PENN Entertainment Announces Relocation of Boomtown Casino New Orleans to New Landside Hollywood Casino

PENN Entertainment has outlined a plan to move 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 shift marks a significant change for the property located along the Mississippi River. The project centers on a $195 million investment that will create roughly 140,000 square feet of new development space and include about 875 slot machines, while the company targets an opening date in 2029 once required approvals are secured.

Project Scope and Investment Breakdown

The relocation involves construction of a permanent land-based structure that replaces the current riverboat setup, and this move aligns with broader industry trends toward fixed facilities that offer expanded amenities without the operational constraints of water-based gaming. Observers note that the 140,000 square feet of new development will house the core gaming floor along with supporting areas, and the inclusion of approximately 875 slot machines provides a clear indication of the scale planned for the rebranded Hollywood Casino New Orleans. Data from the announcement shows the total investment reaches $195 million, covering site preparation, building construction, and equipment installation needed to transition operations from the riverboat to the new site.

What's interesting about this timeline is how it positions the new facility to open well after current market conditions stabilize, and industry reports suggest that land-based casinos can achieve higher throughput compared with riverboat configurations because of easier access and larger floor plans. The rebranding to Hollywood Casino New Orleans also connects the property to PENN Entertainment's established national portfolio, which already includes several Hollywood-branded locations across different states.

Operational Transition from Riverboat to Landside

Moving the casino from its current riverboat to a landside location removes the need for vessel maintenance, docking logistics, and river-level restrictions that can affect riverboat operations during high water or flood events, and this change allows designers more flexibility in layout and guest flow. The company has stated that the new facility will continue to offer the same gaming options initially while expanding into additional square footage that can accommodate future growth in slots or other amenities. Experts have observed that such transitions often improve year-round accessibility for visitors who previously navigated riverfront parking and boarding procedures.

According to the official announcement, the $195 million project will deliver a modern gaming destination that maintains continuity for existing customers while introducing the Hollywood brand to the New Orleans market. The roughly 140,000 square feet of development includes space for the 875 slot machines along with back-of-house operations, and construction is expected to begin once approvals clear the regulatory pipeline.

Market Context and Development Considerations

Louisiana's gaming regulations permit both riverboat and land-based casinos under specific licensing frameworks, and the shift from one format to the other requires updated compliance documentation that PENN Entertainment will submit during the approval phase. Those who've studied similar relocations in other Gulf Coast states note that landside facilities typically support higher visitor volumes because of direct highway access and integrated parking structures, whereas riverboats often face capacity limits tied to vessel size. The 2029 target date gives the company time to align construction schedules with seasonal tourism patterns in the New Orleans area.

The announcement also references the continued operation of the Boomtown Casino New Orleans riverboat until the new facility opens, ensuring that gaming revenue and employment levels remain stable throughout the transition period. This approach mirrors strategies used in other markets where operators phase in new properties without interrupting service at legacy locations.

Conclusion

PENN Entertainment's plan to relocate and rebrand its New Orleans operation into the $195 million Hollywood Casino New Orleans represents a clear commitment to long-term investment in the local market, and the project details released in August 2026 provide a roadmap that runs through regulatory review and construction to a 2029 opening. The move from riverboat to landside facility, complete with 140,000 square feet of development and roughly 875 slot machines, follows established patterns seen in other jurisdictions where operators seek greater operational flexibility. As approvals move forward, the focus will remain on executing the timeline while preserving service at the current location.