PENN Entertainment Advances Inland Casino Relocation Project for Hollywood Casino New Orleans
Riley Wagner · Aug 20, 2026
PENN Entertainment Advances Inland Casino Relocation Project for Hollywood Casino New Orleans
PENN Entertainment has outlined plans to direct roughly 195 million dollars toward shifting gaming operations from the riverboat Boomtown Casino and Hotel New Orleans in Harvey, Louisiana, to a fresh land-based venue that will carry the Hollywood Casino New Orleans name on a nearby inland parcel, and this move aligns with broader shifts permitted under existing state regulations while keeping the current hotel structure fully operational.
Core Elements of the Proposed Development
teh new facility would feature approximately 875 slot machines along with 45 table games, a retail sportsbook, multiple dining options, and additional guest amenities designed to support expanded visitor experiences, whereas the existing riverboat setup would cease gaming activities once the inland location receives all necessary clearances and begins operations.
Regulatory Pathway and Timeline
State approvals remain a prerequisite before construction can proceed, with the projected opening set for 2029, and observers note that the project timeline allows for phased permitting reviews through the Louisiana Gaming Control Board while the hotel component continues without interruption during the transition period.
Data from industry filings indicates that similar onshore conversions have occurred across Louisiana since the passage of the 2018 law that enabled riverboat operators to pursue land-based sites, and this particular announcement represents one of the more substantial capital commitments in that ongoing pattern.
Site Selection and Operational Continuity
The adjacent inland location offers direct access advantages compared with the current riverboat mooring, yet the company has confirmed that hotel guests and staff will experience no disruption to lodging services throughout the multi-year development window, and this continuity preserves revenue streams while the new gaming floor takes shape.
Investment Scale and Market Context
Allocating close to 195 million dollars reflects the scale required to build out a modern land-based casino with integrated amenities, and figures released alongside the announcement detail how the project incorporates both gaming expansion and non-gaming attractions that cater to a wider demographic of visitors seeking dining and entertainment options beyond traditional table play.
Those familiar with Louisiana gaming regulations point out that the 2018 statute removed certain geographic restrictions that previously confined operations to vessels, thereby opening pathways for operators to select more accessible inland parcels that can accommodate larger facilities and improved parking infrastructure.
Broader Implications for Regional Gaming
Local planning documents associated with the proposal highlight expected employment opportunities during both construction and subsequent operations, while the shift from riverboat to land-based configuration aligns with trends observed in other parishes where similar relocations have streamlined logistics and reduced weather-related vulnerabilities tied to water-based venues.
Regulatory reviews scheduled through 2026 will determine final design specifications and compliance benchmarks, after which ground preparation could begin in earnest toward the 2029 target date.
Conclusion
The relocation initiative consolidates PENN Entertainment's long-term positioning in the New Orleans market by transitioning from a constrained riverboat platform to a purpose-built inland site equipped for contemporary gaming and hospitality demands, and the retention of the existing hotel ensures ongoing service to travelers even as the new Hollywood Casino New Orleans footprint takes form under the framework established by the 2018 legislation.