PENN Entertainment's Harvey Relocation Unfolds as Hollywood Casino New Orleans Takes Shape

PENN Entertainment has outlined an investment of approximately 195 million dollars to shift its existing Boomtown Casino and Hotel New Orleans riverboat operations from Harvey, Louisiana, onto a neighboring land-based site that will operate under the Hollywood Casino New Orleans brand, and this move remains subject to regulatory approval while the project targets a 2029 opening. The company detailed the plans in a recent release that specifies a development footprint spanning 140,000 to 145,000 square feet, and observers note that the facility will house roughly 875 slot machines along with 45 table games plus a retail sportsbook and various dining options plus additional amenities.

Scope of the Development

The proposed land-based venue sits directly adjacent to the current riverboat location, which allows for a seamless transition once permits clear, and the design emphasizes expanded space for gaming and guest services that the floating operation could not accommodate at the same scale. Construction timelines point toward completion in 2029, with preliminary work expected to begin after approvals arrive from Louisiana gaming regulators. Figures from the announcement reveal that the project continues a pattern of riverboat casinos converting to shore-based properties, a shift made possible by a 2018 state law that eased restrictions on such relocations. Those following the industry point out that the new Hollywood Casino New Orleans will replace the Boomtown branding entirely at the site, and the expanded square footage supports additional non-gaming attractions that broaden the overall guest experience. Data from the company indicates the 875 slots and 45 tables represent a measured increase over current riverboat capacity, while the retail sportsbook introduces a dedicated betting area that aligns with evolving state regulations on sports wagering.

Regulatory Path and Timeline

Approval processes will involve multiple state and local reviews, and the company has stated that it will work closely with authorities to meet all requirements before groundbreaking advances. The 2029 target leaves several years for design refinements and permitting, and this extended runway reflects the complexity of moving from water-based to land-based operations in a regulated environment. What's interesting is how the adjacent site simplifies logistics compared with earlier riverboat conversions elsewhere in Louisiana, since infrastructure connections already exist nearby and the move avoids the need for entirely new utility corridors. The announcement specifies that the investment covers the full build-out, including the gaming floor, dining venues, and supporting amenities that together create a comprehensive entertainment destination.

Operational Transition Details

Current Boomtown staff and operations will transfer to the new facility once it opens, and the company has emphasized continuity of employment during the multi-year construction phase. The riverboat itself will cease operations at the Harvey dock after the land-based property becomes active, completing the shift that began with legislative changes in 2018. According to the investor release, the 140,000 to 145,000 square foot development includes dedicated spaces for the 45 table games and the 875 slot machines while allocating room for the retail sportsbook and multiple dining outlets. Those numbers reflect a deliberate scaling that matches projected demand in the greater New Orleans market, and the adjacent location preserves the existing customer base that has patronized the riverboat for years.

Broader Context Within Louisiana Gaming

The 2018 law opened the door for riverboat operators to pursue land-based alternatives, and PENN Entertainment's project represents one of the more recent examples of that legislative framework in action. The move does not alter the company's overall footprint in the state but instead modernizes an existing asset through relocation and rebranding. State records show several similar conversions have already taken place, yet each project carries its own scale and timeline, and the Hollywood Casino New Orleans plan stands out for its 195 million dollar commitment and 2029 horizon. The company will continue to operate the riverboat through the interim period, ensuring uninterrupted service until the new doors open.

Conclusion

PENN Entertainment's relocation announcement sets a clear path for the transformation of the Boomtown Casino and Hotel New Orleans into the Hollywood Casino New Orleans, with the 195 million dollar investment supporting a 140,000 to 145,000 square foot facility that features 875 slots, 45 tables, a retail sportsbook, and expanded amenities scheduled for 2029. Regulatory approval remains the next milestone, and the adjacent site offers logistical advantages that streamline the transition from riverboat to land-based operations under the updated 2018 framework.