PENN Entertainment's Bold Move: Transforming Boomtown Casino New Orleans into a Land-Based Hollywood Casino

PENN Entertainment announced plans in August 2026 to relocate its existing Boomtown Casino New Orleans riverboat operation to a new landside facility that will carry the Hollywood Casino New Orleans brand, and the project calls for 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.

The relocation marks a shift from the current riverboat setup to a permanent land-based structure, and company statements detail how the move aims to expand the overall footprint while maintaining the core gaming offerings that have operated in the New Orleans market for years.

Project Details and Investment Breakdown

The $195 million commitment covers construction of the new facility along with associated infrastructure, and observers note that the 140,000 square feet will house the 875 slot machines plus supporting amenities such as dining areas and parking, all while the existing riverboat operations continue until the transition completes.

Company filings indicate the landside location will provide greater stability compared to the floating vessel, and this change aligns with similar moves by other operators who have converted riverboat licenses into fixed-site casinos in various states.

Timeline and Regulatory Path

Targeted for 2029, the opening remains subject to approvals from state and local authorities, and PENN Entertainment has outlined a process that includes environmental reviews along with licensing updates through the Louisiana Gaming Control Board. The announcement specifies that construction phases will begin once permits clear, and the timeline allows for phased development to minimize disruption to current gaming revenue.

Pending approvals represent the critical next step, and industry reports show that Louisiana regulators typically evaluate such relocations based on economic impact studies and community input before granting final sign-off.

Market Context for the Relocation

Boomtown Casino New Orleans has operated as a riverboat since its initial licensing, and the rebranding to Hollywood Casino New Orleans reflects PENN Entertainment's broader strategy of aligning properties under established national brands. Data from the American Gaming Association indicates that land-based facilities often see higher visitor counts than riverboat operations because of easier access and expanded non-gaming attractions.

The New Orleans gaming market continues to evolve, and this project adds to recent investments by multiple operators who have upgraded facilities to meet changing consumer preferences for integrated entertainment destinations.

Employment and Economic Considerations

Construction of the new facility is expected to generate temporary jobs during the build phase, and once operational the landside casino will support ongoing employment similar to the current riverboat staff levels. Local economic analyses often highlight how such developments contribute to tax revenue streams that fund regional infrastructure projects.

PENN Entertainment has stated that the relocation preserves the existing gaming license while expanding physical capacity, and this approach avoids the need for new license applications that would otherwise extend the regulatory timeline.

Conclusion

The August 2026 announcement sets a clear path for PENN Entertainment to convert its New Orleans riverboat into the Hollywood Casino New Orleans landside operation by 2029, and the $195 million investment in 140,000 square feet with 875 slots represents the core elements of the project as it awaits final approvals. Further updates will depend on regulatory progress and construction milestones outlined in the initial release.