PENN Entertainment Advances Major Shift to Land-Based Hollywood Casino New Orleans

PENN Entertainment has outlined plans to invest roughly $195 million in a new land-based casino that would replace the company's existing riverboat operation at Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans in Harvey, Louisiana, with the project carrying the Hollywood Casino New Orleans brand once completed.

The proposal centers on construction of a facility that would include approximately 875 slot machines, 45 table games, a retail sportsbook, multiple dining options, and additional guest amenities, while the entire development remains subject to regulatory approval from state authorities.

Project Scope and Key Features

Company filings and announcements describe a comprehensive relocation that moves the gaming operation from its current riverboat setup onto permanent land, a step that aligns with changes in Louisiana law enacted in 2018 and that has already prompted similar moves by other operators in the state. The new structure would stand on the existing site footprint in Harvey, allowing the company to retain its established market presence while expanding the range of offerings available to visitors.

Design documents referenced in the filing indicate the land-based building would support expanded floor space compared with the riverboat configuration, creating room for the listed gaming positions along with the sportsbook and food-and-beverage outlets. Observers note that such facilities typically incorporate hotel accommodations, parking infrastructure, and entertainment venues, although specific square-footage totals for those elements have not yet been released publicly.

Regulatory Path and Timeline

State gaming regulators must review and approve the relocation before construction can begin, a process that includes review of architectural plans, financing details, and compliance with responsible-gaming standards. Company executives have stated they expect the review to proceed on a standard schedule, with an anticipated opening targeted for 2029 once permits are secured and building work is finished.

Because the project involves moving an existing license rather than issuing a new one, the regulatory burden centers on site-specific approvals and operational changes rather than a full competitive bidding round. Those who have followed similar applications in Louisiana report that the Louisiana Gaming Control Board typically completes such reviews within 12 to 18 months when the applicant already holds an active license.

Industry Context and Precedent

The move follows a pattern established after the 2018 legislation that permitted riverboat licensees to transition to land-based venues under defined conditions. Several other operators in Louisiana have already completed or announced comparable projects, citing advantages in guest comfort, operational efficiency, and the ability to add non-gaming amenities that attract a broader audience. Data from state revenue reports show that land-based properties in the state have recorded steady attendance growth in the years since the law took effect.

PENN Entertainment's decision to brand the new property Hollywood Casino New Orleans places it within the company's national portfolio of Hollywood-branded locations, a strategy that allows cross-marketing and loyalty-program integration across multiple states. The company currently operates the riverboat under the Boomtown name, so the rebranding represents both a physical and a marketing shift once the new facility opens.

Local Economic and Operational Considerations

Harvey sits in Jefferson Parish, directly across the Mississippi River from New Orleans, and the existing Boomtown riverboat has served the regional market for more than two decades. Relocating the operation to land would eliminate certain marine-maintenance costs associated with the riverboat while potentially improving accessibility for guests who arrive by car or public transit. Parish officials have previously expressed support for such conversions because they can increase property-tax revenue and create construction jobs during the build phase.

Employment figures released with the announcement indicate the new facility would maintain or slightly increase the current workforce, with additional positions expected in food service, security, and marketing once the expanded amenities come online. Training programs already in place at the riverboat would transition to the new site, minimizing disruption for existing staff.

Next Steps for Stakeholders

Over the coming months the company plans to submit detailed architectural and engineering documents to the gaming board while continuing preliminary site work that does not require final permits. Community outreach meetings are scheduled to gather input from residents and business owners in Harvey, a step that has become standard for major gaming projects in the state. Updates on the approval timeline will be posted on both the company's investor-relations site and the Louisiana Gaming Control Board portal as milestones are reached.

Conclusion

The $195 million Hollywood Casino New Orleans project represents the latest example of Louisiana's ongoing transition from riverboat to land-based gaming venues under the 2018 statute. With regulatory review pending and a 2029 target date, the initiative now moves into the formal permitting stage, where state officials will evaluate compliance, financing, and community impact before any shovels break ground.