From Riverboat Roots to Land-Based Future: PENN Entertainment Unveils Hollywood Casino New Orleans Plans

PENN Entertainment announced on August 17, 2026 its intention to invest approximately $195 million in relocating the riverboat Boomtown Casino New Orleans from Harvey, Louisiana to a new land-based facility that will operate under the Hollywood Casino New Orleans brand, and this move marks a significant shift for the property while aligning with ongoing changes in regional casino operations.

Announcement Details and Investment Scope

The company outlined a comprehensive relocation strategy that centers on constructing a 140,000-square-foot casino adjacent to the existing hotel, with the project expected to open in 2029 once all necessary regulatory approvals are secured, and observers note that the investment covers not only the physical build but also the transition of operations from the current riverboat setup.

Key features planned for the new Hollywood Casino New Orleans include roughly 875 slot machines, 45 table games, a retail sportsbook, a dedicated VIP lounge, and multiple dining options, while the existing riverboat will be vacated after the land-based venue becomes operational.

Facility Specifications and Location Advantages

Positioned directly beside the current hotel structure, the new casino benefits from established infrastructure that already supports visitor traffic, and this adjacency allows for integrated guest experiences without requiring extensive new transportation or access developments.

Those familiar with the site point out that the 140,000-square-foot footprint provides ample space for expanded amenities compared to the riverboat's more constrained layout, and data from similar projects indicates such expansions often support increased capacity for gaming and entertainment offerings.

Timeline, Regulatory Path, and Operational Transition

Construction is slated to begin following approval processes, with the 2029 opening date serving as the target for full operations, and the riverboat component will cease gaming activities once the land-based facility launches to consolidate all functions onshore.

Pending regulatory approval remains a critical milestone, as Louisiana gaming authorities must review and authorize the relocation, and experts have observed that such reviews typically examine economic impact, public safety, and compliance with state gaming statutes before granting final permissions.

Context Within Louisiana Casino Trends

This development follows a pattern where several Louisiana riverboat casinos have pursued land-based relocations to expand amenities and boost revenues, and figures from the riverboat gaming revenues report reveal how these shifts have influenced overall sector performance in recent fiscal periods.

The transition allows operators to offer more diverse facilities such as larger gaming floors, integrated hospitality, and additional dining, while the vacated riverboat sites can be repurposed or decommissioned depending on local planning decisions.

Conclusion

PENN Entertainment's August 17, 2026 announcement details a $195 million investment to create Hollywood Casino New Orleans as a 140,000-square-foot land-based venue opening in 2029, complete with 875 slots, 45 table games, a sportsbook, VIP lounge, and dining options, and the riverboat will then be vacated after regulatory clearances are obtained, reflecting the company's strategic adjustment to evolving market conditions in the region.