PENN Entertainment Announces $195 Million Relocation Plan for Boomtown Casino to New Hollywood Casino New Orleans Site
Willa Lang · Aug 19, 2026
PENN Entertainment Announces $195 Million Relocation Plan for Boomtown Casino to New Hollywood Casino New Orleans Site
PENN Entertainment has outlined plans to invest approximately $195 million in the relocation of its existing riverboat Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans from Harvey, Louisiana to a new inland land-based facility that will operate under the Hollywood Casino New Orleans brand, and the move remains subject to regulatory approval while the existing hotel component stays open throughout the transition.
The project calls for a facility equipped with around 875 slot machines along with 45 table games plus a retail sportsbook and supporting amenities that include dining options, bars and a dedicated VIP lounge, with construction timelines pointing toward an expected opening in 2029.
Project Details and Scope
Observers note that the relocation follows provisions established under a 2018 Louisiana law which permits riverboat casinos to transition to land-based operations, and this framework allows the company to shift the gaming floor away from its current riverboat setup while preserving the hotel operations at the original Harvey location.
Company filings indicate the new inland site will consolidate all gaming activities into a single modern structure designed for improved accessibility and expanded entertainment offerings, whereas the hotel will continue serving guests without interruption during and after the move.
Regulatory Path and Timeline
Approval processes involve multiple state gaming regulators who must review the relocation application before any construction can advance, and those familiar with similar projects in Louisiana point out that such reviews typically examine site suitability, economic impact and compliance with existing statutes.
Project documentation shows the 2029 target date accounts for permitting phases, design finalization and building schedules, while the phased approach keeps the hotel operational to maintain revenue streams and guest services through the entire period.
Data referenced in the announcement highlights that the facility will feature a retail sportsbook as part of the core offering, and this addition aligns with broader market trends toward integrated sports betting within casino environments across the state.
Context Within Louisiana Gaming Landscape
The relocation mirrors steps taken by other operators who have utilized the same 2018 legislation to move riverboat assets ashore, yet the PENN Entertainment project stands out due to its specific scale and branding shift to the Hollywood Casino name.
Those who have tracked state gaming developments note that inland facilities often allow for larger footprints and additional amenities compared with riverboat constraints, and the planned dining, bar and VIP lounge elements reflect efforts to enhance the overall visitor experience at the new site.
Financial and Operational Considerations
The $195 million investment covers land acquisition, construction and fit-out costs associated with the new facility, while existing riverboat infrastructure will be decommissioned once the land-based operation opens.
Company statements emphasize that the hotel at the Harvey site will remain a separate ongoing asset, ensuring continuity for lodging services even as the casino component relocates several miles inland to the designated new location.
Conclusion
Regulatory approval represents the next critical milestone before ground can break on the Hollywood Casino New Orleans project, and once cleared the development is positioned to deliver expanded gaming capacity and modern amenities by the 2029 target date while the original hotel operations continue without change. The announcement from PENN Entertainment details the full scope of this single initiative focused on the Boomtown relocation.