PENN Entertainment Advances $195 Million Relocation Plan for Hollywood Casino New Orleans

PENN Entertainment has outlined plans to invest approximately $195 million in a project that relocates gaming operations from the Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans riverboat in Harvey, Louisiana, to a new inland site branded as Hollywood Casino New Orleans, and the move aligns with state legislation enacted in 2018 that permits riverboat casinos to transition to land-based facilities.

Project Scope and Facility Details

The proposed Hollywood Casino New Orleans would include around 875 slot machines along with 45 table games, a retail sportsbook, multiple dining options, and additional amenities, while the existing hotel at the Harvey location stays open and continues to operate independently of the gaming floor relocation.

Regulatory approval remains a prerequisite before construction begins, and company representatives have indicated that the timeline targets an opening in 2029 once all necessary permits and reviews are complete.

Industry Context in Louisiana

Louisiana's 2018 law created the framework for riverboat operators to shift operations onshore, and several properties across the state have already pursued similar transitions in recent years, which has allowed operators to expand facilities, improve accessibility, and reduce operational constraints tied to river conditions.

This particular relocation follows that established pattern, as PENN Entertainment seeks to replace the riverboat setup with a permanent land-based structure that offers greater flexibility for future expansions and guest amenities.

Economic and Operational Considerations

The $195 million investment covers construction of the new facility along with equipment, infrastructure, and initial operational setup, and the project is expected to maintain employment levels while potentially creating additional positions once the land-based casino opens to the public.

Data from similar transitions in Louisiana shows that onshore facilities often experience increased visitor traffic due to easier access and expanded non-gaming offerings, although specific projections for Hollywood Casino New Orleans have not yet been publicly detailed beyond the outlined amenities.

Regulatory Pathway

State gaming authorities must review the relocation proposal, which includes verification that the new site meets all licensing, security, and responsible gaming standards required under Louisiana law, and the process typically involves public hearings and stakeholder input before final decisions are issued.

Company filings indicate that PENN Entertainment will work closely with regulators throughout the approval phase, and the existing riverboat operations at Boomtown will continue uninterrupted until the new facility receives clearance to open.

Conclusion

The relocation of gaming operations from the Boomtown riverboat to Hollywood Casino New Orleans represents a significant capital commitment by PENN Entertainment, and the project stands as another example of how the 2018 legislation continues to shape the state's casino landscape through 2029 and beyond. Further updates are anticipated as regulatory reviews progress and construction milestones are reached.