PENN Entertainment's Planned Relocation Brings Hollywood Casino New Orleans to Land in 2029

Project Scope and Planned Features

The Hollywood Casino New Orleans development will occupy a land-based footprint that replaces the floating vessel currently in use, and planners have outlined specific elements including the slot and table game counts along with the sportsbook addition. Dining venues will range from casual eateries to more upscale restaurants, while other amenities are expected to incorporate entertainment spaces and retail options that complement the gaming floor. Those familiar with similar projects note that land-based facilities often allow for larger footprints and improved accessibility compared with riverboat designs, which can face limitations tied to vessel size and mooring requirements.

Construction timelines call for phased development that begins once approvals are secured, and the company has indicated the total investment covers both the building itself and the transition of operations from the riverboat. Observers tracking Louisiana gaming have seen how earlier onshore conversions created opportunities for operators to refresh their offerings, and the Hollywood Casino New Orleans project follows that same approach. The retail sportsbook will operate under state regulations that permit sports wagering at licensed casinos, adding another revenue stream alongside traditional slots and tables.

Regulatory Requirements and Approval Process

Before any groundbreaking occurs, the plan must receive clearance from the Louisiana Gaming Control Board and any other relevant state or parish agencies that oversee land use and gaming licenses. The 2018 legislation established the framework that permits these relocations, yet each individual project still undergoes its own review to confirm compliance with safety, environmental, and operational standards. PENN Entertainment has stated that the move remains conditional on securing all necessary permits, and the company expects the process to unfold over the coming months as details are finalized.

Jefferson Parish officials will also play a role in evaluating zoning and infrastructure needs for the new site, since the land-based location introduces different considerations than a riverboat moored at the existing dock. Those following the industry point out that similar applications in other parishes have moved through reviews within predictable timeframes, allowing projects to stay on schedule for their announced opening dates. The 2029 target leaves ample room for these steps while the current riverboat continues normal operations in the interim.

Context Within Louisiana's Casino Landscape

Louisiana riverboat casinos began shifting onshore after the 2018 state law changed long-standing rules that had required vessels to remain on the water, and multiple properties have since completed or announced comparable transitions. The Hollywood Casino New Orleans project continues that sequence, reflecting broader efforts by operators to adapt facilities to changing visitor preferences and competitive pressures from neighboring states. Figures from the Louisiana Gaming Control Board indicate steady interest in these modernized locations, which often feature expanded amenities and easier access for guests arriving by car or shuttle.

The Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans brand will transition fully to the Hollywood Casino identity at the new site, aligning with PENN Entertainment's national portfolio that includes other Hollywood-branded properties. This rebranding forms part of the overall investment package, and the company has outlined how the land-based design supports future upgrades that would be difficult to implement on a riverboat. State records show that the trend of onshore moves has helped operators maintain market position while meeting updated regulatory expectations for permanent structures.

Timeline and Next Steps

With the announcement now public, attention turns to the sequence of regulatory filings and community input sessions that typically precede major casino developments in Louisiana. The 2029 opening date provides a multi-year window for design finalization, construction, and staff training, all while the existing riverboat maintains service. Company representatives have emphasized that operations at the current Harvey location will continue without interruption until the new facility is ready, ensuring continuity for employees and patrons alike.

Local economic impact studies often accompany these applications, and the Hollywood Casino New Orleans project is expected to generate construction jobs during the build phase followed by permanent positions once doors open. The investment figure of $195 million covers the full scope from relocation through opening, and updates on progress will become available as milestones are reached in the approval and development pipeline.

Conclusion

The planned relocation of Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans to a land-based Hollywood Casino New Orleans represents a significant capital commitment by PENN Entertainment that aligns with the ongoing evolution of Louisiana's gaming sector under the 2018 framework. Details on gaming positions, amenities, and the 2029 opening target have been released publicly, while the requirement for regulatory approval remains the key condition still ahead. As the project advances through permitting, additional information on timelines and design refinements will emerge from official channels, providing further clarity on how the new facility will operate once complete.