Penn Entertainment Commits 195 Million Dollars to Onshore Hollywood Casino Development Near New Orleans

Penn Entertainment has announced plans to invest approximately 195 million dollars in relocating its existing Boomtown Casino and Hotel New Orleans riverboat operation from Harvey, Louisiana, to a new adjacent land-based facility that will operate under the Hollywood Casino New Orleans brand, and this project remains subject to regulatory approval while targeting a 2029 opening date.

The development covers roughly 140,000 to 145,000 square feet and will feature about 875 slot machines along with 45 table games, a retail sportsbook, multiple dining options, and additional amenities designed to serve the greater New Orleans market from its new onshore location.

Project Specifications and Site Details

Engineers and planners have outlined a facility that replaces the riverboat format with a permanent structure built on land directly adjacent to the current docking site, which allows for expanded square footage and improved guest access without the operational constraints of a floating vessel. Observers note that the design integrates the existing Boomtown brand elements during the transition phase before the full rebranding to Hollywood Casino New Orleans takes effect upon completion.

Construction timelines point toward groundbreaking activities in the coming years once approvals clear, while the company coordinates with local authorities on infrastructure improvements that support the larger footprint and increased visitor capacity expected at the site.

Regulatory Framework and Statewide Trend

Louisiana's 2018 legislation opened pathways for riverboat operators to transition their gaming floors to onshore locations, and Penn Entertainment's announcement aligns directly with that statute as multiple operators in the state pursue similar moves to modernize their properties. The project requires final sign-off from state gaming regulators before any physical work can begin, a standard process that includes environmental reviews and compliance checks for the expanded amenities.

Company filings detail how the relocation maintains the same gaming license footprint while enabling upgrades that riverboat limitations previously restricted, and similar transitions have already occurred at other Louisiana sites under the same legal provisions.

Timeline and Investment Breakdown

Financial commitments total around 195 million dollars spread across land acquisition, building construction, gaming equipment installation, and interior fit-out, with the projected opening set for 2029 to allow sufficient time for permitting and phased development. Penn Entertainment released the details through official investor channels, confirming that the move preserves current employment levels while adding new positions tied to the larger facility operations.

Phased milestones include securing local zoning variances early in the process, followed by detailed architectural submissions and contractor bidding, all sequenced to meet the multi-year target without disrupting ongoing riverboat service until the new venue becomes operational.

Operational Enhancements and Guest Amenities

The onshore layout permits dedicated spaces for the retail sportsbook and expanded dining areas that were more limited on the riverboat, while the additional square footage supports future flexibility for entertainment programming and retail offerings. Slot and table game counts remain consistent with current authorizations, yet the fixed structure allows for improved traffic flow and accessibility features throughout the gaming floor and common areas.

Management teams have indicated that the rebrand to Hollywood Casino New Orleans will refresh the property's visual identity and marketing approach to better align with Penn Entertainment's national portfolio of Hollywood-branded locations, creating stronger brand recognition for visitors traveling from the New Orleans metro region and beyond.

Conclusion

Penn Entertainment's 195 million dollar relocation project represents a direct application of Louisiana's 2018 onshore gaming provisions, converting the Boomtown riverboat into a permanent land-based Hollywood Casino New Orleans facility scheduled for 2029. Detailed specifications cover 140,000 to 145,000 square feet of development that includes 875 slots, 45 table games, a sportsbook, and dining venues, all pending required regulatory clearances. The announcement appears in the company's investor materials and industry reporting outlets, providing the core facts surrounding this single development in Harvey, Louisiana.