PENN Entertainment Moves Forward with Landside Relocation of Boomtown Casino to New Hollywood Casino New Orleans Facility
PENN Entertainment has announced plans to invest approximately $195 million in relocating its riverboat-based Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans operations to a new landside facility on adjacent property in Harvey, Louisiana within Jefferson Parish, with the rebranded Hollywood Casino New Orleans expected to open in 2029 pending regulatory approvals, and the announcement aligns with similar shifts the company has completed in other states where land-based venues have replaced riverboat setups.
The new facility will span roughly 140,000 square feet and include about 875 slot machines, 45 table games, a retail sportsbook along with multiple dining options while the existing hotel remains open during the transition and the riverboat itself closes once the landside location becomes operational.
Details of the Planned Facility and Transition Process
Construction on the landside site will begin after approvals clear from state and local regulators, and the project timeline positions the new Hollywood Casino New Orleans for a 2029 debut that allows time for design finalization, permitting, and phased building work on the property next to the current operations. Observers note that the move follows patterns established by PENN in prior relocations where customer access improved once facilities shifted from water-based to permanent land structures, and data from those earlier projects showed increased visitation after the changes took effect.
During the interim period the riverboat continues to operate under its existing Boomtown branding while the hotel stays fully available to guests, and once the new casino opens the riverboat portion shuts down without affecting hotel services that remain on site. This phased approach keeps revenue streams active throughout construction, and figures from state gaming reports indicate the New Orleans market supports steady demand that such continuity helps maintain.
Regulatory Path and Market Context in Jefferson Parish
Regulatory approvals represent the next required step, and PENN Entertainment has stated it will work through the Louisiana Gaming Control Board along with Jefferson Parish officials to secure necessary permits before groundbreaking. The process typically involves public hearings, environmental reviews, and compliance checks that can extend over several months, yet the company has indicated confidence based on its track record with comparable projects elsewhere.
Jefferson Parish already hosts several gaming venues, and the relocation positions Hollywood Casino New Orleans to compete more directly within the greater New Orleans area by offering expanded floor space and updated amenities compared with the riverboat layout. Data compiled through state police gaming revenue reports for the period covering July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 showed visitation and revenue trends at Boomtown New Orleans that supported the decision to invest in a larger, more accessible facility.
Broader Company Strategy Behind the Relocation
PENN Entertainment has completed similar landside transitions in multiple states where riverboat restrictions once limited expansion, and those moves resulted in upgraded facilities that drew higher attendance according to company filings. The Harvey project mirrors that approach by replacing a constrained riverboat operation with a purpose-built structure that can accommodate additional gaming positions, dining variety, and sports betting in one integrated location.
The rebranding to Hollywood Casino New Orleans connects the property to PENN's established national brand portfolio, and company statements note that unified branding helps streamline marketing efforts across markets. Construction will utilize adjacent land already controlled by the operator, which reduces acquisition costs and speeds the overall timeline compared with securing new parcels from outside parties.
Conclusion
The relocation announcement marks a significant capital commitment by PENN Entertainment in the Louisiana market, and the project timeline through 2029 provides a clear roadmap for both regulators and local stakeholders. Once complete, the Hollywood Casino New Orleans facility will replace the riverboat with a larger, land-based operation while preserving the adjacent hotel as a continuing asset. Further updates will emerge as permitting advances and construction milestones are reached in the coming years.