PENN Entertainment Announces Land-Based Relocation for Boomtown Casino Operations in Louisiana

PENN Entertainment has announced plans to invest approximately $195 million in relocating its Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans riverboat operation to a new inland site in Harvey, Louisiana within Jefferson Parish, and this move will convert the property into a land-based venue called Hollywood Casino New Orleans with an expected opening in 2029 pending regulatory approvals.

Scope of the Planned Investment and Site Transition

The company will shift operations from the current riverboat setup to an adjacent inland location, while the new facility is designed to include roughly 875 slot machines along with 45 table games plus a retail sportsbook and multiple dining options as well as additional amenities that align with modern casino developments in the region, and observers note that this project follows the pattern established under a 2018 Louisiana state law that permits riverboat casinos to transition ashore.

Jefferson Parish officials have received the proposal for review, yet the timeline remains tied to the completion of necessary permits and approvals from state gaming regulators, while construction activities are projected to begin once those clearances are secured and industry analysts have tracked similar relocations across Louisiana since the law took effect.

Context Within Louisiana Casino Regulations

Louisiana enacted legislation in 2018 that opened pathways for riverboat operators to move to land-based sites, and several properties have pursued this option in subsequent years because inland locations often allow expanded facilities and improved accessibility compared with water-based operations, yet PENN Entertainment's project represents one of the more recent announcements in this ongoing shift.

According to the details released by the company the new Hollywood Casino New Orleans will maintain continuity with existing employment levels while adding infrastructure that supports both gaming and non-gaming revenue streams, and local economic reports have previously highlighted how such transitions can influence tourism patterns in Jefferson Parish and surrounding areas.

Facility Features and Operational Expectations

The planned venue will feature a retail sportsbook as part of its core offerings, and this element reflects broader industry movement toward integrated sports betting options that complement traditional table games and slot machines, while dining venues are expected to draw both local patrons and visitors traveling along major corridors near Harvey.

Regulatory filings indicate that the project remains subject to review by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board, and approvals must address zoning, environmental assessments and licensing requirements before groundbreaking can occur, yet company statements emphasize that the 2029 target date accounts for these standard procedural steps.

Timeline and Next Steps for Implementation

Construction schedules will depend on the pace of permitting, and PENN Entertainment has indicated that site preparation could commence following the receipt of final approvals with the entire relocation process designed to minimize disruption to current operations at the riverboat location, while updates on progress are anticipated through quarterly corporate reports.

Local stakeholders in Jefferson Parish continue to monitor the proposal for its potential effects on traffic patterns and community resources, and similar projects elsewhere in the state have required coordination between casino operators and municipal planning departments to address infrastructure needs during the transition phase.

Conclusion

The relocation of Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans marks a continuation of trends initiated by the 2018 state law, and the $195 million investment by PENN Entertainment positions the new Hollywood Casino New Orleans to operate as a land-based destination with expanded amenities by 2029 once regulatory processes conclude, while further announcements regarding construction milestones are expected as approvals advance. For additional details on the announcement see the source report.