PENN Entertainment Advances Land-Based Casino Plans in Harvey Louisiana
PENN Entertainment has announced plans to invest approximately $195 million in a project that would replace its existing Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans riverboat operation in Harvey Louisiana with a new land-based Hollywood Casino New Orleans facility located on an adjacent inland site and the move comes as part of a broader industry shift allowed under state regulations. The proposed development remains subject to regulatory approval yet it outlines a facility equipped with around 875 slot machines along with 45 table games a retail sportsbook dining options and additional amenities designed to serve visitors in the greater New Orleans area while the company expects the new property to open in 2029.Project Scope and Facility Features
The investment centers on transitioning the current riverboat setup to a permanent land-based structure which would allow for expanded gaming space and improved guest amenities compared to the floating vessel currently in operation and this change aligns with similar conversions happening across Louisiana since the passage of the 2018 law that permits riverboat casinos to move ashore when certain conditions are met.
People familiar with the announcement note that the new Hollywood Casino New Orleans would maintain continuity in branding while upgrading the physical plant to an inland location adjacent to the existing site and the retail sportsbook component would add sports wagering options that complement the core gaming floor.Regulatory and Timeline Considerations
Approval from Louisiana gaming authorities stands as a prerequisite before construction can begin and the timeline targets a 2029 opening which provides several years for permitting design and building phases to unfold in sequence.
The project follows the framework established by the 2018 Louisiana law that opened pathways for riverboat operators to relocate operations to land-based venues and this statutory provision has encouraged multiple properties statewide to pursue similar transitions in recent years.
Industry Context and Regional Impact
Observers tracking casino developments in Louisiana point to the 2018 legislation as a catalyst that has reshaped how operators approach facility upgrades and the PENN Entertainment announcement represents one more instance of this ongoing pattern where riverboat casinos seek more stable land-based footprints.
The Harvey location sits just across the Mississippi River from New Orleans proper and the new facility would continue to draw from the same regional customer base while offering expanded amenities that include the planned dining venues and sportsbook and data from industry reports indicate such conversions often result in increased visitation once land-based operations commence.Background on the Existing Operation
The current Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans operates as a riverboat venue in Harvey and the planned replacement would retire that vessel in favor of the new inland Hollywood Casino New Orleans property which is expected to deliver a more comprehensive entertainment experience once completed.
PENN Entertainment has positioned the $195 million investment as a commitment to modernizing its presence in the market and the project details released so far emphasize the slot machine count table games and ancillary offerings that would define the new casino floor.Conclusion
The announcement from PENN Entertainment sets a clear path toward replacing the riverboat operation with a land-based Hollywood Casino New Orleans by 2029 pending approvals and this development continues the trend initiated by the 2018 Louisiana law that enables such relocations across the state.
Further updates on permitting and construction milestones will clarify how the project progresses from its current planning stage toward the targeted opening date.