market.

Project Scope and Key Components

The relocation targets an inland site directly beside the current riverboat berth, allowing the operation to shift without losing its established regional footprint, while the new structure will incorporate modern building standards that support expanded floor space for gaming and non-gaming attractions alike. Observers note that the design emphasizes a seamless transition for existing staff and patrons, since the move keeps the casino within the same local jurisdiction and maintains easy access from major roadways serving the greater New Orleans area.

Key elements include a retail sportsbook positioned to meet growing demand for sports wagering, dining options that range from casual to upscale, and supplementary amenities such as event spaces or lounges that complement the primary gaming floor. Data from similar land-based conversions in Louisiana show that these additions often increase average visit duration, because guests encounter more varied activities within a single visit.

Regulatory Path and Expected Timeline

State and local regulators will review the proposal through established channels that govern casino licensing and land-use changes, and the process is expected to incorporate public hearings along with environmental and traffic impact assessments typical for projects of this scale. PENN Entertainment has indicated that it will work closely with the Louisiana Gaming Control Board and parish officials to address any conditions that arise during the approval phase.

Construction is slated to begin once permits are secured, with the 2029 target date allowing roughly three years for site preparation, building, and interior fit-out. This schedule aligns with the phased approach many operators have used when moving riverboat casinos ashore, since it provides time to maintain revenue from the existing facility until the new one is ready.

Continuation of Louisiana's Established Trend

Louisiana's 2018 state law opened the door for riverboat casinos to transition to land-based operations, and multiple properties have pursued similar moves since the legislation took effect. PENN Entertainment's project follows that pattern, as operators seek greater operational flexibility, reduced weather-related risks, and opportunities to expand non-gaming revenue streams that land-based sites accommodate more readily than floating vessels.

Statewide figures for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, placed gross gaming revenue near $1.9 billion across all Louisiana casinos, and the Boomtown property has historically contributed a steady share of that total. The relocation is projected to sustain or increase that contribution once the Hollywood Casino New Orleans opens, because the larger facility footprint supports higher capacity and longer operating hours without the constraints of a riverboat configuration.

Operational and Community Considerations

Local employment levels are expected to remain stable during the transition, with the potential for modest growth once the expanded amenities come online. Community leaders in Harvey have expressed interest in the project because it keeps a major employer and tourism draw within parish boundaries while modernizing the physical plant that serves visitors from across the region.

Traffic studies and infrastructure upgrades will form part of the permitting process, ensuring that the inland site can handle increased vehicle volume without disrupting surrounding neighborhoods. The adjacent location minimizes disruption to daily routines for both employees and regular patrons who have grown accustomed to the current riverboat access points.

Conclusion

The planned relocation of Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans represents a measured step in PENN Entertainment's regional strategy, one that leverages the 2018 legislative framework to deliver a contemporary land-based experience by 2029. With regulatory reviews still ahead, the $195 million investment underscores the company's commitment to the New Orleans market through updated facilities that include 875 slots, 45 table games, a retail sportsbook, and expanded dining options. Observers will continue to track approval milestones and construction progress as the project moves from announcement toward opening.