PENN Entertainment Advances Land-Based Casino Plans with $195 Million Relocation in Louisiana

PENN Entertainment has outlined a $195 million investment to shift its Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans operation from a riverboat in Harvey, Louisiana, to a permanent land-based Hollywood Casino New Orleans on an adjacent inland site, and this move aligns with broader industry shifts permitted under a 2018 state law that opened pathways for such relocations.

The project remains subject to regulatory approval yet carries an anticipated opening date in 2029, at which point the new facility will feature approximately 875 slot machines along with 45 table games, a retail sportsbook, multiple dining venues, and additional guest amenities designed to enhance the overall visitor experience.

Details of the Proposed Development

Under the current plan the relocated casino will occupy an inland parcel next to the existing riverboat location, allowing for expanded infrastructure that riverboat operations have historically limited, and developers have indicated the design will incorporate modern gaming floors that support both traditional casino games and integrated sports betting options through the retail sportsbook.

Observers note that the transition eliminates the constraints of operating aboard a vessel, which often includes space limitations and regulatory requirements tied to water-based gambling, whereas the land-based model permits larger footprints and more flexible layouts for dining and entertainment spaces.

Regulatory Context and Statewide Trend

Louisiana's 2018 legislation established the framework that now enables riverboat casinos to pursue shore-based facilities, and multiple operators across the state have followed similar paths since the law took effect, creating a pattern of inland conversions that continues with this PENN Entertainment announcement.

State regulators will review the project details before granting final approval, and the process is expected to address site plans, gaming capacity, and compliance with existing casino licensing standards that apply to all land-based venues in the region.

Operational Timeline and Capacity Specifications

The expected 2029 opening sets a multi-year development window that includes design finalization, permitting, and construction phases, during which the existing Boomtown riverboat will continue normal operations until the new facility is ready for transition.

Capacity figures list around 875 slot machines and 45 table games as core gaming elements, while the retail sportsbook will offer additional wagering opportunities that complement the table games and slots, and dining venues will provide varied food options to serve both day visitors and overnight guests staying at the hotel component.

Economic and Infrastructure Considerations

Investment estimates place the total project cost near $195 million, covering land development, building construction, and equipment installation required to support the expanded gaming and hospitality offerings, and such capital outlays reflect the scale of converting from a floating vessel to a fixed-site operation.

Local infrastructure around the Harvey site will see upgrades to accommodate increased traffic and utility demands once the land-based casino opens, and planning documents submitted as part of the regulatory review will detail how these improvements integrate with surrounding roadways and support services.

Conclusion

The relocation of Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans into the Hollywood Casino New Orleans land-based format represents one more step in Louisiana's evolving casino landscape under the 2018 law, and the $195 million project will deliver a larger, more versatile facility with 875 slots, 45 table games, a retail sportsbook, and expanded dining by the 2029 target date, pending all necessary approvals.