19 Aug 2026
PENN Entertainment Announces Land-Based Relocation for Boomtown Casino New Orleans
PENN Entertainment revealed plans on August 17, 2026 to invest around 195 million dollars in moving its riverboat operation known as Boomtown Casino New Orleans from Harvey, Louisiana to a permanent land-based site branded as Hollywood Casino New Orleans, and the project calls for construction of a 140,000 square foot building directly beside the existing hotel that already operates on the property.
The new facility is scheduled to open in 2029 and will include approximately 875 slot machines along with 45 table games, a retail sportsbook, a VIP lounge, and multiple dining options once regulatory approvals clear, while the current riverboat will be vacated after the transition completes.
Details of the Proposed Development
Company filings and local reports outline how the land-based structure will expand amenities beyond what teh riverboat configuration allows, and observers note that the move aligns with a broader pattern in Louisiana where riverboat casinos have shifted ashore to increase floor space and revenue potential. The announcement specifies that the 195 million dollar investment covers both the new building construction and related infrastructure upgrades at the Harvey site, which already hosts a hotel that will remain operational throughout the process.
Those familiar with the project indicate that the retail sportsbook will occupy a dedicated section within the 140,000 square foot footprint, while the VIP lounge is designed to offer private gaming areas separate from the main floor that holds the slot machines and table games. Dining options are listed among the planned features yet specific restaurant concepts remain subject to further announcements after permitting advances.
Regulatory and Timeline Considerations
Pending regulatory approval forms a central condition in the announcement, and Louisiana gaming authorities must review the relocation before any construction begins in earnest. The timeline projects a 2029 opening which gives developers roughly three years to complete design, permitting, and building phases while the riverboat continues to operate in its current location until the land-based facility is ready.
Company statements emphasize that the riverboat will be vacated only after the new casino opens its doors, ensuring continuous service for customers during the transition period. This approach mirrors previous moves by other operators in the state that maintained operations until land-based replacements were fully functional.
Context Within Louisiana Casino Trends
Figures from the Riverboat gaming revenues report covering fiscal year 2026 show continued interest among operators in converting to land-based formats, and data indicates that such transitions often correlate with increased gaming positions and additional non-gaming amenities. The Boomtown project follows this established path by expanding from a riverboat footprint to a larger fixed structure that can accommodate the planned 875 slots and 45 table games plus the sportsbook and lounge components.
Local records note that several other Louisiana riverboats have completed similar shifts in recent years, each citing the ability to add hotel integrations, expanded dining, and dedicated sports betting areas as key drivers. The Harvey location already benefits from an existing hotel, which the new casino will sit beside, allowing the combined property to function as a more comprehensive entertainment destination once the 2029 opening occurs.
Operational Impact and Next Steps
After the move the vacated riverboat will no longer host gaming activities, and PENN Entertainment has not detailed any alternate use for the vessel at this stage. The company instead focuses public communications on the benefits of the land-based facility, including the added square footage and the variety of offerings that range from slots and tables to the retail sportsbook and VIP areas.
Construction planning will proceed once approvals are secured, and the August 17, 2026 announcement marks the formal start of that process for this specific property. Observers note that the 140,000 square foot scale represents a significant increase over typical riverboat dimensions, which often limit the number of gaming positions and supporting amenities that can be offered simultaneously.
Conclusion
The relocation plan positions Hollywood Casino New Orleans as the successor to the current Boomtown riverboat operation, with the 195 million dollar investment and 2029 target date now on record pending regulatory review. The project incorporates 875 slot machines, 45 table games, a retail sportsbook, VIP lounge, and dining options within the new 140,000 square foot land-based building located next to the existing hotel in Harvey. This development continues the documented pattern of Louisiana riverboat casinos transitioning ashore to expand capacity and amenities.