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

PENN Entertainment has outlined a $195 million project to shift its Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans riverboat operations onto adjacent inland property in Harvey, Louisiana, where the venue will operate under the Hollywood Casino New Orleans name once regulatory approval arrives. The move converts the existing floating facility into a permanent land-based structure covering 140,000 to 145,000 square feet and scheduled to open in 2029. The new building will house roughly 875 slot machines along with 45 table games, a retail sportsbook, multiple dining outlets, bars, and a dedicated VIP lounge, while the current 150-room hotel continues uninterrupted service throughout construction. Observers note that the relocation keeps the property within Jefferson Parish yet places it on solid ground instead of the Mississippi River, a change that aligns with broader industry trends toward fixed-site developments.

Key Components of the Development

The investment covers site preparation, construction of the main gaming floor, and integration of food and beverage spaces that connect directly to the retained hotel tower. Because the project sits on property already owned by the company, planners avoid the extended permitting delays sometimes associated with new land acquisition. Data from the announcement indicates the facility will maintain the same gaming capacity currently offered on the riverboat while adding modern infrastructure for sports betting and guest amenities.

Jefferson Parish officials have received the preliminary filings, and the Louisiana Gaming Control Board must still review the relocation request before any ground breaking occurs. Those familiar with state processes expect the review to examine traffic patterns, security protocols, and compliance with riverboat-to-land conversion statutes that govern similar transitions elsewhere in the region.

Timeline and Regulatory Path

Construction is slated to begin after final approvals, with a target opening date of 2029 that accounts for both regulatory reviews and typical build times for a facility of this scale. As of August 2026 the project remains in the planning and approval phase, with no physical work yet underway at the Harvey site. Company statements emphasize that the existing riverboat will continue normal operations until the new structure is ready, ensuring no interruption in gaming or hotel services for visitors.

The rebranding to Hollywood Casino New Orleans reflects PENN Entertainment’s national portfolio strategy, which already includes several properties operating under the Hollywood name in other states. The transition will involve updates to signage, marketing materials, and loyalty program integration, all scheduled to coincide with the physical move to the land-based location.

Operational Continuity and Guest Experience

Hotel guests will notice no change in accommodations because the 150-room tower stays open and connected to the new casino floor via interior walkways. Food and beverage offerings are expected to expand beyond current riverboat options, with additional dining venues planned inside the larger footprint. The retail sportsbook will occupy a dedicated area equipped for live event viewing, while the VIP lounge provides private gaming and concierge services for qualifying players.

Because the site lies directly adjacent to the current riverboat mooring, transportation infrastructure such as parking lots and shuttle routes can be reconfigured with minimal disruption. Traffic studies submitted with the application project modest increases in vehicle volume once the land-based facility opens, prompting discussions with local authorities about road improvements along the access corridors serving Harvey.

Conclusion

The relocation represents a significant capital commitment by PENN Entertainment that converts a riverboat operation into a modern land-based destination while preserving the existing hotel asset. Pending approvals from the Louisiana Gaming Control Board, the Hollywood Casino New Orleans is positioned to open in 2029 with expanded gaming and hospitality offerings on the inland site. Further updates will follow as the regulatory process advances and construction milestones are reached.