PENN Entertainment Advances Land-Based Casino Project in Louisiana with $195 Million Investment
Written by Riley Lange · Aug 19, 2026
PENN Entertainment Advances Land-Based Casino Project in Louisiana with $195 Million Investment
PENN Entertainment has outlined plans to commit roughly 195 million dollars toward shifting its Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans riverboat operations from Harvey, Louisiana, onto an adjacent land-based site that will operate under the Hollywood Casino New Orleans name, and this move remains subject to regulatory approval from state authorities. The development calls for a facility spanning 140,000 to 145,000 square feet that would house approximately 875 slot machines along with 45 table games, a retail sportsbook, multiple dining options, and additional guest amenities, while the company projects an opening sometime in 2029. Observers note that the announcement aligns with broader industry shifts in Louisiana that began after the state legislature passed a 2018 law permitting riverboat casinos to transition to permanent onshore locations.
Project Scope and Location Details
The relocation targets a site directly next to the current riverboat mooring in Harvey, which sits across the Mississippi River from New Orleans proper, and this adjacency allows the company to maintain its existing market footprint while converting operations to a fixed land-based structure. Penn Entertainment executives have described the new Hollywood Casino New Orleans as a comprehensive entertainment destination that incorporates expanded gaming space alongside retail and food offerings, whereas the current riverboat configuration limits square footage and flexibility for larger amenities. Data from the company's investor release indicates the total investment figure covers construction, equipment, and related infrastructure costs associated with the move.
Regulatory Path and Timeline
State regulators must still review and approve the project before ground can break, and the process involves multiple layers of review from the Louisiana Gaming Control Board along with local zoning considerations in Jefferson Parish. Penn Entertainment has stated that it expects the full timeline to culminate in a 2029 debut, which gives the company and regulators several years to complete environmental assessments, licensing updates, and construction phases. Those familiar with similar transitions in Louisiana point out that the 2018 law created a structured pathway for such relocations, and multiple riverboat operators have already completed or initiated comparable moves since the legislation took effect.
August 2026 marks a key period when several pending applications from other casino operators are scheduled for board hearings, and Penn Entertainment's filing is anticipated to follow a similar administrative schedule. The company continues to operate the existing Boomtown riverboat during the planning and approval stages, which ensures uninterrupted service to customers while the land-based project advances through regulatory checkpoints.
Industry Context and Precedents
Louisiana's riverboat casino sector has undergone measurable change since the 2018 statute, with several properties securing approvals to relocate from water-based vessels to permanent buildings that offer greater operational stability and expanded amenities. Penn Entertainment's decision to rebrand the relocated property as Hollywood Casino New Orleans follows the company's established naming conventions at other regional locations, and the new facility is expected to retain core elements of the Boomtown customer base while attracting additional visitors through the larger footprint and diversified offerings. Figures released by the company show that the planned gaming floor will feature a balanced mix of slots and table games, supplemented by a retail sportsbook that reflects growing demand for sports wagering options in the state.
Construction of the land-based venue would replace the floating platform with a fixed structure that can accommodate future expansions more readily, and project documents emphasize improved accessibility for guests along with modernized dining and entertainment spaces. The 140,000 to 145,000 square foot development target represents a significant increase over typical riverboat square footage, which allows for the inclusion of the retail sportsbook and multiple restaurant concepts that current operations cannot fully support.
Conclusion
The proposed relocation of Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans operations to the Hollywood Casino New Orleans land-based facility stands as the latest example of Louisiana casino operators adapting to the framework established by the 2018 law. Penn Entertainment's 195 million dollar commitment, pending regulatory clearance, sets a clear path toward a 2029 opening that would feature expanded gaming capacity, a retail sportsbook, and enhanced amenities on the Harvey site. State approval processes, including those anticipated around August 2026, will determine the final timeline and configuration, while the company maintains continuous riverboat operations throughout the planning period.