PENN Entertainment Advances Land-Based Shift for Hollywood Casino New Orleans
Erik Simon · Aug 19, 2026
PENN Entertainment Advances Land-Based Shift for Hollywood Casino New Orleans
PENN Entertainment has outlined a $195 million investment to convert its existing riverboat operation at Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans into a permanent land-based facility known as Hollywood Casino New Orleans, and the move targets an adjacent inland parcel in Harvey, Louisiana. The company filed the proposal with state regulators in recent weeks, and the project remains subject to final approvals before construction can begin in earnest.
Project Scope and Facility Details
The new Hollywood Casino New Orleans would feature approximately 875 slot machines along with 45 table games, a retail sportsbook, multiple dining outlets, and supporting amenities that expand on the current riverboat offerings. Observers note that the inland location allows for larger floor plans and improved guest circulation compared with the constrained vessel layout that currently operates on the water. Construction timelines point toward a 2029 opening once permits clear, while the existing Boomtown riverboat would continue operations until the new building reaches completion.
Regulatory Framework and 2018 Louisiana Law
Louisiana enacted legislation in 2018 that permits riverboat casinos to relocate to land-based sites under specific conditions, and this statute directly enables the current proposal. PENN Entertainment's filing references the 2018 measure as the legal basis for the transition, while state gaming regulators now review the application for compliance with environmental, traffic, and economic impact standards. The process typically includes public hearings and input from local parishes, and approval hinges on demonstrating that the inland site maintains the same tax revenue streams previously generated by the riverboat.
Industry Context and Similar Conversions
Multiple operators across Louisiana have pursued similar shore-side relocations since the 2018 law took effect, and each project has followed comparable investment ranges and amenity expansions. Data from the Louisiana Gaming Control Board shows that land-based facilities often report higher average daily attendance figures than their riverboat predecessors, largely because of easier access and expanded parking infrastructure. PENN Entertainment's plan aligns with these established patterns, and the $195 million figure covers land acquisition, building construction, gaming equipment, and initial marketing efforts.
Timeline and Next Steps
Regulatory review is expected to extend through late 2026, after which site preparation could begin if the Louisiana Gaming Control Board grants preliminary approval. PENN Entertainment has indicated that the company will maintain continuous employment levels during the transition, and current Boomtown staff would transfer to the new facility upon opening. The 2029 target date accounts for standard construction cycles in the region, including hurricane-resistant building codes and supply chain lead times for specialized gaming equipment.
Economic and Community Considerations
Local officials in Jefferson Parish have already begun preliminary discussions about infrastructure improvements around the inland site, and these talks include road access and utility upgrades that would support the larger footprint. The project documents estimate that construction would generate several hundred temporary jobs, while permanent staffing at the completed casino would remain consistent with current riverboat employment numbers. Tax revenue projections submitted with the application show steady contributions to state and local coffers once the facility opens, mirroring the financial performance of other converted properties in Louisiana.
Conclusion
The PENN Entertainment proposal represents one of the latest steps in Louisiana's ongoing transition from riverboat to land-based gaming operations under the 2018 statute. If regulators grant approval, the Hollywood Casino New Orleans would open its doors in 2029 on the designated inland site, bringing expanded amenities and updated infrastructure to the Harvey market while preserving the economic footprint established by the original Boomtown riverboat. Further updates will follow as the review process advances through the required state channels.