PENN Entertainment Advances $195 Million Land-Based Casino Project for Hollywood Casino New Orleans

PENN Entertainment has announced plans to invest approximately $195 million in a new land-based facility that will replace its existing Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans riverboat operation, and the project centers on an adjacent inland site in Harvey, Louisiana; the development requires regulatory approval and carries a targeted opening date in 2029.

The new Hollywood Casino New Orleans will span 140,000 to 145,000 square feet and include roughly 875 slot machines along with 45 table games, a retail sportsbook, multiple dining venues, bars, and a dedicated VIP lounge; these elements form the core of the proposed entertainment complex that continues Louisiana's shift away from riverboat casinos following the 2018 state law that permitted onshore relocations.

Project Scope and Facility Features

The planned development expands beyond gaming floors to incorporate retail, hospitality, and leisure spaces that aim to serve a broader regional audience, while the move from the riverboat allows for a larger footprint and updated infrastructure that supports year-round operations without the limitations of water-based platforms.

According to the announcement, the land-based site in Harvey offers direct access for visitors and simplifies logistics for suppliers and staff compared with the current riverboat setup, and this change aligns with similar transitions undertaken by other operators across the state since the legislative update took effect.

Regulatory Path and Timeline Considerations

State gaming regulators must review and approve the relocation before construction begins, and the process includes evaluations of site plans, economic impact assessments, and compliance with existing licensing requirements for the operator; PENN Entertainment has indicated that the company will work closely with the Louisiana Gaming Control Board throughout the review period.

The projected opening in 2029 reflects a multi-year development schedule that accounts for permitting, design finalization, and construction phases, and observers note that similar projects in Louisiana have followed comparable timelines once initial approvals were secured.

As of August 2026, the company continues to advance preliminary planning steps while awaiting formal regulatory feedback, and this phase includes community consultations and environmental reviews that precede ground-breaking activities.

Context Within Louisiana's Gaming Landscape

The 2018 legislation opened pathways for riverboat operators to transition to land-based venues, and multiple properties have since pursued similar moves to improve accessibility and expand amenities; PENN Entertainment's project represents one of the more recent examples of this ongoing industry adjustment in the region.

Data from state revenue reports show that land-based facilities often generate higher visitor volumes and operational efficiencies compared with riverboat models, which helps explain the broader trend among operators seeking to modernize their offerings while maintaining compliance with state gaming statutes.

Industry organizations such as the American Gaming Association have tracked these shifts across multiple states, and the Louisiana-specific changes illustrate how regulatory updates can influence facility design and location strategies over time.

Economic and Community Implications

Local officials in Jefferson Parish have expressed interest in the potential job creation and tax revenue associated with the new facility, and the project is expected to support construction employment during the build phase followed by permanent positions once operations commence in 2029.

The relocation maintains the company's presence in the New Orleans market while shifting operations to a site that avoids periodic river conditions that can affect riverboat access, and this practical adjustment forms a central element of the company's stated rationale for the investment.

Conclusion

The $195 million Hollywood Casino New Orleans project marks a significant step in PENN Entertainment's regional strategy and continues the pattern of onshore casino development that began after the 2018 state law, with regulatory review now serving as the next key milestone on the path to a 2029 opening. Further updates will depend on the outcome of licensing proceedings and final design approvals.