PENN Entertainment Unveils $195 Million Plan to Shift Boomtown Casino New Orleans to Land-Based Hollywood Casino

On August 17, 2026 PENN Entertainment announced its intention to invest approximately $195 million in relocating the riverboat Boomtown Casino New Orleans from Harvey, Louisiana to a new land-based site branded Hollywood Casino New Orleans, a move that aligns with ongoing industry shifts toward expanded onshore facilities.

The project centers on a 140,000-square-foot casino scheduled to open in 2029 beside the existing hotel, where operators plan to install about 875 slot machines along with 45 table games, a retail sportsbook, VIP lounge, and multiple dining options once regulatory approvals clear, after which the riverboat itself will stand vacant.

Details of the Relocation Announcement

PENN Entertainment outlined the investment as a direct response to operational advantages available on land, including greater flexibility for amenities that riverboats often cannot accommodate due to space and structural limits, while the company continues to operate the current riverboat until the new facility receives all necessary state and local clearances.

Regulatory review remains pending at both the Louisiana Gaming Control Board and local parish levels, a standard step for such projects that typically examines site plans, revenue projections, and community impact assessments before final authorization proceeds.

Planned Features and Capacity at the New Site

The land-based Hollywood Casino New Orleans will occupy space adjacent to the existing hotel, allowing direct integration of lodging with gaming and dining areas that the riverboat format has historically constrained, and developers have indicated the design will prioritize guest flow between these components to support longer visits and higher per-patron spending.

Slot and table game counts remain modest compared with larger destination resorts yet represent an increase over the riverboat's current offerings, reflecting calculated expansions aimed at capturing regional market share without overextending initial capital outlays.

Industry Context and Revenue Trends

This relocation follows a documented pattern among Louisiana riverboat casinos that have transitioned ashore in recent years to increase square footage and add non-gaming attractions, a strategy that data from the Riverboat gaming revenues report shows has correlated with revenue growth across multiple properties statewide.

Observers note that land-based sites generally permit larger event spaces, expanded food and beverage selections, and improved accessibility for buses and private vehicles, factors that operators cite when explaining why several competitors have pursued similar moves since the mid-2010s.

Timeline and Next Steps

Construction is slated to begin once permits are secured, with the 2029 opening date serving as the target for full operations at the new Hollywood Casino New Orleans location, after which PENN Entertainment will decommission the riverboat and repurpose or sell the vessel as market conditions dictate.

Company representatives have stated that environmental studies and traffic analyses are already underway to address concerns from local stakeholders, a process expected to conclude within the next 12 to 18 months depending on public comment periods and any required revisions to the site plan.

Conclusion

The August 17, 2026 announcement marks a significant capital commitment by PENN Entertainment in the New Orleans market, one that continues the state's broader movement away from riverboat gaming toward larger, more amenity-rich land-based casinos while awaiting final regulatory sign-off before groundbreaking can occur.