PENN Entertainment Moves Forward with Land-Based Relocation for New Orleans Casino
Ellis Albrecht · Aug 20, 2026
PENN Entertainment Moves Forward with Land-Based Relocation for New Orleans Casino
PENN Entertainment has announced plans to invest roughly 195 million dollars in a project that will shift the operations of Boomtown Casino and Hotel New Orleans from its current riverboat setup to a permanent land-based facility, and the company intends to complete the transition while maintaining continuous service for visitors throughout the process.
Project Scope and Location Details
The new venue will sit on inland property in Harvey within Jefferson Parish, directly adjacent to the existing riverboat site, which allows the operator to keep the 150-room hotel open and operational even as construction advances on the main gaming space. Observers note that this approach reduces disruption for guests who rely on the hotel for extended stays, and it positions the property for easier access once the land-based building opens its doors.
The facility itself will span between 140,000 and 145,000 square feet and feature approximately 875 slot machines along with 45 table games, a retail sportsbook, multiple dining options, several bars, and a dedicated VIP lounge designed to serve high-volume players. Those who've reviewed similar projects point out that the mix of gaming and amenity space reflects a standard layout for modern regional casinos seeking to balance slot play with table games and sports betting under one roof.
Rebranding and Regulatory Path
Upon completion the property will operate under the Hollywood Casino New Orleans name, a change that aligns with PENN Entertainment's broader portfolio branding strategy for several of its locations. The entire project remains subject to regulatory approval from Louisiana authorities, and company statements indicate that the timeline targets an opening in 2029 once all necessary permits and reviews are secured.
Because the move involves a shift from riverboat to land-based operations, state gaming regulators will examine site plans, security protocols, and compliance measures before granting final authorization, and this review process typically unfolds over multiple months as agencies coordinate with local parish officials. People familiar with Louisiana casino licensing note that such relocations often require updates to existing riverboat certificates, which explains why the 2029 target date includes buffer time for approvals.
Operational Continuity and Guest Experience
Throughout construction the existing riverboat will continue to welcome patrons, while the adjacent hotel remains fully available for overnight guests, and this dual-operation model ensures revenue streams stay intact until the new building is ready. Once the land-based facility opens, the riverboat component will cease, yet the hotel will integrate directly with the expanded gaming and dining areas to create a single unified destination.
Those who've tracked similar transitions in other states report that land-based venues frequently offer improved accessibility for visitors who prefer not to board a boat, along with expanded square footage that accommodates larger events and additional amenities without the space constraints of a floating casino. The Harvey site benefits from its proximity to major roadways, which supports easier arrival and departure patterns for both local and out-of-town guests once the project reaches completion.
Timeline Context Through 2029
Announcements of this scale often set multi-year construction schedules, and the 2029 opening places the project on track for a phased build that begins after regulatory sign-off. In August 2026 the company will still be in the pre-construction phase focused on design finalization and permit submissions, which leaves ample runway before ground breaks and interior fit-out begins.
The 195 million dollar investment covers site preparation, structural work, gaming equipment installation, and interior finishes, while the retained hotel avoids additional capital outlay on lodging infrastructure. Data from comparable regional casino projects shows that land-based facilities of this footprint typically require 24 to 36 months of active construction once approvals clear, which aligns with the overall 2029 target.
Conclusion
The relocation represents a significant capital commitment by PENN Entertainment to modernize its New Orleans-area presence, and the move from riverboat to land-based operations follows a pattern seen across several U.S. gaming markets where operators seek permanent structures with greater flexibility for future expansions. Pending final regulatory clearance, the Hollywood Casino New Orleans is positioned to open in 2029 with the full complement of slots, tables, sportsbook, and guest amenities outlined in the initial plans, while the existing hotel continues to serve visitors in the interim.