PENN Entertainment Advances Inland Casino Relocation in Louisiana
Written by Felix Ludwig · Aug 19, 2026
PENN Entertainment Advances Inland Casino Relocation in Louisiana
PENN Entertainment has outlined a $195 million project to shift its gaming operations from the Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans riverboat in Harvey to a new land-based facility branded Hollywood Casino New Orleans, and this move aligns with regulatory processes that must still clear before construction advances.
Project Scope and Features
The new facility would include approximately 875 slot machines along with 45 table games, a retail sportsbook, multiple dining options, and additional guest amenities designed to serve both local visitors and tourists traveling through the greater New Orleans area. Observers note that the existing hotel at the current riverboat location would continue operating independently, preserving lodging capacity while the gaming floor transitions onshore.
Regulatory approval remains a required step, and the company has positioned the development as part of a broader pattern across Louisiana where operators have pursued similar relocations since the passage of a 2018 state law that permits riverboat casinos to move to land-based sites under specific conditions.
Timeline and Next Steps
Company announcements indicate an expected opening in 2029, which places the project several years out and allows time for permitting, environmental reviews, and construction phases that typically accompany large-scale casino developments. Those tracking the industry point out that August 2026 will mark another checkpoint in the approval timeline, when updated filings and community input sessions are anticipated to provide clearer visibility on progress.
Industry Context in Louisiana
Louisiana has seen multiple operators pursue onshore transitions since the 2018 legislation took effect, and data from state gaming regulators shows that land-based venues often report operational efficiencies compared with riverboat formats constrained by water-based infrastructure. The Hollywood Casino New Orleans project follows this established route while introducing a refreshed brand presence in a market already served by several established properties.
Local economic reports have highlighted that such relocations can expand available footprint for amenities and improve accessibility for guests who prefer not to board vessels, and analysts have tracked similar conversions in other parishes that resulted in expanded food and beverage offerings once facilities moved inland.
Operational Continuity During Transition
The Boomtown riverboat will maintain its current schedule and offerings until the new site becomes operational, which helps ensure uninterrupted employment for staff and continued revenue generation for the operator during the multi-year build period. State records indicate that gaming licenses attached to the riverboat can transfer to the land-based location once approvals finalize, streamlining the shift without requiring entirely new licensing processes.
Conclusion
PENN Entertainment's planned investment reflects ongoing adaptation within Louisiana's casino sector, where regulatory changes from 2018 continue to shape facility strategies through 2029 and beyond. The project details remain subject to final approvals, yet the framework laid out positions the new Hollywood Casino New Orleans as a significant addition to the region's gaming landscape once construction concludes.