PENN Entertainment Advances Relocation of Boomtown Casino Operations to New Land-Based Hollywood Casino New Orleans

PENN Entertainment has outlined a 195 million dollar investment to shift gaming operations from the riverboat Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans in Harvey, Louisiana, to a new inland facility that will operate under the Hollywood Casino New Orleans brand on an adjacent site, and this move requires regulatory approvals before construction can proceed. The plan calls for approximately 875 slot machines along with 45 table games, a retail sportsbook, multiple dining options, and additional guest amenities at the new location, while the existing hotel structure stays open and operational throughout the transition period.

Subject to approvals from state regulators, the project targets a 2029 opening date, which aligns with the framework established by Louisiana's 2018 law that permits riverboat casinos to transition to land-based venues under specific conditions. Observers note that this announcement represents one instance in a broader pattern where several Louisiana riverboat operators have pursued similar onshore relocations since that legislation took effect, and the company has positioned the new Hollywood Casino New Orleans as a modernized gaming destination designed to serve the greater New Orleans market from a fixed inland position.

Details of the Proposed Facility and Investment

The investment covers development of the new gaming floor and supporting structures on the inland parcel directly next to the current riverboat mooring, which allows for expanded layout options that riverboat designs typically constrain. Company statements specify that the facility will feature the 875 slot machines and 45 table games as core offerings, supplemented by a dedicated retail sportsbook for sports wagering and a range of dining venues plus other amenities intended to enhance visitor experience. Because the hotel remains open during and after the move, overnight guests can continue accessing accommodations without interruption while the gaming operations relocate to the permanent land-based building.

Project timelines place the expected opening in 2029 once all required permits and approvals are secured, and the adjacent site selection minimizes logistical challenges associated with transporting equipment and staff from the existing riverboat. Data from the announcement indicates that the 195 million dollar commitment focuses primarily on construction, gaming equipment installation, and initial operational setup, with the overall design reflecting standard land-based casino configurations that have become more feasible under the 2018 regulatory changes.

Regulatory Path and Timeline Considerations

Regulatory approvals form a critical step before any groundbreaking can occur, and Louisiana gaming authorities must review the relocation plans to ensure compliance with statutes governing riverboat-to-land transitions. The 2018 law provides the legal mechanism for these moves, which explains why PENN Entertainment and other operators have pursued similar projects in recent years. Pending those approvals, the company anticipates moving forward with site preparation and construction phases that would lead to the 2029 debut of the Hollywood Casino New Orleans.

Industry reports show that several other riverboat casinos across the state have completed or announced comparable shifts since the law passed, creating a documented trend that this particular project continues. The process involves multiple review stages, including environmental assessments and licensing updates, all of which must conclude successfully before the new facility can accept patrons. Those who've tracked these transitions note that the 2029 target accounts for the full sequence of approvals, construction, and pre-opening preparations typical for a project of this scale in the region.

Operational Continuity During Transition

Throughout the relocation, the Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans hotel will continue serving guests, which preserves revenue streams and maintains customer access to lodging even as gaming activities prepare to shift inland. This approach allows the company to sustain operations at the riverboat site until the new Hollywood Casino New Orleans opens, minimizing downtime for employees and visitors alike. The adjacent inland location further supports a phased approach where staff training and equipment testing can occur without fully disrupting the existing riverboat schedule.

Once complete, the new facility's expanded footprint enables the inclusion of the retail sportsbook and additional dining venues that riverboat space limitations previously restricted, and these features align with the amenities outlined in the 195 million dollar development plan. Figures from the announcement confirm that the 875 slots and 45 table games will form the primary gaming offerings, positioned alongside the sportsbook and food services to create a comprehensive entertainment destination for the New Orleans area.

Conclusion

The relocation project announced by PENN Entertainment centers on a 195 million dollar investment to move gaming from the Boomtown riverboat to the planned Hollywood Casino New Orleans on the adjacent inland site, with regulatory approvals required ahead of the targeted 2029 opening. The new venue will include 875 slot machines, 45 table games, a retail sportsbook, dining options, and other amenities, while the hotel at the current location stays open. This initiative follows the provisions of Louisiana's 2018 law that has enabled similar riverboat-to-land transitions across the state, and the details provided in the announcement outline a clear path from current operations to the future land-based facility.