PENN Entertainment's Onshore Shift: Details Emerge on Hollywood Casino New Orleans Relocation
PENN Entertainment announced plans to invest approximately 195 million dollars to relocate gaming operations from its existing riverboat Boomtown Casino and Hotel New Orleans in Harvey Louisiana to a new land based facility branded Hollywood Casino New Orleans on an adjacent inland site, and this move comes subject to regulatory approvals while the project would feature around 875 slot machines along with 45 table games a retail sportsbook dining options and other amenities with an expected opening in 2029.
The existing hotel would remain open throughout the transition, and the announcement aligns with a broader pattern in Louisiana where riverboat casinos have pursued onshore locations following the passage of a 2018 state law that permits such relocations under specific conditions.
Project Specifications and Site Plans
Developers outlined the new facility as a comprehensive entertainment destination situated on an inland parcel next to the current riverboat operations, and construction would incorporate modern gaming floors designed to accommodate the specified number of slot machines and table games while integrating a dedicated retail sportsbook area that offers expanded betting options beyond traditional casino games.
Additional amenities include multiple dining venues and supporting facilities that aim to enhance visitor experiences, and the overall investment of roughly 195 million dollars covers site preparation building construction and equipment installation necessary to transition operations from the water based platform to the permanent land structure.
Regulatory Pathway and Approval Process
State and local regulatory bodies must review and approve the relocation before construction advances, and PENN Entertainment has indicated that the project timeline hinges on securing these clearances in a manner consistent with Louisiana gaming commission requirements.
Observers note that similar onshore transitions by other riverboat operators have navigated comparable approval stages, and the 2018 legislation established the framework that allows operators to pursue inland sites while maintaining existing licenses and operational standards.
Context of Louisiana's 2018 Gaming Law
The 2018 state law opened pathways for riverboat casinos to move to land based locations provided they meet distance and approval criteria, and multiple operators across Louisiana have since explored or completed such shifts to improve accessibility and reduce weather related operational challenges associated with riverboat setups.
This particular relocation for PENN Entertainment follows that established pattern, and the company selected an adjacent inland site to minimize disruption while preserving the brand presence in the New Orleans market through the Hollywood Casino name.
Timeline and Operational Continuity
Project milestones point toward a 2029 opening once approvals clear and construction completes, and the company emphasized that the Boomtown Casino and Hotel New Orleans hotel component will continue serving guests without interruption during the transition period.
Current riverboat gaming activities are expected to persist at the Harvey location until the new facility becomes operational, and this phased approach allows for a seamless handoff of staff resources and customer programs from one site to the other.
Broader Industry Movement in the Region
Industry data indicates that several Louisiana riverboat properties have completed or initiated similar onshore projects since the 2018 legislative change, and these moves reflect adjustments to infrastructure needs and visitor preferences in the state's gaming sector.
The PENN Entertainment initiative adds to that ongoing trend, and the scale of the 195 million dollar investment underscores the commitment to establishing a permanent land based presence in the New Orleans area.
Conclusion
The relocation announcement from PENN Entertainment details a measured transition that preserves the hotel operations while introducing a new land based gaming complex under the Hollywood Casino branding, and the 2029 target date provides a clear horizon for stakeholders awaiting regulatory outcomes and construction progress. This development continues the evolution of Louisiana's casino landscape under existing state statutes without altering core operational licenses.