PENN Entertainment Moves Forward with Hollywood Casino New Orleans Relocation

PENN Entertainment has announced plans to invest around 195 million dollars in relocating its current riverboat operation at Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans from Harvey, Louisiana to a new inland location that will operate under the Hollywood Casino New Orleans brand, and this project remains subject to regulatory approval before construction can begin in earnest.

The proposed facility would feature approximately 875 slot machines along with 45 table games, a retail sportsbook, multiple dining options, several bars, and a dedicated VIP lounge, while the existing hotel at the riverboat site would continue operating without interruption during the transition period.

Project Scope and Key Features

Observers note that the new Hollywood Casino New Orleans would shift the entire gaming operation from its current riverboat setup to a permanent land-based structure, which aligns with changes allowed under the 2018 Louisiana law that permits riverboat casinos to move ashore under specific conditions, and this approach has already been adopted by other operators across the state in recent years.

According to the announcement, the relocation targets an expected opening in 2029 once all approvals are in place, and the development would include modern amenities designed to enhance visitor experience while maintaining the core gaming elements that currently define the Boomtown property.

Regulatory and Timeline Details

Regulatory approval stands as the next critical step for the project, and company representatives have indicated that the process will follow established state procedures for casino relocations, whereas the 2018 legislation provides the legal framework that makes such moves possible without requiring entirely new licensing rounds in most cases.

Those familiar with similar projects in Louisiana point out that timelines can extend due to permitting reviews, environmental assessments, and local zoning considerations, yet the 2029 target date gives PENN Entertainment a multi-year window to complete construction after approvals are secured.

Comparison to Other Louisiana Moves

Experts have observed that this initiative mirrors earlier relocations completed by competing operators in the state, where riverboat casinos transitioned to inland sites to improve accessibility and expand facility footprints, and data from those completed projects shows increased visitor numbers after the moves were finalized.

The pattern began following the 2018 legislative change, and multiple properties have since pursued similar strategies, which demonstrates how the law created a pathway for operators to modernize aging riverboat infrastructure while staying within existing regulatory boundaries.

Hotel Operations During Transition

The existing hotel at the Boomtown location would remain open throughout the relocation process, which ensures continued revenue from lodging operations and provides stability for employees and guests who rely on those accommodations, and this separation of hotel and casino functions allows phased development without full property shutdowns.

People involved in the planning have noted that keeping the hotel operational avoids disruptions to bookings and events that are already scheduled, whereas the gaming floor relocation would occur once the new inland building reaches completion.

Investment Breakdown and Future Outlook

The approximately 195 million dollar investment covers land acquisition, construction of the new facility, equipment installation for the slot machines and table games, and integration of the retail sportsbook along with dining and bar areas, and this figure represents one of the larger single-site commitments by PENN Entertainment in the Louisiana market in recent periods.

Those who've studied the broader industry trends in the region indicate that such relocations often result in expanded capacity and improved operational efficiency once operators move away from the limitations of riverboat designs, and the Hollywood Casino New Orleans branding suggests alignment with PENN's national portfolio strategy.

Conclusion

The relocation of Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans to the new Hollywood Casino New Orleans site marks a significant capital project for PENN Entertainment that builds directly on the framework established by the 2018 Louisiana law, and the expected 2029 opening provides a clear target for completion of all regulatory, construction, and operational phases.

Further updates will depend on the outcome of pending approvals, yet the announcement confirms the company's commitment to maintaining a strong presence in the New Orleans market through this inland transition.