PENN Entertainment Sets Sights on Land-Based Hollywood Casino for New Orleans Operations

PENN Entertainment, Inc. has announced plans to invest approximately $195 million in relocating its existing Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans riverboat operations to a new landside facility on adjacent land in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, with a rebrand to Hollywood Casino New Orleans pending regulatory approvals. The move comes as part of ongoing industry shifts toward land-based venues that offer expanded amenities while maintaining core gaming elements, and the company intends to keep the existing hotel operational throughout the transition. This project represents the fourth such landside relocation undertaken by PENN in recent years, and details released by the company outline a development spanning roughly 140,000 square feet that would include about 875 slot machines along with 45 table games. A retail sportsbook plus various dining options round out the planned offerings at the site expected to open in 2029.

Key Elements of the Proposed Facility

The new Hollywood Casino New Orleans would stand on land adjacent to the current riverboat location, allowing for a more integrated complex that connects directly to the existing hotel operations. Company statements indicate the design aims to provide guests with greater flexibility in movement between lodging and gaming areas without reliance on water-based access points. Observers note that such configurations often support additional retail and food services because landside sites permit larger footprints compared to traditional riverboat setups.

With approximately 875 slot machines and 45 table games slated for the floor, the venue would maintain a substantial gaming capacity while introducing dedicated spaces for sports betting through the retail sportsbook component. Dining options would add variety to the property, creating multiple revenue streams within the single development envelope. The overall 140,000 square feet of space would accommodate these elements along with supporting infrastructure such as parking and circulation pathways.

Timeline and Regulatory Path Forward

Pending approvals from Louisiana regulatory authorities, construction activities would follow a phased schedule leading to the 2029 opening target. The announcement specifies that the existing hotel would continue serving guests during this period, minimizing disruption to current operations. Data from similar projects in other jurisdictions shows that landside conversions typically require coordinated permitting across local, parish, and state levels before groundbreaking can occur.

By the time August 2026 arrives, preliminary site work and environmental reviews could be underway if approvals align with projected milestones, though the company has not released specific interim dates. Those following the gaming sector recognize that riverboat-to-land transitions involve detailed engineering assessments to ensure structural stability and compliance with waterway regulations that may still apply to portions of the original site.

Context Within Broader Industry Moves

PENN Entertainment's decision aligns with patterns seen across multiple states where operators have pursued land-based facilities to improve accessibility and expand non-gaming attractions. The Jefferson Parish location benefits from proximity to major transportation corridors serving the greater New Orleans region, which could influence visitor patterns once the property opens. Figures from state gaming reports indicate steady demand for integrated casino-hotel experiences that combine lodging with on-site entertainment options.

The rebranding to Hollywood Casino New Orleans would introduce a new market identity while preserving operational continuity through the retained hotel component. Company releases emphasize that the relocation seeks to enhance overall customer experience by replacing the riverboat format with a permanent structure designed for year-round use regardless of weather or water levels.

Financial and Operational Considerations

The $195 million investment covers land development, construction of the main facility, and installation of gaming equipment including the slot machines and table games. Additional capital would support the retail sportsbook infrastructure and dining venues that form part of the 140,000 square foot complex. Industry analysts tracking similar expenditures note that landside projects often achieve higher utilization rates because they eliminate constraints associated with floating vessels.

Throughout the process, PENN plans to sustain hotel operations at the current Boomtown site, ensuring revenue continuity and guest loyalty programs remain active. This approach mirrors strategies employed in prior relocations where phased transitions helped maintain market presence while new assets came online.

Conclusion

The announcement from PENN Entertainment outlines a clear path for transforming the Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans operations into a landside Hollywood Casino New Orleans facility scheduled for 2029. With details covering the $195 million investment, facility specifications, and commitment to keeping the hotel running, the project stands as a significant development for Jefferson Parish and the surrounding gaming landscape. Regulatory approvals will determine the exact pace of progress, yet the outlined parameters provide a factual framework for what lies ahead in the coming years.