Hollywood Comes Ashore: PENN Entertainment's $195 Million Relocation Plan Takes Shape

PENN Entertainment has outlined plans to spend roughly $195 million shifting its Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans riverboat operation to a new land-based Hollywood Casino New Orleans on an adjacent inland site in Harvey, Louisiana within Jefferson Parish, and teh move requires regulatory approval before construction advances. The project includes around 875 slot machines along with 45 table games, a retail sportsbook, multiple dining options, and a dedicated VIP lounge, while the expected opening falls in 2029 as the company continues a broader industry shift toward onshore facilities that began after the 2018 state law change. The current riverboat setup sits in New Orleans yet faces declining revenues according to company figures, and the relocation targets an improved customer experience through expanded amenities and easier access on solid ground. Observers note that this development aligns with similar moves across Louisiana where operators have transitioned from water-based venues to permanent land structures since the legislation passed. Data from state records shows multiple properties have followed this path, creating larger footprints and more diverse entertainment offerings without the operational constraints of riverboats.

Project Details and Timeline

The new Hollywood Casino New Orleans will occupy a site next to the existing Boomtown location yet positioned further inland, which removes the need for floating structures and allows for more flexible building designs. Construction is slated to begin once approvals clear from the Louisiana Gaming Control Board and other local authorities, with full operations targeted for 2029 after several years of planning and development. The facility will feature the listed gaming options plus food and beverage outlets that expand beyond current offerings, and the retail sportsbook will provide additional betting access in a dedicated space.

Those familiar with the announcement highlight how the $195 million investment covers not only the building but also infrastructure improvements and modern amenities designed to attract a wider range of visitors. Figures from the company indicate the project aims to stabilize and grow revenue streams that have softened at the riverboat site, and the move keeps the operation within Jefferson Parish while enhancing overall guest flow and comfort. Regulatory steps remain ahead, including environmental reviews and zoning confirmations that typically accompany such developments in the region.

Broader Context of Onshore Transitions

Louisiana's 2018 law opened the door for riverboat casinos to relocate onshore, and several operators have completed or announced similar projects since then. PENN Entertainment's plan for Hollywood Casino New Orleans follows this established pattern, where land-based sites offer greater stability against weather events and allow for larger-scale expansions. Industry data referenced in reports shows these transitions often coincide with revenue stabilization as properties gain permanent structures and improved parking and access features.

The announcement comes as the company positions its Louisiana assets for long-term growth, and the Harvey location provides proximity to the New Orleans market while offering a fresh start with updated facilities. Experts tracking gaming trends observe that such moves reflect ongoing adaptations to customer preferences for more spacious and varied entertainment environments. As of August 2026, preliminary site work and permitting discussions continue without major delays reported, keeping the 2029 target on track according to company statements.

Regulatory and Community Considerations

Approval processes involve multiple state and parish-level reviews that examine economic impact, traffic patterns, and compliance with gaming regulations. PENN Entertainment has stated it will work closely with authorities to address any requirements, and the project includes provisions for local hiring and supplier partnerships once construction ramps up. Community leaders in Jefferson Parish have received initial briefings on the plans, which project job creation during both the building phase and ongoing operations.

Revenue projections tied to the new facility factor in expanded capacity and the addition of the sportsbook and VIP areas, elements that differentiate it from the current riverboat setup. The transition maintains the company's presence in the greater New Orleans area while addressing operational challenges associated with the floating venue. Those monitoring the sector note that similar relocations elsewhere in the state have resulted in steady visitor increases once land-based operations begin.

Conclusion

The $195 million relocation represents a significant step for PENN Entertainment in Louisiana, one that builds on the 2018 regulatory framework and positions Hollywood Casino New Orleans as a modern land-based destination by 2029. Details on the gaming floor, dining, and entertainment amenities remain consistent with the announcement, and progress depends on timely regulatory clearance. Observers continue to track developments as the project moves through its planning stages, with the shift expected to reshape the local gaming landscape in Harvey while sustaining operations near New Orleans.