PENN Entertainment's $195 Million Inland Relocation Sets Stage for Hollywood Casino New Orleans

PENN Entertainment has outlined plans to invest approximately $195 million in moving gaming operations from the riverboat Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans in Harvey, Louisiana, to a new land-based site branded Hollywood Casino New Orleans on an adjacent inland parcel, and the existing hotel structure would continue operations without interruption.

Subject to regulatory approvals the project calls for roughly 875 slot machines along with 45 table games, a retail sportsbook, dining options and additional amenities, while the timeline targets an opening in 2029. The move follows provisions in a 2018 Louisiana law that permits riverboat casinos to transition to onshore locations, and company officials have framed the relocation as a way to modernize facilities while preserving the hotel component at the original Harvey address.

Project Scope and Facility Specifications

The new Hollywood Casino New Orleans would occupy an inland location next to the current riverboat mooring, which allows for expanded floor space and updated infrastructure compared with the floating vessel setup, and the design incorporates dedicated areas for slots, table games and the sportsbook alongside food and beverage outlets. Construction would proceed in phases once approvals clear, with the hotel remaining open throughout to maintain guest services and revenue streams during the transition period.

Data from the announcement indicate the land-based format supports more flexible layouts for gaming positions and ancillary amenities, whereas the riverboat configuration had limited expansion potential due to vessel constraints, and the $195 million commitment covers site preparation, building construction and equipment installation across the new footprint. Regulatory review will examine compliance with state gaming statutes and local zoning requirements before any groundbreaking occurs.

Regulatory Pathway and Timeline

State authorities must grant final approvals before work advances, and the process includes review by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board along with input from local parish officials in Jefferson Parish where Harvey is located. Company filings note that the 2018 legislation created the framework for such relocations, yet each project still requires individual licensing and environmental assessments prior to commencement.

The projected 2029 opening allows several years for permitting, design finalization and construction, while the hotel's continued operation ensures continuity for existing visitors and staff. PENN Entertainment representatives have stated that the inland site improves accessibility and operational efficiency compared with the riverboat model, and they expect the expanded amenities to align with evolving guest preferences for integrated entertainment experiences.

Operational Continuity and Economic Context

Throughout the relocation the hotel at the Harvey site stays open, which preserves lodging capacity and associated revenue while gaming shifts to the new land-based venue, and this approach minimizes disruption for travelers who rely on the property for overnight stays. The company plans to transfer gaming licenses and equipment in stages once the new facility receives certification, and workforce transitions would follow established protocols to retain experienced personnel across both locations.

Figures released with the announcement show the investment targets a market that has seen steady visitation patterns, and the addition of a retail sportsbook reflects broader demand for sports wagering options within casino environments. Local economic data indicate gaming facilities contribute measurable tax revenue to state and parish budgets, and the project would extend those contributions through an upgraded physical plant designed for long-term use.

Conclusion

The relocation plan centers on a $195 million capital outlay to establish Hollywood Casino New Orleans as a land-based operation with specified gaming capacity, dining and wagering amenities, while the original hotel component remains active at the Harvey riverboat site. Pending regulatory clearance the development follows the 2018 state law framework and targets completion by 2029, thereby updating infrastructure without altering the hotel's ongoing role in the market.