PENN Entertainment Advances Relocation of Boomtown Casino Operations to New Land-Based Facility in Harvey

PENN Entertainment has outlined plans to invest roughly 195 million dollars in moving its Boomtown Casino and Hotel New Orleans riverboat operations onto adjacent inland property in Harvey, Louisiana within Jefferson Parish, and the project includes rebranding the venue as Hollywood Casino New Orleans once regulatory approval is secured.

The existing riverboat setup will shift to a permanent land-based structure that encompasses between 140000 and 145000 square feet of gaming and amenity space, while the current 150-room hotel stays open throughout the transition and continues serving guests without interruption.

Project Specifications and Components

Inside the new facility planners have allocated space for approximately 875 slot machines along with 45 table games, a retail sportsbook, multiple dining outlets, several bars, and a dedicated VIP lounge designed for high-value players, and these elements combine to create a consolidated entertainment destination on the chosen Harvey site.

The inland location removes the operational constraints tied to the riverboat format, yet the company maintains continuity by keeping hotel services active so that lodging remains available for visitors who travel to the area during construction and after the move.

Timeline and Regulatory Path

Pending approvals from state and local gaming authorities the project targets an opening in 2029, which allows time for site preparation, construction, and licensing reviews, and observers note that such multi-year schedules are typical when major casino operators relocate from water-based to land-based venues.

Jefferson Parish officials will review zoning and permitting details while the Louisiana Gaming Control Board evaluates the overall gaming license transfer, and these steps must align before ground can be broken on the inland parcel located next to the current riverboat mooring.

Operational Continuity During Transition

Throughout the relocation period the 150-room hotel attached to the original Boomtown property will continue normal operations, which ensures that room inventory and guest services stay accessible even as the casino component shifts to the new structure, and this approach minimizes disruption for regular patrons who rely on the lodging component.

Staffing and supplier contracts tied to the riverboat will transition in phases so that employment levels and vendor relationships remain stable while construction crews prepare the 140000 to 145000 square foot building that will eventually house the expanded gaming floor.

Rebranding and Market Positioning

Once complete the venue will operate under the Hollywood Casino New Orleans name, which aligns with PENN Entertainment's broader portfolio of properties carrying that brand identity, and the change coincides with the move from a riverboat to a fixed land-based facility that offers more flexible floor plans and expanded amenities.

The retail sportsbook component adds another revenue stream within the same footprint, while the VIP lounge provides a segregated area for premium guests, and these features reflect standard elements found across other Hollywood Casino locations operated by the company.

Conclusion

The 195 million dollar investment covers construction of the new inland facility plus associated infrastructure on the Harvey parcel, and the project represents a single focused initiative by PENN Entertainment to convert its New Orleans riverboat operation into a permanent land-based destination scheduled to open in 2029 after regulatory clearance is obtained. The 150-room hotel remains open during this process, preserving lodging capacity while the gaming floor expands to include 875 slots, 45 tables, a sportsbook, dining, bars, and a VIP lounge within the 140000 to 145000 square foot building. Further updates on licensing progress and construction milestones will be released through official channels as the timeline advances.