PENN Entertainment Moves Forward with New Orleans Casino Relocation and Rebrand

PENN Entertainment has outlined plans to spend roughly $195 million on shifting its existing Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans riverboat operations to a new landside facility built on nearby property, with the site set to operate under the Hollywood Casino New Orleans name once completed. The move remains subject to regulatory approval, and the company projects an opening in 2029 for a development spanning about 140,000 square feet that will include approximately 875 slot machines, 45 table games, a retail sportsbook, and several dining venues.

Company filings show the project targets the same customer base currently served by the riverboat while adding modern infrastructure that eliminates water-based constraints on expansion. Observers note that landside facilities in other markets have allowed operators to increase square footage for gaming and amenities without the engineering limits imposed by vessel designs.

Project Scope and Timeline Details

The relocation keeps the operation in New Orleans yet shifts it from the riverboat format that has defined the property for years, and the rebrand aligns it with PENN Entertainment's Hollywood Casino portfolio used in multiple states. Construction is expected to begin after approvals clear, with the 2029 target reflecting standard permitting and build-out periods for similar-sized gaming venues in the region. Data from the announcement indicates the facility will maintain continuous operations at the current riverboat location until the new site is ready for transition.

Regulatory steps involve review by Louisiana authorities, including the Louisiana Gaming Control Board, which evaluates applications for land-based gaming licenses and facility changes. The process typically includes public hearings and compliance checks, and PENN Entertainment has stated it will pursue all necessary permits before groundbreaking.

Facility Features and Operational Changes

Plans call for 140,000 square feet of total development that integrates gaming floors, food outlets, and the retail sportsbook in a single structure, a layout that differs from the multi-level constraints of riverboat designs. The slot count of roughly 875 machines and 45 table games reflects current market positioning while leaving room for future adjustments based on player demand. Multiple dining options are listed as part of the core offering, though specific restaurant concepts remain under development according to the release.

Transitioning to landside removes seasonal flooding risks and docking requirements that affect riverboat properties, and the new location on adjacent land allows for direct road access and expanded parking. Those who've followed similar projects in other Gulf Coast states have seen operators report improved accessibility and higher foot traffic after moving from water to shore-based sites.

Market Context and Pending Approvals

The announcement arrives as Louisiana continues to regulate commercial gaming through established oversight bodies, and the pending approvals underscore the standard requirement for state sign-off on major capital projects. Industry reports from groups such as the American Gaming Association track how operators adapt riverboat assets to landside formats in competitive markets, with several precedents showing increased revenue potential after relocation. PENN Entertainment's filing points to long-term growth in the New Orleans area as a key driver for the investment.

Current operations at Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans continue without interruption, and the company has confirmed that employees and vendors will transition to the new facility upon opening. The rebrand to Hollywood Casino New Orleans brings the property under an established national brand that PENN uses elsewhere, which can streamline marketing and loyalty program integration across its portfolio.

Conclusion

The $195 million project represents a significant infrastructure shift for PENN Entertainment's New Orleans holdings, moving from riverboat to landside while introducing the Hollywood Casino name and expanded amenities. With an anticipated 2029 opening contingent on regulatory clearance, the development adds 140,000 square feet of space, 875 slots, 45 table games, a retail sportsbook, and dining options to the local market. Observers continue to monitor approval progress through Louisiana channels as the timeline advances.