PENN Entertainment Advances Plans for New Land-Based Hollywood Casino in New Orleans Area
Written by Parker Roth · Aug 19, 2026
PENN Entertainment Advances Plans for New Land-Based Hollywood Casino in New Orleans Area
PENN Entertainment has announced plans to invest approximately 195 million dollars in a project that would replace its current Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans riverboat operation in Harvey, Louisiana, with a new land-based Hollywood Casino New Orleans facility on an adjacent inland site, and this move aligns with broader shifts in the regional gaming sector under existing state regulations.
The proposal includes around 875 slot machines along with 45 table games, a retail sportsbook, dining options, and additional amenities designed to serve visitors in a fixed location rather than on water, while the entire development remains subject to regulatory approval before construction can proceed.
Project Scope and Key Features
Observers note that the new facility would transition operations from the existing riverboat setup to a permanent structure on land, which allows for expanded offerings including the sportsbook and enhanced dining areas that can operate year-round without the constraints of a floating venue, and this change reflects practical adjustments in how casinos can deliver services to patrons in the New Orleans market.
Data from the announcement indicates the investment targets both gaming and non-gaming elements, with the total figure covering site preparation, building construction, and initial equipment installation, whereas the expected opening date stands at 2029 pending all necessary clearances from state authorities.
Regulatory Framework and Timeline
Under a 2018 Louisiana law that permits riverboat casinos to relocate to land-based sites, the project gains its legal pathway, and PENN Entertainment has positioned the initiative as one that follows this established rule while requiring further reviews from gaming regulators before any groundbreaking occurs.
As developments unfold toward potential decisions in August 2026, the company continues to outline steps for compliance, including environmental assessments and community impact evaluations that typically accompany such large-scale shifts in casino operations, yet the core announcement centers on the financial commitment and the mix of amenities planned for the inland property.
Those familiar with the process point out that securing approvals involves multiple layers of state oversight, which can extend the period from announcement to opening, and the 2029 target accounts for these stages along with actual building timelines once permits are secured.
Industry Context for Land-Based Transitions
The move by PENN Entertainment fits into an ongoing pattern where operators in Louisiana have explored shifting from riverboats to shore-based facilities since the passage of the 2018 legislation, and this particular project in Harvey would create a dedicated Hollywood Casino New Orleans brand presence that replaces the Boomtown name at the site.
Figures associated with the plan show the scale of the investment supports a comprehensive redevelopment that includes both core gaming floors and supporting attractions, while the adjacent inland location offers advantages in accessibility and expansion potential compared to the current riverboat configuration.
Expected Amenities and Visitor Experience
The proposed Hollywood Casino New Orleans would feature approximately 875 slot machines paired with 45 table games, creating a balanced mix for different player preferences, and the addition of a retail sportsbook introduces sports wagering options that complement the traditional casino offerings in a single land-based environment.
Dining venues and other amenities round out the plans, providing food and entertainment choices that can operate continuously without the operational limits of a riverboat, and this setup aims to deliver a consistent experience for guests traveling to the Harvey area from surrounding regions.
Conclusion
The announcement from PENN Entertainment details a 195 million dollar investment to establish the new Hollywood Casino New Orleans on land adjacent to the existing Boomtown riverboat site, with regulatory approval required and an anticipated launch in 2029 that incorporates 875 slots, 45 table games, a retail sportsbook, dining, and related facilities under the framework of the 2018 Louisiana law governing such transitions.