PENN Entertainment Moves Forward wth Land-Based Casino Relocation in Harvey

PENN Entertainment has announced plans to invest approximately $195 million in relocating its Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans riverboat operations to a new land-based facility on adjacent inland property in Harvey, Louisiana, within Jefferson Parish, and the company intends to rebrand the operation as Hollywood Casino New Orleans once the move is complete.

The project remains pending regulatory approval, yet the timeline calls for an opening in 2029, and the existing 150-room hotel will continue operating without interruption during construction and afterward, while the new facility will occupy roughly 140,000 to 145,000 square feet and feature about 875 slot machines along with 45 table games, a retail sportsbook, multiple dining options, several bars, and a dedicated VIP lounge.

Details of the Proposed Development

Company officials outlined the scope of the relocation in a recent release, noting that the shift from riverboat to land-based operations allows for expanded amenities and improved guest access in an area that already supports significant tourism and local traffic, and the new structure will sit on property directly adjacent to the current riverboat site, which reduces logistical challenges associated with moving equipment and staff.

Observers note that the square footage allocation supports a balanced mix of gaming and non-gaming space, while the inclusion of a retail sportsbook reflects broader industry trends toward integrated sports wagering areas within casino properties, and the dining and bar offerings are described in the announcement as key components intended to attract both day visitors and overnight guests who already use the adjacent hotel.

Regulatory Process and Timeline

Because the project requires regulatory approval before groundbreaking can begin, the company has indicated that it will work closely with state and local authorities in Louisiana to complete the necessary reviews, and the 2029 target date provides a multi-year window for permitting, design finalization, and construction phases that typically follow such announcements in the gaming sector.

Those familiar with similar projects in the region point out that land-based conversions often involve extended coordination with parish-level planning boards and state gaming commissions, while the fact that the hotel will remain open creates a stable revenue stream during the transition period, and this approach mirrors strategies other operators have used when repositioning riverboat assets to fixed locations.

Current Operations and Continuity

The Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans currently operates as a riverboat venue, yet the planned relocation does not alter the 150-room hotel that sits on the property, and management has stated that hotel guests will continue to enjoy uninterrupted access throughout the development process, which helps maintain existing customer relationships and loyalty program activity.

Staffing considerations are expected to remain consistent because the new facility will occupy adjacent land, allowing current employees the opportunity to transition without major relocation, and the rebranding to Hollywood Casino New Orleans aligns with PENN Entertainment's existing portfolio of Hollywood-branded properties in other markets, creating opportunities for cross-promotion once the site opens.

Market Context for the Move

Data from the Louisiana gaming industry shows steady demand for expanded land-based options in the greater New Orleans area, and the Harvey location benefits from proximity to major highways and residential communities that already drive visitation to the riverboat, while the addition of a retail sportsbook and enhanced food and beverage outlets positions the property to compete with other regional destinations that have completed similar land-based upgrades in recent years.

Company statements emphasize that the investment reflects long-term confidence in the Jefferson Parish market, and the 140,000 to 145,000 square foot footprint provides room for future adjustments to gaming floor layouts or amenity additions without requiring additional property acquisition, and the VIP lounge component is listed among the initial features designed to serve high-value players who currently frequent the riverboat operation.

Conclusion

The relocation project announced by PENN Entertainment centers on a $195 million investment to shift Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans operations to a land-based Hollywood Casino New Orleans facility in Harvey, with an anticipated 2029 opening date following regulatory review, and the plan preserves the existing 150-room hotel while introducing expanded gaming and entertainment options within a 140,000 to 145,000 square foot structure that includes 875 slot machines, 45 table games, a retail sportsbook, dining, bars, and a VIP lounge, all on property adjacent to the current riverboat site.