PENN Entertainment Announces Relocation of Boomtown Casino New Orleans to New Land-Based Hollywood Casino
PENN Entertainment announced plans on August 17, 2026, to invest approximately $195 million in relocating its riverboat Boomtown Casino New Orleans from Harvey, Louisiana, to a new land-based facility that will operate under the Hollywood Casino New Orleans brand, and this move aligns with similar shifts among other riverboat operations in the state seeking expanded space and amenities.
The new casino will occupy a 140,000-square-foot building positioned adjacent to the existing hotel, with construction targeted for completion and opening in 2029, while the current riverboat location will be vacated once the land-based site becomes operational.
Key Features of the Proposed Facility
Plans for the Hollywood Casino New Orleans call for roughly 875 slot machines along with 45 table games, a retail sportsbook, a VIP lounge, and multiple dining options, all subject to regulatory approval from state authorities before any construction or operations can proceed, and these elements represent an expansion beyond the riverboat's current capacity.
Observers note that the transition allows for greater flexibility in layout and guest services compared to the constraints of a vessel-based operation, which often limits square footage and the variety of offerings available to visitors.
Timeline and Regulatory Process
The announcement sets a clear sequence beginning with the August 17, 2026, disclosure, followed by the necessary approvals, construction phases, and a 2029 launch date, while the riverboat itself will continue operations until the new site opens and guests transition to the land-based venue.
State regulators will review the project details, including gaming floor configurations and compliance measures, before granting final permissions, and this step remains a standard requirement for any significant casino relocation or expansion in Louisiana.
Once approvals are secured, the development will proceed with the riverboat being decommissioned as a gaming site, freeing up resources tied to the older floating structure for the newer permanent building.
Context Within Louisiana Casino Trends
This project follows a broader pattern in Louisiana where riverboat casinos have increasingly moved to land-based locations to accommodate larger facilities, additional entertainment options, and increased revenue potential, and data from riverboat gaming revenues report shows how these shifts have influenced overall sector performance in recent fiscal periods.
Properties in other parts of the state have completed similar transitions, resulting in expanded footprints that support more gaming positions, hospitality integrations, and non-gaming amenities while maintaining teh core gaming license.
The Harvey site benefits from its proximity to the existing hotel, which already draws visitors, and the new casino will leverage that infrastructure to create a more comprehensive destination without the logistical challenges associated with riverboat maintenance and docking requirements.
Operational Changes After Relocation
After the move, the riverboat will no longer host gaming activities, allowing PENN Entertainment to redirect focus entirely to the land-based Hollywood Casino New Orleans, which is expected to feature updated technology and guest flow designs suited to a stationary building rather than a vessel.
Employees and operations staff will transition to the new facility, and the company has indicated that the project aims to preserve existing jobs while potentially creating additional positions tied to the larger scale of the land-based operation.
Marketing and branding efforts will shift toward the Hollywood Casino name, aligning the property with other PENN Entertainment locations that carry the same banner and benefit from established national recognition.
Conclusion
The August 17, 2026, announcement outlines a multi-year project that will transform the Boomtown Casino New Orleans into a land-based Hollywood Casino New Orleans by 2029, complete with specified gaming and amenity upgrades, pending all required approvals, and this development continues the established movement of Louisiana riverboat casinos toward permanent shore-based facilities.