PENN Entertainment Moves Forward With Inland Hollywood Casino New Orleans Project

PENN Entertainment has announced plans to invest roughly 195 million dollars in a relocation of its gaming operations from the existing Boomtown Casino and Hotel New Orleans riverboat in Harvey, Louisiana, to a new land-based site that will operate under the Hollywood Casino New Orleans brand; the project remains subject to regulatory approval and carries an expected opening date in 2029. The new facility is slated to include approximately 875 slot machines along with 45 table games, a retail sportsbook, dining options, and additional amenities, while the current hotel tower on the Boomtown property would continue operating without interruption. The relocation aligns with a 2018 Louisiana law that permits riverboat casinos to transition to permanent onshore locations, and PENN Entertainment's proposal represents one of several such shifts underway across the state. Company officials outlined the scope during recent regulatory filings, noting that the move would consolidate operations at a single inland address better suited for expanded guest services and long-term growth.

Project Details and Timeline

Under the current plan the new Hollywood Casino New Orleans would occupy a site in Harvey, maintaining proximity to the greater New Orleans market while eliminating the operational constraints of a riverboat vessel. Construction is expected to begin once state and local approvals are secured, with the 2029 target reflecting standard permitting and build-out periods for similar gaming developments. The existing Boomtown riverboat gaming floor would cease operations after the new facility opens, yet the adjacent hotel would remain available to guests throughout the transition and afterward.

Observers note that the proposed gaming floor mix of 875 slots and 45 tables reflects a measured approach compared with larger regional resorts, focusing instead on a compact layout that emphasizes convenience for local patrons and visitors traveling from teh metropolitan area. A retail sportsbook component would add another revenue stream, consistent with recent expansions of sports wagering at Louisiana properties following the state's legalization of such betting.

Regulatory Path and Industry Context

The 2018 statute created a formal process for riverboat operators to request land-based status, and several properties statewide have already completed or begun similar moves. PENN Entertainment's filing follows that established route, requiring review by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board and coordination with local parish authorities in Jefferson Parish. Company representatives have indicated they will work closely with regulators to address any conditions attached to the relocation approval.

Those familiar with prior transitions point out that land-based facilities often allow operators to reduce vessel maintenance costs and introduce more flexible floor plans. In this case the shift would also free the company from periodic Coast Guard inspections tied to floating vessels, though the precise savings figures have not been disclosed publicly. The announcement arrives amid broader discussions in the Louisiana legislature about further refinements to gaming regulations, including potential updates to tax structures and licensing fees for onshore venues.

Impact on Existing Operations

Management has emphasized that the hotel at the current Boomtown location will stay open during and after construction, preserving jobs associated with lodging, food service, and non-gaming amenities. The riverboat gaming staff would transition to the new facility once it opens, with the company stating that employee retention remains a priority throughout the multi-year process. Local suppliers and vendors who currently support the riverboat are expected to receive updated contracts tied to the land-based operation.

Data from the Louisiana Gaming Control Board shows that riverboat properties moving onshore have generally reported stable or increased revenue in the years following relocation, though each market carries unique variables. PENN Entertainment's project would mark the latest example in a sequence that includes several other operators who have already completed or are nearing completion of similar moves under the 2018 framework.

Conclusion

The proposed 195 million dollar investment by PENN Entertainment underscores ongoing adaptation within Louisiana's casino sector as operators respond to the opportunities created by the 2018 onshore relocation statute. With an anticipated 2029 opening, the Hollywood Casino New Orleans project will replace the Boomtown riverboat gaming operations while keeping the associated hotel intact, adding a land-based option that includes slots, tables, and sports wagering. Regulatory review is the next required step, and the outcome will determine whether the timeline holds as outlined in the initial announcement.