PENN Entertainment Announces Relocation of Boomtown Casino to New Landside Location in Louisiana
PENN Entertainment has outlined a substantial investment of approximately 195 million dollars to shift its existing Boomtown Casino and Hotel New Orleans riverboat operations onto adjacent land in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, where the company plans to construct a permanent land-based facility that will operate under the name Hollywood Casino New Orleans once regulatory approval clears and construction concludes. The move replaces the current riverboat setup with a fixed structure expected to span roughly 140,000 square feet and to include around 875 slot machines along with 45 table games plus a retail sportsbook and several dining venues, with an anticipated opening date set for 2029. Company statements indicate that the project remains subject to necessary state and local approvals before groundbreaking can begin, and observers note that such transitions from riverboat to land-based models have occurred in other Louisiana jurisdictions in recent years. The relocation targets property directly beside the existing riverboat site, which allows the operation to maintain its current market presence while upgrading to a more expansive and modern venue that eliminates the limitations inherent in floating casino designs.
Project Scope and Development Plans
The new facility will consolidate all gaming, hospitality, and entertainment functions into one integrated landside complex that removes the need for river access and associated operational constraints. Development plans call for the inclusion of multiple dining options that range from casual eateries to more upscale restaurants, while the retail sportsbook component will provide dedicated space for sports wagering within the overall 140,000 square foot footprint. Those familiar with the announcement point out that the shift supports expanded capacity compared to the riverboat configuration, because land-based construction permits larger floor areas without the spatial restrictions of a vessel. The 875 slot machines and 45 table games represent the core gaming inventory that will transfer and potentially expand once the new property opens, and the addition of varied dining choices aims to create a broader destination experience for visitors.
Regulatory Requirements and Approval Process
Pending regulatory approval stands as the primary condition before construction proceeds, and the company has indicated that applications will move through the appropriate Louisiana gaming authorities in the coming months. State regulators oversee casino licensing and relocation requests under established statutes that govern riverboat and land-based operations alike, and the process typically involves public hearings along with environmental and economic impact reviews.
The timeline targets a 2029 opening, which allows several years for design finalization, permitting, and construction phases that industry reports often show can extend across multiple budget cycles. Experts have observed that similar projects in the region have required between three and five years from announcement to launch, depending on the complexity of approvals and supply chain factors.
Transition from Riverboat to Land-Based Operations
Boomtown Casino and Hotel New Orleans currently operates as a riverboat venue that has served the local market for decades, and the planned relocation preserves continuity for existing customers while modernizing the physical plant. The landside property offers direct adjacency to the current docking area, which minimizes disruption during the eventual transition period and keeps the casino within the same parish jurisdiction. Data from the announcement shows that the new structure will eliminate operational elements tied to river conditions such as seasonal water levels and vessel maintenance cycles, thereby allowing year-round consistency in guest access and facility management. Multiple dining outlets will complement the gaming floor, and the retail sportsbook will add a distinct revenue stream that aligns with broader industry trends toward diversified offerings. According to information released through
PENN Entertainment investor communications, the 195 million dollar investment covers land development, building construction, gaming equipment installation, and initial operational setup. The project scope also encompasses infrastructure improvements that support increased visitor traffic once the facility opens in 2029.
Market Context and Future Operations
Jefferson Parish remains a key location for casino activity in the greater New Orleans area, and the relocation keeps the Hollywood Casino New Orleans brand positioned to serve both local residents and tourists traveling along major corridors. The permanent land-based model removes previous constraints on square footage and layout flexibility that riverboat regulations imposed, which in turn enables the addition of the expanded dining and sportsbook components outlined in the plans. Those who track gaming developments note that the 140,000 square foot complex will integrate all elements under one roof, creating a centralized destination that combines slots, table games, sports betting, and food service in a single visit. The 875 slot machines and 45 table games will form the primary gaming offerings, while additional amenities are expected to enhance dwell time and overall revenue potential once operations commence.
Industry analyses from the American Gaming Association indicate that land-based conversions in Louisiana have historically supported steady employment levels and local tax contributions, although specific projections for this project will depend on final regulatory outcomes. The company has stated that the new facility will maintain the existing workforce transition plan during the phased move from the riverboat.
Conclusion
The announcement from PENN Entertainment details a clear path for relocating the Boomtown Casino and Hotel New Orleans operations to a new landside property that will operate as Hollywood Casino New Orleans beginning in 2029, subject to regulatory clearance. The 195 million dollar investment will fund a 140,000 square foot development featuring 875 slot machines, 45 table games, a retail sportsbook, and multiple dining venues on adjacent land in Jefferson Parish. This transition from riverboat to permanent land-based status marks a significant infrastructure upgrade that aligns with the company's stated long-term strategy for the Louisiana market, and the project timeline provides several years for all necessary approvals and construction activities to unfold. Observers continue to monitor the regulatory process as the company advances its plans for the new facility.