PENN Entertainment Announces Relocation Plan for Boomtown Casino to New Land-Based Hollywood Casino New Orleans

PENN Entertainment has announced plans to invest approximately $195 million in relocating its existing Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans riverboat operation from Harvey, Louisiana in Jefferson Parish to a new land-based facility that will operate under the Hollywood Casino New Orleans brand. The move remains subject to regulatory approval and forms part of ongoing shifts in the state's casino industry. The proposed project includes around 875 slot machines along with 45 table games, a retail sportsbook, multiple dining options, and additional guest amenities. Company officials indicate an expected opening date in 2029 once all necessary permits and construction phases reach completion. This development follows the pattern established after Louisiana passed a 2018 state law that permits riverboat casinos to transition to onshore locations.

Project Details and Facility Specifications

The relocation targets the same general area in Jefferson Parish while converting the operation from a riverboat format to a permanent land-based structure. Construction plans call for expanded space that accommodates the listed gaming positions plus support areas for food service and entertainment. The retail sportsbook component adds a dedicated betting environment separate from the main casino floor.

Regulatory review will examine site plans, licensing requirements, and compliance with state gaming statutes before any groundbreaking occurs. PENN Entertainment has positioned the investment as a direct response to infrastructure limitations associated with the current riverboat setup.

Context of Louisiana Casino Relocations

Since the 2018 legislation took effect, several riverboat operators across Louisiana have pursued similar onshore moves to modernize facilities and address changing operational demands. The law removed previous restrictions that confined gaming to vessels, allowing companies to develop fixed structures with greater flexibility in design and capacity.

The Boomtown relocation represents one of the larger capital commitments announced under this framework. Project timelines project multi-year construction cycles that align with the 2029 target, including phases for permitting, environmental assessments, and infrastructure upgrades. Data from state gaming reports show steady visitor volumes in the region, with monthly figures typically ranging between 60,000 and 70,000 across comparable properties.

Timeline adn Next Steps

Following the announcement, PENN Entertainment will advance through required state and local approval processes. Officials expect initial reviews to begin in the coming months, with potential milestones extending into 2026 as environmental and zoning evaluations proceed. The 2029 opening projection incorporates buffers for construction delays and final regulatory sign-offs.

Stakeholders in Jefferson Parish have received preliminary briefings on traffic patterns, employment projections, and tax revenue estimates tied to the new facility. The land-based format allows for expanded parking and access roads compared with the riverboat configuration currently in use.

Conclusion

The announced relocation consolidates PENN Entertainment's strategy for the New Orleans market under a single branded land-based operation. All elements, from gaming floor layout to amenity offerings, remain contingent on final approvals and construction progress. The project continues the sequence of transitions initiated by the 2018 state law while establishing a defined investment figure and opening window for the Hollywood Casino New Orleans site.