19 Aug 2026
PENN Entertainment Plans $195 Million Shift to Land-Based Hollywood Casino New Orleans
PENN Entertainment has announced plans to invest approximately $195 million in replacing its current Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans riverboat operation in Harvey, Louisiana, with a new land-based Hollywood Casino New Orleans on an adjacent inland site, and this move comes subject to regulatory approval while aiming for a 2029 opening that will include around 875 slot machines, 45 table games, a retail sportsbook, dining options, and additional amenities.
Project Scope and Location Details
The existing riverboat facility sits along the waterway in Harvey, yet the new development will occupy an inland parcel right next door, which allows for expanded infrastructure without the constraints of water-based operations, and observers note that this positioning keeps the project close to the original market while enabling larger-scale construction that riverboats simply cannot support.
Company statements outline a full transition from the floating venue to a permanent structure, and data from the announcement indicates the shift will preserve employment levels while introducing modern amenities that align with evolving guest expectations across the region.
Regulatory Path and Timeline
Approval from Louisiana gaming regulators remains a required step before groundbreaking can begin, and the project timeline targets a 2029 debut once those clearances are secured, which means planning phases will focus on design finalization, permitting, and site preparation through the coming years.
Those familiar with similar developments point out that the 2018 state law opened the door for such transitions by permitting riverboat operators to relocate onshore, and this specific initiative follows that framework without introducing new legislative needs.
Broader Industry Movement in Louisiana
Louisiana has seen multiple operators pursue onshore conversions since the 2018 legislation took effect, and figures from state records show several properties have already completed or started similar relocations that eliminate vessel maintenance costs while expanding square footage for gaming and hospitality.
PENN Entertainment's announcement fits squarely into this pattern, where companies evaluate operational efficiencies gained from fixed structures over floating ones, and the Hollywood Casino New Orleans project will add a retail sportsbook along with expanded dining that current riverboat layouts limit.
Facility Features and Market Position
Plans call for roughly 875 slot machines paired with 45 table games inside the new building, and the addition of a dedicated retail sportsbook represents an upgrade from the riverboat's existing offerings, while dining venues and other guest services will occupy dedicated spaces designed for higher capacity than the current setup allows.
Market analysts tracking regional gaming note that land-based facilities often achieve better throughput during peak periods because they avoid weather-related access issues that can affect riverboat landings, and the Harvey location maintains proximity to the greater New Orleans metro area for consistent visitor traffic.
Conclusion
The $195 million investment signals PENN Entertainment's commitment to modernizing its Louisiana presence through this onshore conversion, and the 2029 target date gives regulators and developers adequate runway to address all compliance and construction milestones ahead of opening.
As the project advances through approvals, updates on permitting progress and final design elements will clarify how the new Hollywood Casino New Orleans integrates with surrounding infrastructure while delivering the expanded amenities outlined in the initial announcement.