20 Aug 2026
PENN Entertainment Advances Plans to Shift Boomtown Casino Operations to Land-Based Site in Harvey
PENN Entertainment has outlined an investment of roughly 195 million dollars to move its Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans riverboat operations onto adjacent inland property in Harvey, Louisiana within Jefferson Parish, with the rebranded Hollywood Casino New Orleans slated to occupy between 140,000 and 145,000 square feet once completed, and the project remains subject to regulatory approval while targeting a 2029 opening date.
Scope of the Planned Development
The new facility will feature approximately 875 slot machines along with 45 table games, a retail sportsbook, multiple dining options, several bars, and a dedicated VIP lounge, while the existing 150-room hotel stays open throughout the transition period and continues to serve guests at the current riverboat location until the inland site becomes operational. Observers note that this relocation represents a shift from water-based to land-based gaming infrastructure in the New Orleans market, and the company has positioned the move as a way to consolidate operations on property it already controls adjacent to the existing site.
Key Components of the New Hollywood Casino New Orleans
Construction plans call for a single integrated building that houses the gaming floor, food and beverage outlets, and the sportsbook area, with the overall footprint designed to accommodate both slot and table game play alongside ancillary amenities that support extended visitor stays, and the project timeline anticipates groundbreaking and permitting processes to unfold over the coming years before the 2029 target date arrives. Data from the company's release shows the investment figure covers site preparation, building construction, and equipment installation for the expanded gaming and hospitality elements, while the retention of the hotel component ensures continuity for overnight guests who currently use the property.
Regulatory Path and Expected Timeline
Approval from Louisiana gaming regulators stands as the next required step before full construction can begin, and the company has indicated that the process will proceed through standard channels in Jefferson Parish without specifying exact dates for hearings or decisions. Those familiar with similar projects in the region point out that such relocations typically involve environmental reviews, zoning confirmations, and licensing updates, all of which must align before the 2029 opening becomes feasible, and the announcement positions the development as an upgrade that maintains the total number of gaming positions while improving accessibility and operational efficiency.
Because the existing riverboat will cease operations once the land-based venue opens, the transition plan includes provisions for staff and guest movement between the two locations during any overlap period, though the company has not released detailed schedules for the shutdown of the boat or the ramp-up of the new facility. Figures released alongside the announcement confirm the square footage range and the breakdown of slot machines versus table games, providing a clear picture of the scale relative to current riverboat capacity.
Operational Continuity During Transition
The 150-room hotel component will remain fully functional at the original riverboat site, allowing the property to continue generating revenue from lodging while the new casino structure rises nearby, and this approach avoids any gap in accommodation services for visitors who travel to the area specifically for extended stays. PENN Entertainment has stated that the rebranding to Hollywood Casino New Orleans will apply to the land-based operation only, creating a distinct identity that aligns with other properties in the company's portfolio while preserving the Boomtown name until the move is complete.
Site Advantages and Infrastructure Considerations
Locating the new venue on adjacent inland property offers direct access without the logistical constraints of a riverboat setting, and the company has highlighted how this configuration supports larger gaming and entertainment spaces that would be difficult to achieve on water. The planned 140,000 to 145,000 square feet allows for expanded dining, bar, and lounge areas that complement the core gaming offerings, and the inclusion of a retail sportsbook reflects broader industry trends toward diversified betting options within casino environments.
Conclusion
The relocation project announced by PENN Entertainment centers on a 195 million dollar investment that will bring Hollywood Casino New Orleans to a land-based site in Harvey by 2029, subject to regulatory clearance, and the development will deliver 875 slot machines, 45 table games, a sportsbook, dining venues, bars, and a VIP lounge while the existing hotel continues uninterrupted service. Details released by the company provide a precise outline of the facility size, gaming mix, and timeline, establishing the framework for the transition from the current riverboat operation to the new inland location without altering the total room count at the property.