PENN Entertainment Plans $195 Million Relocation for Boomtown Casino to New Hollywood Casino New Orleans Site
PENN Entertainment has outlined a $195 million investment to shift its Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans operations from the current riverboat setup to a new landside facility on adjacent property and the company intends to rebrand the venue as Hollywood Casino New Orleans once the move is complete.
The project remains subject to regulatory approval and the timeline calls for an opening in 2029 with roughly 140,000 square feet of developed space that will house approximately 875 slot machines along with 45 table games plus a retail sportsbook and several dining venues.
Details of the Relocation Project
The existing riverboat operations at Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans will transition to a permanent land-based structure located directly beside the current site which eliminates the need for water-based gaming platforms while allowing for expanded amenities and improved accessibility for visitors and staff alike.
Company filings indicate that the new facility will consolidate all gaming and hospitality functions into one integrated landside campus which streamlines operations and supports future growth in the New Orleans market without altering the overall footprint of the property.
Facility Features and Capacity
Plans call for the new Hollywood Casino New Orleans to include about 875 slot machines and 45 table games spread across the 140,000 square foot development along with dedicated space for a retail sportsbook that offers live wagering on major sporting events.
Multiple dining options will round out the experience and provide guests with varied culinary choices while the overall layout emphasizes efficient movement between gaming areas, food outlets and entertainment zones.
Observers note that this configuration mirrors other successful land-based conversions in the region and positions the property to serve both local patrons and tourists arriving via nearby highways and public transit routes.
Timeline and Approval Process
Pending regulatory clearance the project is slated to open its doors in 2029 which gives PENN Entertainment and local authorities several years to complete design reviews, permitting steps and construction phases.
State gaming regulators in Louisiana will examine the proposal under existing statutes that govern casino relocations and land-based conversions and the company has stated it will work closely with those bodies throughout the review period.
Construction is expected to begin once approvals are secured and the build-out will transform the adjacent parcel into a modern gaming and entertainment destination while the original riverboat assets are phased out in an orderly manner.
Economic and Operational Context
According to the investor release from PENN Entertainment the relocation supports long-term strategic goals for the New Orleans property and aligns with broader industry trends that favor landside facilities over riverboat operations for reasons of operational efficiency and guest comfort.
Data from similar projects in other states shows that such moves often coincide with increased capacity for non-gaming amenities which in turn can extend visitor dwell time and support ancillary revenue streams like dining and sports wagering.
Those who have tracked regional gaming developments point out that Louisiana has seen several riverboat properties transition to land-based sites over the past decade and the Hollywood Casino New Orleans plan follows that established pattern.
Conclusion
The $195 million investment by PENN Entertainment marks a significant step in the evolution of the New Orleans gaming market as the company prepares to replace its riverboat operations with a modern landside facility branded as Hollywood Casino New Orleans. With an anticipated 2029 opening the project will deliver expanded gaming options including 875 slots and 45 table games along with a retail sportsbook and multiple dining venues within a 140,000 square foot complex. Regulatory approval remains the next key milestone and once secured construction can proceed on the adjacent property to bring the vision to fruition.