PENN Entertainment Advances Onshore Relocation for Hollywood Casino New Orleans
Katja Wagner · Aug 20, 2026
PENN Entertainment Advances Onshore Relocation for Hollywood Casino New Orleans
Project Overview and Investment Details
PENN Entertainment has outlined plans to commit approximately 195 million dollars toward moving gaming operations from the existing riverboat Boomtown Casino and Hotel New Orleans in Harvey Louisiana to a new inland location branded as Hollywood Casino New Orleans and the project targets an adjacent site that allows the company to replace the floating vessel with a permanent land-based structure while keeping the current hotel property open for continued operations.
The development includes roughly 875 slot machines along with 45 table games plus a retail sportsbook and multiple dining options and additional guest amenities and officials expect construction timelines to culminate in an opening during 2029 provided all required state and local approvals are secured in the coming months.
Regulatory Path and State Law Context
Under provisions of a 2018 Louisiana statute that permits riverboat casinos to transition to fixed land-based facilities the company must navigate a series of licensing reviews and environmental assessments before breaking ground and regulators will examine traffic patterns local economic impacts and compliance with gaming standards throughout the approval process.
Observers note that several other operators along the Mississippi River have already completed similar shifts in recent years which demonstrates how the law has created a framework for modernization while maintaining tax revenue streams for parishes and the state and PENN Entertainment representatives have indicated they will work closely with the Louisiana Gaming Control Board to meet each milestone.
Facility Specifications and Guest Experience
The new Hollywood Casino New Orleans will occupy a site directly adjacent to the current riverboat mooring which allows for efficient transfer of equipment and staff during the phased transition and planners have incorporated expanded parking areas along with improved access roads to accommodate increased visitor traffic once the facility opens.
Design documents describe a modern gaming floor layout that integrates the slot and table offerings with dedicated spaces for sports betting and food and beverage outlets while the retained hotel tower will continue to provide lodging options that connect directly to the new casino through pedestrian walkways.
Timeline and Construction Milestones
Subject to timely regulatory clearance the company anticipates beginning site preparation work in the near term with major construction phases extending through 2028 and final fit-out scheduled for early 2029 and project managers have stated that the existing riverboat will remain operational until the new facility is fully ready to welcome guests.
Local officials in Jefferson Parish have received preliminary briefings on the proposal and they are reviewing infrastructure needs such as utility upgrades and road improvements that would support the larger permanent structure and community meetings are expected to provide additional input during the permitting stage.
Industry Trend and Market Positioning
This relocation aligns with a broader pattern across Louisiana where riverboat operators have pursued onshore moves to reduce operating costs associated with vessel maintenance and to offer expanded amenities that land-based sites can more easily accommodate and data from the Louisiana Gaming Control Board shows steady growth in gaming revenue following several completed transitions in recent years.
PENN Entertainment positions the Hollywood Casino New Orleans brand as a refreshed market presence that builds on the established Boomtown customer base while introducing updated gaming and entertainment options and the company has referenced similar successful conversions at other properties within its portfolio to illustrate the operational advantages of the land-based model.
Conclusion
The proposed 195 million dollar investment by PENN Entertainment marks a significant step in the evolution of gaming facilities along the Mississippi River corridor and the project remains contingent on regulatory approvals that will determine the final schedule leading to a 2029 debut and the retention of the existing hotel ensures continuity for current guests during the transition period.
Further updates from the Louisiana Gaming Control Board and company filings will provide clarity on progress as the application advances through review stages and local stakeholders continue to assess the economic implications of the shift from riverboat to permanent land-based operations.