PENN Entertainment Charts New Course with $195 Million Hollywood Casino Relocation in Harvey

PENN Entertainment has announced plans to invest approximately $195 million in a project that replaces its current Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans riverboat operation in Harvey, Louisiana, with a new land-based Hollywood Casino New Orleans facility on an adjacent inland site, and this move aligns with ongoing industry shifts while remaining subject to regulatory approval. The development is expected to open in 2029, and it incorporates roughly 875 slot machines, 45 table games, a retail sportsbook, dining options along with other amenities that expand the overall offering beyond the riverboat format. The project centers on transitioning from a water-based venue to a permanent land structure, which allows for greater design flexibility and expanded guest services according to the details released by the company. Harvey sits directly across the Mississippi River from New Orleans, so the new location maintains close proximity to the metro area while eliminating the constraints of the riverboat setup that has defined operations until now.

Project Specifications and Timeline

Construction details indicate the facility will occupy an inland parcel next to the existing riverboat site, and this positioning supports a seamless transition for both staff and visitors once regulatory clearances are secured. The gaming floor will feature 875 slot machines paired with 45 table games, creating a balanced mix that addresses various player preferences, while the addition of a retail sportsbook introduces sports betting capabilities that were not part of the prior riverboat configuration. Dining venues and additional amenities will round out the experience, and the 2029 target date provides a multi-year window for planning, permitting, and building phases to unfold in sequence. Regulatory approval remains a prerequisite, so the timeline could adjust based on review processes conducted by Louisiana gaming authorities.

Broader Context of Louisiana Casino Relocations

This initiative follows a broader trend of Louisiana riverboat casinos relocating onshore under a 2018 state law that permits such transitions, and several operators have already pursued similar moves to improve operational efficiency and guest access. PENN Entertainment has cited improved customer experience and competitiveness as key factors driving the decision, which reflects how land-based venues can accommodate larger footprints and more diverse amenities compared with traditional riverboats. Observers note that the 2018 legislation created a pathway for these changes across the state, and the Hollywood Casino project represents one more step in that established pattern. Data on visitation and revenue statistics from state sources show how onshore facilities often achieve higher throughput once construction concludes, though specific projections for this site have not yet been detailed publicly.

Operational Advantages of the Land-Based Model

Riverboat operations face physical limitations tied to vessel size and docking requirements, whereas the new land-based structure removes those boundaries and permits expanded parking, hotel integration if pursued later, and direct highway access for regional travelers. The company has positioned the Hollywood Casino New Orleans rebrand as a way to refresh the property identity while retaining the established customer base that has frequented the Boomtown location over the years. And because the site sits adjacent to the current riverboat, the transition can occur with minimal disruption to daily operations until the new building opens its doors. Those familiar with similar projects in Louisiana point out that phased construction often allows the riverboat to continue functioning right up to the moment the land facility receives its final approvals and begins welcoming guests.

Conclusion

The $195 million investment by PENN Entertainment marks a significant capital commitment to the Harvey market, and it underscores how operators are adapting to legislative changes that favor permanent land-based casinos. With an anticipated 2029 opening, the Hollywood Casino New Orleans will bring an updated mix of slots, tables, sportsbook services and dining to the area, all while participating in the wider movement of riverboat properties moving inland under the framework established in 2018. Regulatory steps will determine the exact pace, yet the core elements of the plan remain clearly defined in the announcement.