PENN Entertainment Announces Major Relocation for Boomtown Casino to Create Hollywood Casino New Orleans
Écrit par Drew Schmitt · 19/8/2026
PENN Entertainment Announces Major Relocation for Boomtown Casino to Create Hollywood Casino New Orleans
PENN Entertainment has revealed plans to spend approximately 195 million dollars moving its existing riverboat Boomtown Casino and Hotel New Orleans from Harvey, Louisiana, to a new inland site that will operate under the Hollywood Casino New Orleans brand, and this shift comes after years of preparation tied to state legislation that opened the door for such changes.
The project requires regulatory approval before construction can begin, yet once completed the facility will feature about 875 slot machines along with 45 table games, a retail sportsbook, multiple dining options, several bars, and a dedicated VIP lounge, while the current hotel property stays open and operational throughout the transition with an anticipated opening date set for 2029.
Details of the Proposed Development
The relocation converts the riverboat operation into a permanent land-based venue, a move that aligns with a 2018 Louisiana law permitting riverboat casinos to transition ashore, and observers note this step allows operators to replace floating vessels with fixed structures that offer expanded amenities and easier access for visitors.
Under the plan the new Hollywood Casino New Orleans will sit on solid ground rather than water, which removes limitations associated with riverboat designs and creates space for the additional gaming positions, food and beverage outlets, and the retail sportsbook that PENN Entertainment intends to include.
Timeline and Regulatory Path
Company officials have indicated the project remains subject to approvals from state gaming regulators, and as of August 2026 the process continues with applications under review while preliminary design work advances in parallel, although no firm construction start date has been locked in yet.
The expected 2029 opening leaves several years for permitting, site preparation, and building, which gives the company time to coordinate with local authorities in the New Orleans area and ensure the new facility meets all required standards before doors open to the public.
Impact on Existing Operations
Throughout the relocation the Boomtown Casino and Hotel New Orleans hotel will continue welcoming guests without interruption, which means lodging, dining, and other non-gaming services stay available even as the casino component prepares for its move to the new inland location several years down the road.
This approach allows the property to maintain revenue streams from hotel operations while the gaming floor transitions, and it reflects a practical strategy for minimizing disruption to both employees and regular visitors who rely on the current site.
Broader Context Within Louisiana Gaming
The announcement follows the framework established by the 2018 legislation that first authorized riverboat casinos to relocate ashore, and PENN Entertainment's project mirrors similar transitions already underway or completed by other operators across the state, although each project carries its own scale and timeline.
Data from industry reports shows these moves typically involve substantial capital investments that support larger facilities and updated amenities, yet each remains dependent on individual regulatory reviews before any ground can be broken.
Conclusion
The planned relocation of Boomtown Casino and Hotel New Orleans represents a significant capital commitment by PENN Entertainment that will reshape the gaming landscape in the New Orleans region once regulatory hurdles are cleared and construction finishes ahead of the 2029 target date, and the retention of the existing hotel ensures continuity for lodging services during the multi-year process.