PENN Entertainment Charts Course for Hollywood Casino New Orleans Inland Relocation

PENN Entertainment has announced plans to invest approximately 195 million dollars in replacing its current Boomtown Casino and 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 project remains subject to regulatory approval while carrying an expected opening date in 2029. The development would include around 875 slot machines along with 45 table games, a retail sportsbook, multiple dining options, and additional amenities designed to serve regional visitors. The shift aligns with provisions established under a 2018 Louisiana law that permits riverboat casinos to transition to land-based locations, and observers note several operators have pursued similar moves in recent years as infrastructure and access considerations evolve. Company filings indicate the new facility would occupy space next to the existing riverboat site, which allows for continuity of operations during construction phases while the riverboat remains active until the land-based property reaches completion.

Project Specifications and Timeline

Details released by PENN Entertainment outline a gaming floor that balances slots and table games in ratios typical for regional markets, whereas the addition of a retail sportsbook reflects expanded betting options now available under state regulations. Dining venues and other guest amenities would occupy dedicated spaces within the structure, and planners have emphasized connectivity to surrounding roadways for improved visitor flow compared to water-based access points.

The timeline targets a 2029 debut once all permits clear review processes, and state gaming authorities hold final say over licensing adjustments required for the land-based configuration. Construction would begin after approvals, with phased development allowing the riverboat to continue generating revenue in the interim.

Regulatory Path and Industry Context

Louisiana's 2018 statute created the framework for such relocations by removing certain waterway restrictions that previously governed riverboat operations, and multiple properties across the state have since explored or completed similar transitions. The PENN project in Harvey would mark another step in that pattern, with the company citing operational efficiencies and guest experience improvements as primary drivers behind the inland move.

Approval steps involve submissions to the Louisiana Gaming Control Board along with local zoning reviews in Jefferson Parish, and company representatives have indicated they expect a measured review period given the established legal pathway. Data from the state gaming department shows riverboat-to-land conversions have maintained consistent employment levels and tax contributions in prior cases, which provides context for evaluating this proposal.

Operational Continuity During Transition

Throughout the multi-year buildout the existing Boomtown riverboat would continue normal operations, and management has stated that staff transitions would prioritize retention where possible as roles shift to the new facility. Parking and access infrastructure at the inland site would expand to accommodate increased vehicle traffic once the land-based casino opens, while the riverboat location could see repurposing after closure.

Market analyses referenced in the announcement point to sustained demand in the greater New Orleans area for gaming and entertainment options, and the Hollywood branding aligns with PENN's portfolio strategy of leveraging recognized names across multiple states. The 195 million dollar investment covers construction, equipment, and initial operations setup, with funding drawn from corporate resources and project-specific financing arrangements.

Conclusion

The proposed Hollywood Casino New Orleans development represents a direct application of existing state law allowing riverboat operators to relocate ashore, and the project details released to date cover gaming capacity, amenities, and a 2029 target opening. Regulatory reviews will determine final timelines, while the company maintains the riverboat operation as a bridge until the new site becomes operational. Further updates will follow as approval processes advance through state and local channels.