PENN Entertainment Charts New Course with Land-Based Hollywood Casino in Harvey

PENN Entertainment has outlined a major capital project that will shift its riverboat gaming operation from Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans to a permanent land-based facility called Hollywood Casino New Orleans, with the company committing roughly 195 million dollars to the effort at an adjacent inland site in Harvey within Jefferson Parish, and the relocation remains subject to final regulatory approval from state authorities.

Project Scope and Timeline

The proposed development will feature approximately 875 slot machines along with 45 table games, a retail sportsbook, multiple dining venues, and a dedicated VIP lounge, while construction is slated to conclude so the new property can open its doors in 2029 and thereby complete the transition away from the floating vessel that currently operates on the water.

Observers note that the move aligns with a broader pattern of onshore conversions that began after Louisiana enacted legislation in 2018 permitting riverboat operators to relocate to land-based sites, and several properties across the state have already pursued similar transitions in the years since that law took effect.

Background on the Current Operation

Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans has functioned as a riverboat property for years, yet recent revenue figures have shown a downward trend that prompted company leadership to explore options for improving guest access and overall amenities through a fixed inland location, and the Harvey site offers direct adjacency to the existing riverfront area while eliminating the operational constraints tied to the vessel itself.

Company filings indicate the new facility will maintain continuity for existing customers while introducing expanded offerings that the current riverboat configuration cannot easily accommodate, and the project is positioned to serve the greater New Orleans market from a more accessible inland address.

Regulatory Path and Industry Context

State gaming regulators must still review and approve the relocation plan before ground can be broken, and PENN Entertainment has signaled that it will work closely with the Louisiana Gaming Control Board throughout the permitting process to address any outstanding requirements related to the land-based conversion.

Those who track regional gaming developments point out that the 2018 statute created a clear pathway for such moves, and the Hollywood Casino New Orleans project represents one of the more significant investments announced under that framework to date, with the total outlay covering site preparation, construction, and initial operational setup.

Customer Experience Enhancements

Project descriptions emphasize that the land-based design will remove limitations inherent to the riverboat format, allowing for larger gaming floors, improved circulation between amenities, and dedicated spaces such as the VIP lounge that can cater to high-value patrons, and these upgrades are expected to address some of the factors contributing to softer revenue performance at the current location.

Data referenced in the announcement shows monthly visitor trends that have prompted the strategic shift, while the company maintains that the core gaming offerings will carry over with minimal disruption once the new facility becomes operational in 2029.

Conclusion

The relocation of the Boomtown operation to the Hollywood Casino New Orleans site in Harvey stands as a direct response to both legislative changes enacted in 2018 and evolving market conditions, and once regulatory hurdles are cleared the project will deliver a modern land-based gaming destination equipped with slots, table games, a sportsbook, dining, and VIP amenities scheduled for a 2029 debut.