PENN Entertainment Moves Forward with Land-Based Casino Project in New Orleans

PENN Entertainment has announced plans to invest approximately 195 million dollars in relocating its existing Boomtown Casino and Hotel New Orleans riverboat operations to a new landside facility on adjacent property while rebranding the venue as Hollywood Casino New Orleans and the project remains subject to regulatory approval with an expected opening in 2029.

The development will encompass roughly 140000 square feet and will include about 875 slot machines along with 45 table games plus a retail sportsbook and multiple dining options according to the company's investor release and observers note that shifting from a riverboat setup to a permanent landside structure aligns with broader industry trends toward expanded facilities that support additional amenities without the operational constraints of water-based gaming platforms.

Project Scope and Key Features

Company statements detail how the relocation targets property directly beside the current riverboat site which allows for continuity in market access while enabling construction of a larger integrated complex and the new Hollywood Casino New Orleans will operate with the same core gaming offerings yet in a configuration designed for improved guest flow across slots tables and sports betting areas. Multiple dining venues form part of the plan which expands beyond typical casino food service to create distinct options that cater to varied visitor preferences throughout the day and evening hours.

Regulatory approval stands as the next required step before construction can advance and state gaming authorities in Louisiana oversee such transitions which involve reviews of site plans financing structures and compliance with existing licensing terms for the operator and pending that clearance the timeline targets a 2029 debut that positions the facility among other land-based casinos in the region.

Timeline and Development Phases

Initial announcements place the project in its early planning stage as of August 2026 with detailed engineering and permitting work expected to follow once approvals move forward and construction itself will span several years to accommodate the scale of the 140000 square foot buildout along with infrastructure upgrades for parking utilities and access roads. The move away from riverboat operations eliminates certain maintenance and weather-related challenges associated with floating vessels which allows for year-round consistency in operations once the landside venue opens.

Industry reports indicate that similar relocations elsewhere have resulted in increased capacity for both gaming positions and non-gaming attractions and PENN Entertainment's approach here follows that pattern by consolidating the existing Boomtown assets into a single modern structure that supports the listed slot and table game counts alongside the sportsbook component.

Operational Transition Details

Current Boomtown Casino and Hotel New Orleans riverboat customers will see a direct transfer of gaming licenses and staff resources to the new site once it opens which maintains employment levels and service continuity while the rebranding to Hollywood Casino New Orleans introduces updated signage marketing and loyalty program integrations tied to PENN Entertainment's national portfolio. The 875 slot machines and 45 table games represent a measured expansion from the riverboat's historical footprint which creates room for additional player traffic without requiring an entirely new license application.

Retail sportsbook operations will occupy dedicated space within the facility and state regulations govern the types of wagering available which include live event betting on major sports alongside other permitted categories and dining options will range from quick-service counters to full-service restaurants that complement extended stays at the casino and hotel elements carried over from the original Boomtown branding.

Regulatory and Market Context

Louisiana's gaming control board maintains oversight of all such facility changes and the approval process typically examines environmental impact traffic studies and economic contributions to the surrounding community and PENN Entertainment has positioned the 195 million dollar investment as a long-term commitment to the New Orleans market that builds on the company's established presence in the state. Data from regional gaming associations shows steady demand for expanded land-based venues which supports the rationale behind converting riverboat operations to permanent structures where space allows.

Construction milestones will likely include foundation work structural framing and interior fit-outs spread across the multi-year timeline leading to the 2029 target and any delays in regulatory review could shift the opening date accordingly yet the company has signaled readiness to proceed promptly upon clearance.

Conclusion

The relocation and rebranding initiative by PENN Entertainment centers on a 195 million dollar investment that converts riverboat operations into a 140000 square foot landside Hollywood Casino New Orleans scheduled for 2029 pending approvals and the facility will house 875 slots 45 table games a retail sportsbook and assorted dining venues as the primary elements of the redesign. This single project announcement outlines a clear path from current setup to future operations without reference to unrelated developments in other markets.