PENN Entertainment Advances Major Relocation for Hollywood Casino New Orleans

PENN Entertainment has outlined plans to commit roughly 195 million dollars toward moving its existing Boomtown Casino and Hotel New Orleans riverboat operation from Harvey, Louisiana, onto an adjacent inland parcel that will become the new home of Hollywood Casino New Orleans, and the project carries regulatory approval as a prerequisite while targeting a 2029 opening that features approximately 875 slot machines, 45 table games, a retail sportsbook, multiple dining options, plus additional guest amenities.

Project Scope and Location Details

The relocation keeps the operation within the same general area of Harvey yet shifts it from a riverboat configuration to a fully land-based facility on an inland site that sits directly beside the current mooring, which allows operators to maintain proximity to existing infrastructure while complying with the broader industry movement away from floating casinos that began after the 2018 Louisiana statute took effect.

Construction timelines point toward a 2029 debut, and the design incorporates modern gaming floors alongside expanded food and beverage offerings that reflect current player expectations in the regional market, where facilities continue to evolve in response to shifting regulatory frameworks and consumer preferences across the state.

Regulatory and Industry Context

State regulators must still review and approve the development before groundbreaking can proceed, and the announcement aligns with a documented pattern of Louisiana riverboat properties transitioning to permanent land sites following the legislative changes enacted in 2018 that removed previous restrictions on such moves.

Observers note that multiple operators have pursued similar inland relocations in recent years because land-based venues offer greater flexibility for expansion, improved accessibility, and enhanced opportunities to integrate sportsbooks and dining experiences that attract a wider range of visitors throughout the year.

Facility Features and Amenities

The proposed Hollywood Casino New Orleans will house around 875 slot machines together with 45 table games, creating a gaming mix that balances electronic options with traditional table play while adding a dedicated retail sportsbook designed to serve local sports enthusiasts and visitors alike.

Dining venues form a central component of the plans, and additional amenities are expected to include entertainment spaces and hospitality services that support extended stays and group events, all situated on the new inland footprint that eliminates the operational constraints associated with riverboat structures.

Timeline and Next Steps

Project milestones remain dependent on the outcome of regulatory reviews, yet the company has signaled an intent to move forward efficiently once approvals are secured, with construction phases anticipated to span several years leading up to the 2029 target date for full operations.

Stakeholders in the region have tracked similar conversions over the past several years, and this particular initiative continues the established trajectory of operators adapting their physical footprints to meet updated state guidelines while preserving employment and tax revenue contributions within Jefferson Parish and surrounding communities.

Conclusion

The relocation represents a significant capital investment by PENN Entertainment that will reshape the local gaming landscape through a modern land-based venue, and the initiative builds directly on the regulatory environment established in 2018 while positioning the property for long-term viability through expanded amenities and improved operational efficiency ahead of the scheduled 2029 launch.