PENN Entertainment Announces Land-Based Move for Boomtown Casino New Orleans

On August 17, 2026 PENN Entertainment unveiled plans to invest roughly $195 million in relocating its riverboat Boomtown Casino New Orleans from Harvey, Louisiana to a new land-based site branded Hollywood Casino New Orleans, and the project calls for a 140,000-square-foot facility that will sit beside the existing hotel once regulatory approval clears.

The casino, scheduled to open in 2029, will house about 875 slot machines, 45 table games, a retail sportsbook, a VIP lounge, and multiple dining venues while the current riverboat operation winds down after the transition.

Project Timeline and Scope

Construction timelines point toward a 2029 debut for the land-based property, and company statements indicate the riverboat will stand vacant once gaming operations shift ashore, allowing crews to focus resources on the larger, more amenity-rich structure that promises expanded guest capacity and diversified revenue streams.

Observers note that the move aligns with similar shoreline conversions across Louisiana where operators seek room for hotels, restaurants, and entertainment zones that riverboats cannot easily accommodate, yet the PENN announcement centers specifically on the Harvey site and its immediate surroundings.

Facility Features and Amenities

The new Hollywood Casino New Orleans will feature an extensive gaming floor alongside a dedicated retail sportsbook and a VIP lounge designed for high-value players, while dining options will range from casual eateries to more upscale venues that complement the adjacent hotel property already in place.

With approximately 875 slot machines and 45 table games on offer, the 140,000-square-foot building represents a substantial increase in physical space compared with the riverboat footprint, and planners have incorporated flexible layouts that can adapt to future regulatory or market shifts once the facility begins operations.

Regulatory Path and Next Steps

Pending regulatory approval remains the key condition before ground can break, and state gaming officials will review the relocation request through established licensing channels that evaluate economic impact, responsible gaming measures, and community benefits associated with the $195 million investment.

Company representatives have indicated they will work closely with the Louisiana Gaming Control Board and local authorities in Jefferson Parish to complete the necessary reviews, and the process is expected to unfold over the coming months as design documents and financing details receive final scrutiny.

Context Within Louisiana Gaming Trends

This announcement follows a pattern in which several Louisiana riverboat operators have pursued land-based conversions to increase square footage and add non-gaming attractions, and data referenced in the riverboat gaming revenues report illustrates how such moves have influenced statewide performance metrics in recent fiscal periods.

Yet the PENN project remains distinct in its scale and branding, with the Hollywood Casino New Orleans name signaling a refreshed market presence that builds on the Boomtown legacy while positioning the property for broader regional draw once the 2029 opening arrives.

Conclusion

The $195 million relocation of Boomtown Casino New Orleans to the Hollywood Casino New Orleans land-based facility marks a significant capital commitment by PENN Entertainment, and the August 17, 2026 announcement sets in motion a multi-year process that will reshape the Harvey gaming landscape by 2029. Details on the 140,000-square-foot property, its gaming offerings, and the pending approvals continue to develop, while the vacated riverboat stands as a tangible reminder of the industry's ongoing evolution toward larger, shore-based operations.