PENN Entertainment Charts a New Course with $195 Million Land-Based Hollywood Casino Project in New Orleans
Sage Foster · Aug 19, 2026
PENN Entertainment Charts a New Course with $195 Million Land-Based Hollywood Casino Project in New Orleans
PENN Entertainment has outlined a $195 million plan to move its operations from the current Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans riverboat in Harvey, Louisiana, to a new land-based Hollywood Casino New Orleans facility on an adjacent inland site, and this shift comes as the company seeks regulatory approval for a project slated to open in 2029.
Project Details and Timeline
The proposed facility will include 875 slot machines, 45 table games, a sportsbook, multiple dining options, and additional amenities designed to serve visitors more efficiently than the existing riverboat setup, while the transition follows patterns seen in other Louisiana markets after the 2018 state law eased restrictions on land-based casino development.
Construction would begin once approvals clear the necessary regulatory channels, and observers note that the timeline positions the property for a full opening in 2029, which aligns with the multi-year process required for site preparation, permitting, and building on the inland location.
Background on the Current Operation
The existing Boomtown property operates as a riverboat casino on the Harvey canal, and revenue trends there have shown declines in recent periods, prompting PENN Entertainment to evaluate alternatives that could improve guest access and overall experience through a fixed land-based structure rather than the limitations of a vessel-based operation.
Regulatory Path and Industry Context
Approval from Louisiana gaming regulators remains a prerequisite before work can advance, and similar riverboat-to-land conversions have already taken place in the state under the framework established by the 2018 legislation, which opened doors for operators to pursue inland sites when conditions support such moves.
Data from industry reports indicate that land-based venues often provide expanded square footage for gaming floors and non-gaming attractions, and PENN Entertainment's announcement positions this project as a direct response to those operational advantages while maintaining the Hollywood Casino branding that the company has used in other markets.
Expected Features and Amenities
The new Hollywood Casino New Orleans will house 875 slots alongside 45 table games, creating a gaming mix that balances electronic and live-play options, and the inclusion of a dedicated sportsbook reflects the growing demand for sports wagering within integrated casino resorts across the region.
Dining venues and other guest amenities form a core part of the development plan, and these elements are intended to broaden the property's appeal beyond gaming alone, which aligns with the stated goal of enhancing the overall customer experience at the new location.
Strategic Rationale
Company statements highlight declining revenues at the riverboat as a key factor driving the investment decision, and the move to an inland site is expected to remove constraints associated with water-based operations such as limited expansion potential and weather-related disruptions.
Those familiar with Louisiana gaming trends point out that several operators have pursued comparable relocations in the years since the 2018 law took effect, and PENN Entertainment's project continues that pattern by targeting improved infrastructure and guest flow through a purpose-built land facility.
Conclusion
The $195 million investment by PENN Entertainment represents a significant capital commitment to reposition the New Orleans market property as a land-based Hollywood Casino, and the outcome will depend on regulatory approvals as well as the execution of construction plans leading toward the 2029 target opening date.