PENN Entertainment Advances Relocation of Boomtown Casino Operations to New Land-Based Site in Harvey

PENN Entertainment has outlined a $195 million investment to shift its riverboat-based Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans operations to a permanent land-based facility on nearby inland property in Harvey, Louisiana, within Jefferson Parish, and teh company intends to rebrand the venue as Hollywood Casino New Orleans once regulatory approval is secured and construction wraps up.

The project centers on a new building that will span roughly 140,000 to 145,000 square feet and house approximately 875 slot machines along with 45 table games, while also incorporating a retail sportsbook, multiple dining options, bars, and a dedicated VIP lounge; the existing 150-room hotel on the current site will stay open and continue serving guests throughout the transition period.

Project Scope and Location Details

Observers note that the move places the new facility on adjacent inland property directly connected to teh existing riverboat location, which allows the company to maintain operational continuity while shifting away from the floating casino model that has defined teh property since its opening; Jefferson Parish officials have already begun reviewing the land-use and permitting steps required before ground can break on the inland structure.

Data from the announcement shows the total investment covers both construction of the new building and the relocation of gaming equipment, with the riverboat itself expected to be decommissioned once the land-based operation is fully operational; this approach mirrors similar transitions undertaken by other operators in the region who have moved from water-based to shore-based venues in recent years.

Facility Features and Guest Amenities

Plans call for the 140,000–145,000 square foot gaming and entertainment space to include a mix of slot machines and table games that closely matches the current riverboat's capacity, while the addition of a retail sportsbook represents an expansion of betting options that were not previously available at the Boomtown location; dining and bar outlets will be distributed throughout the floor plan, and the VIP lounge will offer private gaming and concierge services for qualifying players.

Those familiar with the existing property point out that the 150-room hotel will continue to operate without interruption, preserving the lodging component that already serves visitors traveling to the New Orleans metropolitan area; shuttle services between the hotel and the new gaming floor are expected to be introduced once the land-based facility opens.

Industry Context and Comparable Projects

Industry reports show several other Louisiana casino operators have completed similar land-based conversions in the past decade, citing reduced maintenance costs for riverboats and the ability to expand square footage on stable ground; PENN Entertainment's announcement follows that established pattern, although the specific $195 million figure and 2029 target date remain unique to this project.

Regulatory filings referenced in the company's investor release confirm that the relocation does not alter the total number of gaming positions authorized under the existing license, keeping the project within the framework already approved by state authorities; any adjustments to the license terms would require separate board action during the approval process.

Next Steps for Approval and Construction

Company executives have stated that detailed architectural drawings and environmental impact studies will be submitted to Jefferson Parish and state regulators in the near term, after which a series of public comment periods and hearings will determine whether the project receives final clearance; construction is projected to begin shortly after approvals are granted, with a multi-year build schedule leading to the 2029 opening.

Financial disclosures accompanying the announcement list the $195 million investment as a capital expenditure that will be funded through a combination of operating cash flow and existing credit facilities, without any indication of new debt issuance tied specifically to this project; ongoing hotel operations are expected to generate revenue throughout the construction phase.

Conclusion

The relocation plan positions PENN Entertainment to replace its riverboat operation with a larger, land-based Hollywood Casino New Orleans that preserves the existing hotel while adding new amenities such as the retail sportsbook and expanded dining options; pending regulatory approval, the project is on track for a 2029 debut that will mark the completion of a multi-year transition for the property in Harvey, Louisiana.