PENN Entertainment Moves Forward with Hollywood Casino New Orleans Landside Project
Jakob Reed · Aug 19, 2026
PENN Entertainment Moves Forward with Hollywood Casino New Orleans Landside Project
PENN Entertainment announced plans in August 2026 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 marks a significant shift from the current water-based setup to a permanent structure built on solid ground.
The project carries a $195 million investment that covers roughly 140,000 square feet of new development space, and this investment includes capacity for about 875 slot machines along with supporting amenities that will replace the riverboat configuration currently in place.
Project Details and Scope
The relocation centers on moving operations away from the riverboat model that has defined Boomtown Casino New Orleans for years, while the new Hollywood Casino New Orleans will feature a landside building designed to provide expanded floor space and updated infrastructure that meets modern operational standards.
Company statements outline how the 140,000 square feet will house the slot machines along with additional gaming and guest areas, and the scale of the build reflects the shift toward a fixed-location venue that avoids the limitations of a floating platform.
Timeline and Required Approvals
Target completion sits in 2029, yet that date depends on securing the necessary regulatory approvals from state and local authorities that oversee gaming operations in Louisiana, and PENN Entertainment has indicated it will work through the permitting process step by step.
Observers note that such projects routinely require review from bodies such as the Louisiana Gaming Control Board before construction can advance, while the August 2026 announcement serves as the formal start of those discussions.
Background on the Existing Operation
Boomtown Casino New Orleans has operated as a riverboat since its opening, and the move to a landside site represents a departure from that format that many riverboat properties have considered in recent years, and the rebranding to Hollywood Casino New Orleans aligns the property with PENN Entertainment's broader portfolio of branded locations.
Company filings describe the current riverboat as the base for the relocation, and the transition will transfer existing gaming licenses and operations to the new facility once approvals clear and construction finishes.
Investment Breakdown and Facility Features
The $195 million figure covers land acquisition, construction, and equipment installation for the 140,000 square foot complex, and the slot machine count of approximately 875 forms the core of the gaming floor while additional space will accommodate food service, entertainment, and support functions.
Industry reports show that landside facilities often allow for larger footprints than riverboats, and this project follows that pattern by expanding the total developable area beyond what the floating vessel currently provides.
Regulatory and Market Context
According to PENN Entertainment's official release, the project remains subject to final approvals from relevant Louisiana authorities, and similar casino relocations in other states have followed comparable regulatory paths that include environmental reviews and zoning adjustments.
Data from state gaming reports indicate that land-based venues can support higher visitor volumes once fully operational, yet the exact economic projections for this specific site will depend on the final design and market conditions closer to the 2029 opening.
Next Steps for the Development
PENN Entertainment will now focus on advancing the permitting process and finalizing design plans for the Hollywood Casino New Orleans site, and community input sessions are expected as part of standard local review procedures in Orleans Parish.
Construction timelines will become clearer once approvals are granted, while the company continues to operate the Boomtown riverboat in its current location until the new facility is ready for transition.
Conclusion
The August 2026 announcement sets a clear path for PENN Entertainment to replace its riverboat operation with a landside Hollywood Casino New Orleans that features a $195 million investment across 140,000 square feet and roughly 875 slot machines, and the 2029 target date hinges on timely regulatory approvals from Louisiana gaming authorities.
Those steps will determine whether the project moves from planning documents to active construction in the coming years, and updates from the company and state regulators will track progress through each phase of the relocation.