From Riverboat Roots to Inland Future: PENN Entertainment Charts New Path for Hollywood Casino New Orleans
Written by Yara Simon · Aug 19, 2026
From Riverboat Roots to Inland Future: PENN Entertainment Charts New Path for Hollywood Casino New Orleans
PENN Entertainment has outlined a $195 million investment that will relocate its existing Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans riverboat operation to a new land-based Hollywood Casino New Orleans facility on an adjacent inland site, and this move follows a pattern the company has established in other markets while aligning with Louisiana's regulatory framework established in 2018. The project remains subject to regulatory approval yet carries an expected opening date in 2029, at which point the new venue will feature approximately 875 slot machines, 45 table games, a retail sportsbook, and multiple dining options as part of a broader shift away from water-based gaming. The current Boomtown operation sits on a riverboat in Harvey, Louisiana, and the planned relocation would place the new Hollywood-branded property directly onshore nearby, allowing for expanded amenities that riverboat constraints have traditionally limited. Company announcements detail how the land-based design opens opportunities for larger floor plans and integrated food and beverage spaces that can operate year-round without the operational variables tied to river conditions. Observers note that this marks PENN's fourth riverboat-to-landside transition, building on prior projects that have already demonstrated the operational efficiencies such moves can deliver once approvals clear and construction advances. Louisiana's 2018 state law created the pathway for these onshore shifts across the industry, and the PENN project represents one of the more recent examples of operators taking advantage of that legislation. Data from industry tracking sources show multiple casino companies in the state have explored or completed similar transitions since the law passed, with each project adapting its footprint to local zoning and licensing requirements. The Hollywood Casino New Orleans plan specifies an inland location that keeps the property close to its existing customer base while removing the need for boarding processes associated with riverboat gaming. Project specifications list the core gaming elements first, including the slot count and table games mix, followed by the addition of a retail sportsbook that will offer in-person wagering on various sports events once operational. Dining options are described in general terms as part of the overall guest experience, though exact restaurant concepts remain under development pending final design phases. Construction timelines point toward a 2029 debut, which means major ground work and regulatory milestones would likely occur in the intervening years, including any required environmental or zoning reviews that accompany large-scale developments in the region. The announcement positions the new facility as a direct replacement rather than an expansion, with the existing riverboat operations expected to continue until the land-based property opens and transition plans can take effect. PENN has referenced this approach in other markets where temporary dual operations allowed for smooth customer migration and staff training ahead of full land-based launches. Those who've followed similar relocations note that the process typically involves phased construction to minimize disruption to ongoing revenue streams while the new site takes shape. Regulatory approval stands as the next critical step, and the company has indicated it will work through the Louisiana Gaming Control Board and related local authorities to secure necessary permits. The 2018 law provides the legal foundation, yet each project still requires case-by-case review that can extend over multiple months or years depending on site specifics and community input. Figures from prior approvals in the state suggest that once initial applications are filed, public hearings and technical assessments often shape the final timeline more than the investment amount itself. Midway through the planning process, attention turns to how the new Hollywood Casino New Orleans will integrate with surrounding infrastructure in Harvey, where road access and utility connections will need upgrades to support increased visitor traffic once the facility opens. The inland site offers more flexibility for parking and hotel integration compared with the riverboat footprint, though exact square footage details have not yet been released beyond the gaming floor elements already outlined. 
What's notable about this particular relocation is its placement within a wider Louisiana trend where operators have moved from riverboats to permanent land structures over the past several years. The 2018 legislation removed previous barriers that had kept gaming tied to vessels, and subsequent projects have shown that land-based venues can support additional non-gaming amenities that attract broader demographics. PENN's decision to brand the new property under the Hollywood name continues the company's strategy of aligning major markets with established national brands that carry recognition across multiple states. Construction is not slated to begin immediately, which leaves room for detailed engineering studies and community coordination before heavy equipment arrives on site. The 2029 target date provides a multi-year window that accommodates both regulatory processes and supply chain planning for gaming equipment and interior fit-outs. Those monitoring the project point to the $195 million commitment as evidence of long-term confidence in the New Orleans market, where tourism and local visitation patterns have supported casino operations for decades. The retail sportsbook component adds another layer to the planned experience, allowing guests to place wagers on sporting events within a dedicated space that can operate alongside the slot and table game areas. Louisiana has expanded sports betting regulations in recent years, and the inclusion of this feature aligns the new facility with current state offerings rather than relying solely on traditional casino games. Dining options are expected to complement the gaming areas without overshadowing them, creating a balanced layout that encourages longer guest stays once the doors open in 2029.