PENN Entertainment Moves Forward With Landside Casino Relocation in New Orleans

PENN Entertainment has announced plans to relocate its existing Boomtown Casino New Orleans riverboat operation to a new landside facility that will operate under the Hollywood Casino New Orleans brand, and the move centers on a $195 million investment in roughly 140,000 square feet of new development that includes about 875 slot machines with a target opening date in 2029 pending necessary approvals.

Details of the Relocation Project

The company outlined a clear shift away from the current riverboat setup toward a permanent land-based structure, and this transition aligns with broader industry patterns where operators seek greater flexibility in facility design while maintaining regulatory compliance in Louisiana; the new development will occupy a site that supports expanded amenities alongside the core gaming floor, though specific additions beyond the slot machines remain tied to final design approvals.

Observers note that the 140,000 square feet figure covers the main building footprint, and this scale allows for integrated spaces that can handle both gaming and supporting services without the constraints of a floating vessel, yet the project still requires coordination with local and state authorities before construction begins in earnest.

Investment Scale and Timeline

The $195 million commitment reflects a substantial capital outlay focused on New Orleans operations, and PENN Entertainment has positioned the 2029 opening as the key milestone once all permits clear the review process, which typically involves environmental assessments, zoning confirmations, and gaming license updates in the region.

Those familiar with similar projects point out that riverboat-to-landside conversions often encounter extended approval periods because multiple agencies evaluate traffic impacts, water management, and community benefits, and the company has indicated it will work through these steps methodically to meet the stated schedule.

Regulatory Path Ahead

Approvals stand as the primary gatekeeper for the entire effort, and Louisiana gaming regulators along with city planning bodies will review the landside proposal against existing statutes that govern casino placements and operations, while the riverboat license itself must transfer or convert under state rules before the new facility can activate.

Industry reports from August 2026 show that PENN Entertainment filed the initial announcement through official channels, and the next phase involves detailed submissions that address everything from structural engineering to responsible gaming measures, a process that can span several quarters depending on public comment periods and inter-agency feedback loops.

Operational Continuity During Transition

Current Boomtown Casino New Orleans patrons can expect uninterrupted service on the riverboat until the landside site opens, and the company has emphasized that the relocation will not involve any immediate shutdowns or service gaps, allowing staff and guests to prepare gradually for the changeover in 2029.

Workforce considerations include training updates for the new facility layout, and those managing the transition have noted that the shift to a larger footprint may create additional roles in operations and guest services once construction advances, though exact hiring figures await final project scoping.

Conclusion

The relocation of Boomtown Casino New Orleans to the Hollywood Casino New Orleans landside facility represents a defined investment and development plan that PENN Entertainment has scheduled for completion in 2029 subject to regulatory clearance, and the details released in August 2026 provide a concrete roadmap centered on the $195 million spend and 140,000 square foot build that incorporates roughly 875 slot machines.

Further updates will emerge as approvals progress through the required channels, and the project remains positioned as a direct evolution of the existing riverboat license into a modern land-based operation.