PENN Entertainment Advances Plans for New Land-Based Hollywood Casino New Orleans
Dana Schulz · Aug 19, 2026
PENN Entertainment Advances Plans for New Land-Based Hollywood Casino New Orleans
PENN Entertainment has outlined a $195 million investment to replace its existing Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans riverboat operation in Harvey, Louisiana, with a new land-based Hollywood Casino New Orleans facility on an adjacent inland site, and regulatory approval remains the next required step before construction begins. The project includes 875 slots, 45 table games, a sportsbook, dining options, and additional amenities that together form the core of the planned development. Subject to those approvals the new facility carries an expected opening in 2029, a timeline that aligns with similar riverboat-to-land conversions already enabled by the 2018 Louisiana law.
Current Operations and Transition Details
The existing riverboat casino sits on the water in Harvey while the proposed inland site lies directly adjacent, allowing the company to maintain operational continuity during the shift from one location to the other. Declining revenues at the current property have been cited in the announcement as a factor driving the move, and the land-based format is positioned to address those trends through expanded space and updated amenities. Observers note that the 2018 statute removed previous restrictions that had kept many Louisiana casinos on boats, and this project follows the pattern established by earlier conversions across the state.
Facility Specifications and Amenities
The planned Hollywood Casino New Orleans will feature 875 slot machines alongside 45 table games, creating a gaming floor that expands beyond the riverboat's current capacity while adding a sportsbook and multiple dining venues. Additional amenities such as entertainment spaces and guest services are included in the scope, although exact layouts and square footage remain subject to final design approvals. Those who've studied similar projects in Louisiana point out that land-based venues often allow for larger footprints and more flexible configurations than riverboats, which in turn can support broader offerings without the spatial limits imposed by water-based structures.
Data from the announcement indicates the total investment reaches approximately $195 million, covering construction, equipment, and site preparation on the inland parcel. The move keeps the operation within the same general market area while relocating it to ground that eliminates the need for ongoing riverboat maintenance and docking infrastructure. Experts have observed that such transitions frequently coincide with revenue stabilization efforts, and the company has tied the project directly to improving the overall customer experience at the New Orleans-area property.
Regulatory Path and Timeline
Regulatory approval stands as the immediate prerequisite, with state gaming authorities expected to review the application in the coming months according to standard procedures for casino relocations. The 2018 law provides the legal framework that permits this type of conversion, and the project remains on schedule for a 2029 opening once permits clear. Those tracking Louisiana casino developments note that similar applications have typically moved through review cycles within 12 to 18 months, although each case receives individual scrutiny based on site specifics and compliance requirements.
Construction would begin only after approvals are secured, allowing time for environmental assessments, traffic studies, and community input sessions that form part of the standard process. The adjacent inland site reduces logistical hurdles compared with greenfield developments, yet the project still requires full permitting for building, utilities, and gaming operations. Figures released by the company show the 2029 target as the current working date, subject to any delays that might arise during regulatory review.
Market Context Within Louisiana Gaming
The announcement arrives amid broader industry movement toward land-based facilities in Louisiana, where the 2018 legislation opened doors for operators to transition from riverboats. PENN Entertainment's plan for the New Orleans market mirrors earlier shifts by other companies, yet remains distinct in its focus on the Harvey location and the specific Hollywood Casino branding. Revenue trends at the current Boomtown riverboat have shown declines that the company attributes to the limitations of the water-based format, and the new facility is described as a direct response to those patterns.
Local economic impacts are expected to include construction employment during the build phase and ongoing operational jobs once the land-based casino opens. The project keeps the gaming license and market presence within the same region while upgrading the physical plant, a step that aligns with statewide trends without overlapping other unrelated developments. Reports from industry sources indicate that land-based venues have recorded steadier visitation in comparable markets, although final performance data for this specific site will not be available until after the 2029 launch.
Conclusion
The $195 million investment by PENN Entertainment represents a clear step toward relocating the Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans operation to a land-based Hollywood Casino New Orleans facility, with 875 slots, 45 table games, a sportsbook, and supporting amenities all slated for the adjacent inland site. Regulatory approval and the 2018 Louisiana law together set the conditions for a potential 2029 opening, while declining revenues at the existing riverboat provide the stated rationale for the transition. The project follows established patterns in the state yet remains focused solely on this specific conversion and its outlined specifications.