20 Aug 2026
PENN Entertainment Advances Plans for New Land-Based Hollywood Casino Near New Orleans
PENN Entertainment has outlined a $195 million investment to replace its riverboat casino operation in Harvey, Louisiana, with a new land-based Hollywood Casino New Orleans on an adjacent inland site, and this move comes subject to regulatory approval with an expected opening in 2029 that will feature around 875 slot machines along with 45 table games, a retail sportsbook, dining venues, and additional amenities while the current Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans continues operations until the transition.
Project Details and Scope
The development centers on shifting from the existing riverboat setup to a permanent onshore facility that aligns with state guidelines, and observers note the project will occupy land next to the current site in Harvey so that the company can maintain regional presence without interrupting service during construction phases while data from industry reports shows declining revenue trends at the riverboat property that have prompted this strategic relocation.
Key elements include the specified gaming capacity plus retail and food options designed to broaden visitor appeal, yet the plan remains contingent on approvals from Louisiana gaming regulators who will review environmental impact, infrastructure needs, and compliance with the 2018 state law that first enabled such onshore moves for riverboat operators.
Background on Current Operations and Industry Shift
Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans has operated as a riverboat venue for years, and figures indicate revenue has softened in recent periods amid broader market changes that include competition from other regional properties and shifts in player preferences toward land-based experiences with more expansive amenities, which explains why PENN Entertainment has chosen to pursue this replacement project at this time.
Since the 2018 legislation took effect, several Louisiana riverboat casinos have pursued similar transitions to inland locations because the law removed previous restrictions that kept operations on water, and this case follows that established pattern where companies seek greater flexibility in facility design and expansion potential while avoiding the operational limitations inherent to riverboat formats.
Timeline, Approvals, and Expected Outcomes
Regulatory review will determine the final path forward, and company statements indicate the target opening remains 2029 provided all permits clear on schedule, while construction would occur on the inland parcel to minimize disruption to existing customers who continue to access the riverboat during the interim period.
Once complete the new Hollywood Casino New Orleans will integrate modern gaming floors with the listed slot and table counts, plus the sportsbook component that reflects growing demand for sports wagering options in Louisiana, and analysts tracking the sector point to these combined features as central to the investment rationale that totals approximately $195 million in committed capital.
Market Context and Revenue Considerations
Revenue at the current Boomtown property has shown consistent declines according to available industry data, and this pattern has prompted PENN Entertainment to accelerate plans for a facility upgrade that can better compete in the evolving Louisiana gaming landscape where land-based venues have demonstrated stronger performance metrics in comparable markets.
The transition also reflects wider trends across the state where operators have capitalized on the 2018 law to relocate and modernize, and statistics from regulatory filings reveal that properties making similar moves often report improved foot traffic and diversified revenue streams once the new sites become operational with expanded amenities and easier accessibility.
Conclusion
The proposed Hollywood Casino New Orleans project represents a direct response to both legislative opportunity and operational realities at the Harvey site, and with regulatory approval still pending the timeline points toward a 2029 debut that will deliver the outlined gaming and hospitality elements on the inland location while ending the riverboat era for this particular PENN Entertainment asset.