PENN Entertainment Outlines $195 Million Plan to Shift Boomtown Operations to Land-Based Hollywood Casino New Orleans
Written by David Weber · Aug 19, 2026
PENN Entertainment Outlines $195 Million Plan to Shift Boomtown Operations to Land-Based Hollywood Casino New Orleans
Project Scope and Investment Details
PENN Entertainment announced plans to invest approximately $195 million to relocate its existing Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans riverboat operations in Harvey, Louisiana, to a new adjacent land-based facility that would carry the Hollywood Casino New Orleans brand, according to the company's investor release, and the move would consolidate operations while expanding amenities under one roof.
The proposed development calls for 140,000 to 145,000 square feet of total space that includes around 875 slot machines along with 45 table games, a retail sportsbook, multiple dining options, and additional guest amenities, all subject to regulatory approval from state and local authorities before construction begins.
Regulatory Path and Timeline
State regulators must review and approve the relocation before the project advances, a step required because Louisiana riverboat casinos operate under specific licensing rules that distinguish them from permanent land-based venues, yet the 2018 state law opened the door for such transitions when operators meet defined criteria.
Company filings indicate an expected opening in 2029 once permits clear and construction wraps up, which positions the project as a multi-year effort that begins with design work and permitting in the near term while the riverboat continues normal operations at its current Harvey dock.
Context Within Louisiana Casino Trends
This announcement aligns with a pattern that began after the 2018 legislation permitted riverboat operators to move ashore when they secure suitable sites and approvals, and several other properties across the state have already completed similar transitions or are in various stages of planning.
Observers note that land-based facilities often provide advantages such as expanded square footage, better access for visitors, and the ability to add non-gaming elements like hotels or event spaces that riverboat designs limit by their floating structure, while the adjacent location in Harvey allows PENN Entertainment to retain its existing customer base and workforce.
Operational Continuity and Branding Shift
The current Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans riverboat would cease operations once the new land-based Hollywood Casino New Orleans opens, creating a seamless transfer of gaming positions and hotel services rather than a net increase in statewide gaming capacity, according to details released by the company.
Branding changes from Boomtown to Hollywood Casino reflect PENN Entertainment's broader portfolio strategy that groups properties under established national names to strengthen marketing reach, and the Harvey site would join other Hollywood-branded locations in the company's network while preserving local operational management.
Employment and Economic Impact Projections
Company statements highlight that the project would sustain existing jobs during the transition and potentially add new positions once the larger facility opens, because the increased square footage supports expanded food and beverage outlets along with sportsbook operations that require additional staffing.
Local economic reports from similar relocations in Louisiana show that land-based casinos tend to draw more day-trip visitors and generate higher ancillary spending on dining and retail, which could benefit surrounding businesses in Harvey without altering the overall gaming tax structure that applies to the operator.
Conclusion
The relocation plan remains contingent on approvals and financing milestones, yet the announcement marks a concrete step toward converting the Harvey riverboat into a modern land-based destination scheduled for 2029, consistent with industry movement across the state since the 2018 law took effect. Data from PENN Entertainment's investor release and industry coverage at World Casino Directory confirm the core figures and timeline. As of August 2026, the project sits in the pre-development phase with regulatory review pending.