PENN Entertainment Charts New Course with $195 Million Land-Based Hollywood Casino Project in Louisiana

PENN Entertainment has outlined plans to invest roughly 195 million dollars in a move that shifts its Boomtown Casino and Hotel New Orleans operation from a riverboat in Harvey, Louisiana, to a new land-based Hollywood Casino New Orleans on an adjacent inland site, and this transition reflects broader industry adjustments under state regulations that permit such relocations. The project includes 875 slot machines, 45 table games, a sportsbook, multiple dining options, and additional guest amenities, while the company expects the facility to open in 2029 once regulatory approvals are secured. Data from industry sources shows the current riverboat property has experienced revenue declines, which the land-based format aims to address through improved accessibility and expanded offerings.

Project Scope and Features

The new Hollywood Casino New Orleans will occupy an inland location next to the existing riverboat site, allowing for a larger footprint that supports expanded gaming and entertainment space. Observers note that the 875 slots and 45 table games represent a focused inventory designed for steady customer flow, whereas the sportsbook addition aligns with growing demand for sports betting options across Louisiana markets. Multiple dining venues and other amenities are planned to create longer visitor stays, and this configuration follows patterns seen in other riverboat-to-land conversions that have increased foot traffic once facilities moved away from water-based constraints.

Those familiar with the site indicate the inland position eliminates weather-related access issues that sometimes affected the riverboat, while the overall design emphasizes convenience for local patrons and regional visitors alike. Figures from similar projects reveal that land-based venues often achieve higher daily attendance compared to their floating predecessors, particularly when located near major roadways and urban centers.

Legal Framework and Industry Trend

A 2018 Louisiana law opened the door for riverboat operators to transition to permanent land-based locations, and PENN Entertainment's announcement builds on that statute by targeting an adjacent site that keeps the operation within the same general market area. Several other properties across the state have pursued comparable moves since the legislation passed, creating a clear pattern where operators seek modern facilities that overcome the physical limitations of boats. The current project remains subject to approval from state gaming regulators, who will review site plans, financial commitments, and compliance with existing licensing terms before any construction begins.

According to reports from World Casino Directory, the company has positioned this investment as a direct response to operational challenges at the existing Boomtown property. Revenue trends at riverboat casinos have softened in recent periods, prompting operators to explore formats that offer greater flexibility in layout and guest services. The 2018 law provided the necessary pathway, and multiple properties have since completed or announced similar shifts, demonstrating how regulatory changes can reshape regional gaming infrastructure over time.

Timeline and Next Steps

Subject to regulatory clearance, construction on the Hollywood Casino New Orleans is slated to proceed in phases that lead to a 2029 opening. The company has already identified the inland parcel and outlined basic facility specifications, while state officials will conduct reviews covering environmental impact, traffic planning, and economic projections. As of August 2026, the project remains in the pre-approval stage, with no groundbreaking date confirmed until licensing conditions are met. Industry trackers indicate that similar conversions elsewhere in Louisiana required 18 to 24 months for full regulatory sign-off, suggesting the timeline could stretch or compress depending on the pace of reviews.

Once operational, the new venue will replace the riverboat entirely, ending all gaming activity at the current Harvey location. Staff transitions, equipment relocation, and marketing preparations are expected to unfold in the years leading up to launch, and local economic analyses project increased employment opportunities during both construction and ongoing operations.

Conclusion

The proposed 195 million dollar investment by PENN Entertainment marks another chapter in Louisiana's evolving casino sector, where the 2018 law continues to enable operators to modernize their offerings through land-based facilities. With 875 slots, 45 table games, a sportsbook, and supporting amenities planned for a 2029 debut, the Hollywood Casino New Orleans project directly addresses revenue pressures at the existing riverboat while aligning with statewide trends toward inland locations. Regulatory approval remains the critical next milestone, and observers will track developments closely as the company advances through the required review process.