PENN Entertainment Sets Course for Hollywood Casino New Orleans with Major Relocation Investment

PENN Entertainment announced plans to invest approximately $195 million in order to relocate 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 move comes subject to regulatory approval while the existing hotel stays open throughout the transition.

The project would feature around 875 slot machines along with 45 table games, a retail sportsbook, dining options, and additional amenities, with an expected opening targeted for 2029, and observers note that the shift aligns with a broader industry trend in Louisiana of moving riverboat casinos onshore under the provisions of a 2018 state law.

Project Details and Facility Specifications

Company representatives outlined the scope of the new Hollywood Casino New Orleans location, which would transition operations from the riverboat setup to a permanent land-based structure, and this change allows for expanded gaming space plus integrated hospitality elements that connect directly to the retained hotel property. The facility plans include teh specified machine and table counts, while the retail sportsbook adds another layer of entertainment that draws from current market demands in the region, and dining areas plus other amenities would complement the core gaming offerings without disrupting hotel services during construction phases.

Regulatory approval remains a key step before groundbreaking can proceed, yet the announcement positions the project as a direct response to legislative changes that have encouraged similar onshore developments across the state since 2018.

Industry Context and Statewide Trends

Louisiana operators have increasingly pursued inland facilities following the 2018 law that streamlined approvals for such relocations, and PENN Entertainment's initiative follows patterns seen at other properties where riverboat constraints gave way to more flexible land-based designs. Data from state gaming reports shows multiple properties have completed or announced comparable moves, which often result in larger footprints and improved accessibility for patrons while maintaining compliance with local oversight requirements.

Those who track casino development in the region point out that the Hollywood Casino New Orleans project would represent one of the larger investments in recent years, and the $195 million figure covers both the relocation of gaming equipment and the construction of supporting structures that integrate with the existing hotel.

Timeline and Next Steps

Officials have set 2029 as the target opening date, which provides a multi-year window for design finalization, permitting, and construction activities, and as of August 2026 planning documents indicate steady progress toward securing necessary approvals from state and local regulators. The riverboat operations at Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans would continue uninterrupted until the new facility reaches completion, and this phased approach ensures continuous employment and revenue generation during the build-out period.

Stakeholders expect additional details on exact site selection and architectural plans to emerge following initial regulatory reviews, while the retained hotel component offers a stable base for guest services that extend beyond gaming alone.

Conclusion

The relocation announcement from PENN Entertainment underscores ongoing adaptations within Louisiana's casino sector as operators respond to updated state statutes, and the Hollywood Casino New Orleans project encapsulates the shift toward inland facilities equipped with modern gaming and amenity packages. With regulatory processes ahead and a 2029 opening on the horizon, the development adds another chapter to the state's evolving gaming landscape while preserving the hotel infrastructure that has long served visitors to the Harvey area.