PENN Entertainment Advances Land-Based Casino Project in Harvey
Écrit par Taylor Jung · 19/8/2026
PENN Entertainment Advances Land-Based Casino Project in Harvey
PENN Entertainment has outlined a $195 million investment to shift its Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans operation from a riverboat to a permanent land-based facility on an adjacent inland site in Harvey, Louisiana, and the new Hollywood Casino New Orleans is slated to open in 2029 once regulatory approvals are secured.
Project Scope and Investment Details
The company plans to relocate the existing riverboat casino to a new structure that will include roughly 875 slot machines along with 45 table games, a retail sportsbook, multiple dining options, and additional guest amenities, while the move aligns with a broader pattern of Louisiana riverboat casinos transitioning to shore-based venues under the 2018 state law that permits such conversions.
Observers note that the chosen inland location in Jefferson Parish offers direct adjacency to the current riverboat site, which reduces logistical complexities during the transition phase, and the investment covers construction of the new facility along with related infrastructure improvements required for the expanded operation.
Regulatory Path and Approval Process
State and local regulatory bodies must review and approve the relocation plans before construction can proceed at full scale, and PENN Entertainment has indicated that the timeline targets a 2029 opening contingent on those clearances, while the 2018 legislation provides the legal framework that enables riverboat operators to move ashore without losing their existing gaming licenses.
Officials in Jefferson Parish have already begun preliminary discussions with the company regarding zoning and permitting steps, and the process includes environmental assessments plus public hearings that typically precede final authorization for major gaming developments in the region.
Facility Features and Guest Experience
The planned Hollywood Casino New Orleans will maintain the core gaming offerings currently available on the riverboat while adding a retail sportsbook that allows on-site sports wagering, and the design incorporates expanded dining venues plus other amenities intended to increase dwell time and attract a wider range of visitors from the greater New Orleans area.
Developers have emphasized that the land-based structure will provide more stable operating conditions than a riverboat, eliminating weather-related closures and allowing for larger, more flexible floor plans that accommodate the projected mix of slots, tables, and ancillary services.
Industry Context and Statewide Trends
Louisiana's 2018 law opened the door for riverboat casinos to pursue inland sites, and several operators have already completed or announced similar moves, which creates a consistent statewide shift toward permanent land-based facilities that offer improved accessibility and year-round operations.
Data from the Louisiana Gaming Control Board shows that riverboat properties have historically faced seasonal disruptions from river conditions, whereas the new land-based model supports consistent revenue streams and enables operators to invest in larger-scale entertainment complexes that compete more effectively with regional destinations.
Timeline and Next Steps
Construction is expected to begin following receipt of all necessary permits, with a target completion date in 2029 that allows time for detailed design work, environmental reviews, and phased building activities, while PENN Entertainment continues to operate the riverboat at its current location until the new facility is ready.
Company representatives have stated that the project will preserve existing employment levels during the transition and may create additional positions once the expanded amenities open, and local economic development agencies are tracking the initiative for its potential impact on tourism and hospitality jobs in Jefferson Parish.
Conclusion
The relocation of Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans to the new Hollywood Casino New Orleans site represents a significant capital commitment by PENN Entertainment that follows the established regulatory pathway created in 2018, and the project will introduce a land-based gaming and entertainment complex featuring 875 slots, 45 table games, a retail sportsbook, and supporting amenities when it opens in 2029 subject to approvals. Further details on the announcement appear in coverage from World Casino Directory, which tracks gaming industry developments across the region.