PENN Entertainment Announces Relocation of Boomtown Casino to New Inland Hollywood Casino New Orleans Site

PENN Entertainment has outlined plans to invest approximately 195 million dollars in relocating its existing riverboat casino operation from Harvey Louisiana to a new land based facility that will carry the Hollywood Casino New Orleans brand and the move remains subject to regulatory approval while the current hotel component stays in operation. The project centers on shifting from the riverboat format to an inland location and it incorporates roughly 875 slot machines along with 45 table games plus a retail sportsbook dining options bars and a VIP lounge with an anticipated opening targeted for 2029. The announcement aligns with provisions established under a 2018 Louisiana law that permits riverboat casinos to transition ashore and it follows similar relocation steps already taken by other operators throughout the state. Details indicate the existing Boomtown Casino and Hotel New Orleans property will see its gaming operations moved while the hotel itself continues without interruption during the transition period.

Key Elements of the Proposed Development

The new Hollywood Casino New Orleans facility is described as a land based venue that replaces the riverboat setup currently in place and it includes a combination of gaming offerings alongside hospitality and entertainment amenities. Plans specify the addition of slot machines table games and a sportsbook while also incorporating dining areas bars and a dedicated VIP lounge to serve various guest preferences. Observers note that these features reflect standard components seen in other casino developments that have completed similar inland shifts under the same state legislation.

The investment figure of approximately 195 million dollars covers the full scope of construction and relocation activities according to the company announcement and regulatory processes must still be completed before any groundbreaking or operational changes can occur. Those familiar with Louisiana gaming regulations point out that approvals involve multiple layers of review from state authorities before projects of this scale advance.

Regulatory and Legislative Context

Louisiana's 2018 law created the framework that allows riverboat operators to move their gaming floors to permanent land based structures and PENN Entertainment's proposal represents one more instance of this pattern unfolding across the state. Other operators have already executed comparable relocations which means the Boomtown project fits into an established sequence of developments rather than marking an isolated case. The requirement for regulatory approval remains central to the timeline and any delays in that process could affect the 2029 target date for the new facility's opening.

Operational Continuity During Transition

Throughout the relocation the existing hotel at the Boomtown site in Harvey stays open which preserves lodging capacity for guests and staff even as the gaming operations prepare for the shift to the new inland location. This approach maintains service continuity while the company works through construction phases and regulatory milestones. The riverboat itself would be decommissioned once the land based facility becomes operational yet no immediate changes to hotel operations appear in the outlined plans.

Data referenced in industry reports shows multiple Louisiana casino properties have followed parallel paths since the 2018 legislation took effect and each case has involved substantial capital investment paired with updated facility designs. PENN Entertainment's move continues that trend by committing resources to a branded Hollywood Casino location that emphasizes expanded amenities beyond the previous riverboat configuration.

Timeline and Next Steps

The projected opening in 2029 sets a multi year horizon that allows time for permitting construction and installation of the planned 875 slot machines 45 table games and additional features such as the retail sportsbook dining venues and VIP lounge. Company statements emphasize that all aspects remain contingent on receiving necessary approvals and the process could involve public hearings along with technical reviews by state gaming authorities. Those tracking similar projects note that timelines often adjust based on how quickly regulatory bodies complete their evaluations.

Additional context from the announcement highlights that the relocation preserves the overall presence of PENN Entertainment in the New Orleans market while modernizing the physical setup from a riverboat to a fixed inland building. This structural change aligns with broader industry movements in Louisiana where operators have transitioned to land based venues to enhance guest experiences and operational efficiency.

Conclusion

The proposed 195 million dollar investment by PENN Entertainment to establish Hollywood Casino New Orleans through relocation of the Boomtown riverboat operations illustrates one specific application of the 2018 state law that enables such transitions. With an expected 2029 opening date the project encompasses defined gaming and hospitality elements while the existing hotel component continues uninterrupted and final advancement depends on regulatory clearance. The details provided in the announcement offer a clear outline of the scope and sequence without additional speculation on outcomes.