PENN Entertainment Moves Forward with Inland Relocation of Boomtown Casino to Create Hollywood Casino New Orleans

PENN Entertainment has announced plans to invest approximately $195 million in relocating its existing riverboat Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans from Harvey, Louisiana, to a new inland land-based facility that will operate under the Hollywood Casino New Orleans brand, and the project remains subject to regulatory approval while the existing hotel stays open during and after the transition. The move follows the framework established by a 2018 Louisiana law that permits riverboat casinos to shift operations ashore, and it aligns with similar relocations undertaken by other operators in the state according to the details released in the announcement. The new facility will feature around 875 slot machines, 45 table games, a retail sportsbook, multiple dining options, several bars, and a dedicated VIP lounge, all situated on land rather than continuing as a riverboat operation. This configuration represents a significant shift in teh physical setup while preserving core gaming and hospitality elements that have defined the property for years.

Project Scope and Key Components

The relocation centers on transforming the operation from a riverboat docked in Harvey into a permanent inland structure, and this change allows for expanded amenities without the constraints of a vessel-based layout. The company intends to maintain continuous hotel operations at the current site, ensuring that lodging services continue uninterrupted for guests even as construction progresses on the new casino building. Regulatory approval stands as the primary prerequisite before groundbreaking or full development can commence, which means the timeline hinges on reviews by state gaming authorities and related commissions.

Construction and development activities would unfold over several years, with an expected opening targeted for 2029. That extended horizon provides time for design refinements, permitting processes, and integration of the various elements such as the sportsbook and VIP areas. The investment figure of roughly $195 million covers the full scope of the move, including site preparation, building construction, and equipment installation for the slot machines and table games.

Regulatory Background and Statewide Patterns

Louisiana's 2018 legislation opened the door for riverboat operators to transition to land-based sites, and this particular project represents one application of that statute in the New Orleans region. The law addresses operational flexibility for casino properties while maintaining oversight through the existing regulatory structure, and PENN Entertainment's proposal fits squarely within those parameters. Similar relocations by other operators have occurred elsewhere in the state, demonstrating a broader industry trend toward inland facilities that can offer expanded footprints and updated infrastructure.

teh announcement specifies that the project will proceed only after all necessary approvals are secured, which underscores the role of state regulators in reviewing location changes, gaming device counts, and facility plans. Observers note that the move from riverboat to land-based status typically involves detailed submissions covering everything from traffic impact to security protocols, and those steps remain ahead for this development.

Timeline and Operational Continuity

With a projected opening in 2029, the schedule allows several years for the various phases of planning and construction to unfold in sequence. The existing Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans continues normal operations in the interim, and the hotel component will remain available to guests throughout the relocation process. This continuity helps preserve employment and visitor access while the new Hollywood Casino New Orleans takes shape on its inland site.

The retail sportsbook, dining venues, bars, and VIP lounge form part of the core offering at the future facility, and each element is designed to integrate with the gaming floor that will house the 875 slots and 45 table games. Because the project draws on the 2018 law, it benefits from an established legal pathway that other Louisiana operators have already navigated successfully in their own transitions.

Conclusion

The $195 million investment by PENN Entertainment signals a substantial commitment to updating and repositioning the New Orleans-area casino operation as a land-based destination under the Hollywood brand. Details released so far outline the gaming capacity, additional amenities, adn the 2029 target date, all while confirming that the adjacent hotel will stay open. The project awaits regulatory clearance before advancing to construction, and it follows the pattern enabled by the 2018 statute that has guided similar moves across Louisiana. Further updates will depend on the pace of approvals and development milestones in the coming years.