PENN Entertainment Moves Forward With Land-Based Hollywood Casino Project in Harvey

PENN Entertainment has announced plans to invest approximately 195 million dollars in a project that will replace its current Boomtown Casino and Hotel New Orleans riverboat operation in Harvey, Louisiana, with a new land-based Hollywood Casino New Orleans facility on an adjacent inland site, and this development remains subject to regulatory approval while following a pattern of similar conversions enabled by a 2018 state law. The new property is slated to feature 875 slot machines, 45 table games, a sportsbook, multiple dining options, and additional amenities, with an expected opening date in 2029. The existing riverboat casino has operated in Harvey for years, yet recent performance data shows declining revenues at the property, which has prompted the company to pursue a land-based alternative that can provide expanded space and improved access for visitors. Company officials have outlined how the inland location will allow for a larger footprint that accommodates the full range of gaming and non-gaming offerings without the physical constraints of a vessel on the water.

Project Details and Planned Features

Construction on the new Hollywood Casino New Orleans will take place on land directly next to the current riverboat site, allowing the company to maintain operational continuity during the transition period while crews prepare the inland parcel. The facility design incorporates 875 slots and 45 table games as core gaming elements, alongside a dedicated sportsbook area that will offer betting options on major sporting events. Additional space has been allocated for dining venues and other guest amenities that aim to create a more comprehensive entertainment destination.

Observers familiar with Louisiana gaming regulations note that the 2018 law opened pathways for riverboat operators to shift operations to land-based sites, and several properties across the state have already completed or begun similar moves. This particular project aligns with that established trend, positioning the new Hollywood Casino New Orleans as the next example in a sequence of conversions that have reshaped parts of the regional casino landscape since the legislation passed.

Regulatory Path and Timeline

Regulatory approval from Louisiana gaming authorities remains a required step before groundbreaking can occur, and the company has indicated it will work through the necessary review processes over the coming months. The projected opening in 2029 provides a multi-year window that accounts for permitting, design finalization, and construction phases, while also allowing time for any adjustments that may arise during state oversight. As of August 2026, planning activities continue to advance in preparation for those formal submissions.

Background on the Current Operation

The Boomtown Casino and Hotel New Orleans riverboat has served as the primary gaming venue for the Harvey market, yet data referenced in industry reports shows revenue trends that have prompted the shift to a land-based model. The move to an adjacent inland site is expected to address limitations inherent in the riverboat format, such as restricted floor space and accessibility challenges during certain weather conditions. Company statements emphasize that the new facility will maintain the existing customer base while introducing expanded options that were not feasible on the water.

Those who have tracked Louisiana casino developments since 2018 point out that the law change removed previous barriers that kept operators tied to riverboat configurations, and the PENN Entertainment announcement represents a continuation of that policy-driven evolution. The Hollywood Casino New Orleans branding will replace the Boomtown name at the new location, creating a unified identity that aligns with other properties in the company's portfolio.

Conclusion

The 195 million dollar investment marks a significant capital commitment by PENN Entertainment in the Louisiana market, with the land-based Hollywood Casino New Orleans positioned to open in 2029 once approvals are secured. The project incorporates specific gaming and amenity elements that reflect both regulatory allowances and operational goals tied to the current property's performance. As planning progresses through 2026 and beyond, the development will follow the established framework set by the 2018 legislation that has enabled similar transitions elsewhere in the state.