PENN Entertainment Advances Land-Based Hollywood Casino Project in Harvey

PENN Entertainment has announced plans to invest roughly 195 million dollars in replacing its current Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans riverboat operation in Harvey, Louisiana with a new land-based facility branded as Hollywood Casino New Orleans, and the project remains subject to regulatory approval while featuring approximately 875 slot machines, 45 table games, a retail sportsbook along with dining options and additional amenities. The development follows a 2018 Louisiana law that permits riverboat casinos to relocate onshore under specific conditions, and observers note that this move aligns with similar shifts across the state where operators have pursued land-based sites for expanded facilities and operational efficiencies.

Project Specifications and Timeline

The proposed Hollywood Casino New Orleans would occupy a site in Harvey where the existing riverboat currently operates, and construction timelines point toward an expected opening in 2029 once all approvals clear the necessary regulatory channels. According to the announcement details, the facility plans include modern gaming floors equipped with the specified machine and table counts while incorporating a dedicated retail sportsbook area that meets state requirements for sports wagering integration.

Those familiar with the proposal emphasize that the land-based structure allows for greater flexibility in layout compared to the riverboat format, and this includes space for expanded dining venues plus other guest amenities designed to enhance the overall visitor experience without altering the core gaming offerings significantly.

Regulatory Context and Industry Shift

Louisiana's 2018 legislation opened pathways for riverboat operators to transition to permanent land-based locations provided they secure local and state approvals, and PENN Entertainment's application follows this framework as the company seeks to modernize its New Orleans-area presence. The process requires review by gaming authorities who evaluate economic impact, community benefits, and compliance with zoning and licensing standards before granting final permission.

Similar relocations have occurred elsewhere in Louisiana since the law took effect, demonstrating a pattern where operators replace aging riverboats with fixed structures that support larger footprints and improved infrastructure. Data from state records shows multiple properties have completed or initiated such moves, resulting in updated facilities that maintain existing gaming capacity while adding non-gaming elements like restaurants and entertainment spaces.

Operational Details of teh Transition

The current Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans operates as a riverboat on the Harvey Canal, and the replacement project would decommission that vessel in favor of the new onshore building. PENN Entertainment has indicated that the transition aims to preserve jobs and revenue streams while upgrading the physical plant, and the company continues to operate the riverboat during the planning and approval phases leading up to 2029.

Figures shared in the announcement outline the gaming mix of 875 slots and 45 tables as the foundation for the new location, with the retail sportsbook positioned as an additional draw that complies with Louisiana's sports betting regulations. Those tracking the project note that the 195 million dollar investment covers construction, equipment, and site preparation, though final costs may adjust based on design refinements during the regulatory review.

Broader Louisiana Casino Landscape

Under the 2018 statute, operators gain the option to move inland when river conditions, maintenance demands, or expansion needs make the original format less practical, and several properties statewide have taken advantage of this provision. PENN Entertainment's Hollywood Casino New Orleans plan represents one of the more recent examples in the New Orleans market, where competition from other gaming venues remains steady.

State gaming reports track visitor numbers and revenue at riverboat and land-based sites alike, and the shift to onshore operations often correlates with increased square footage for amenities that extend beyond gaming. The Harvey location benefits from proximity to major roadways and the greater New Orleans metropolitan area, positioning the future facility to serve both local patrons and tourists traveling through the region.

Conclusion

The announcement from PENN Entertainment marks a concrete step toward replacing the Boomtown riverboat with the planned Hollywood Casino New Orleans by 2029, subject to approvals under the existing Louisiana framework. Details on machine counts, table games, the sportsbook, and supporting amenities provide a clear picture of the intended scope, while the 195 million dollar investment figure underscores the scale of the commitment. As the regulatory process unfolds, updates on timelines and final design elements will clarify how the project progresses from concept to opening.