PENN Entertainment Advances Relocation Plans for Boomtown Casino Operations in New Orleans

PENN Entertainment has announced plans to invest approximately $195 million in relocating its existing Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans riverboat operations to a new landside facility on adjacent property, with the project slated to open in 2029 pending regulatory approval. The move involves rebranding the venue as Hollywood Casino New Orleans while expanding the footprint to about 140,000 square feet of total development. This initiative shifts operations from a riverboat setup to a permanent land-based structure that incorporates roughly 875 slot machines, 45 table games, a retail sportsbook, and multiple dining options. The announcement outlines a clear transition from water-based gaming to an integrated landside venue that leverages the same New Orleans market presence. Company statements indicate the adjacent property will serve as the foundation for this expanded facility, allowing for greater operational flexibility compared to the current riverboat configuration. Regulatory processes remain a key step, with approvals required before construction advances toward the 2029 target date.

Project Scope and Facility Details

Development plans call for a comprehensive buildout that includes gaming space alongside supporting amenities such as dining venues and a retail sportsbook. The 140,000 square feet encompasses both gaming floors and related infrastructure, providing room for the specified 875 slot machines and 45 table games. Observers note that the addition of a dedicated retail sportsbook aligns with broader trends in integrated casino offerings, while the multiple dining options aim to enhance visitor experiences at the rebranded Hollywood Casino New Orleans.

The relocation maintains continuity for existing operations during the transition period, as the riverboat continues to function until the landside facility becomes operational. This phased approach ensures minimal disruption to current gaming activities while the new structure takes shape on the adjacent site. Data from the company's investor communications highlight the $195 million investment as the primary funding commitment for the entire project.

Timeline and Regulatory Path

Pending regulatory approval stands as the central condition for moving forward, with the expected opening set for 2029. The process involves standard reviews by relevant Louisiana authorities overseeing gaming expansions and relocations. Those who've studied similar projects recognize that such approvals typically encompass environmental assessments, zoning considerations, and compliance with state gaming regulations.

As developments unfold in August 2026, the announcement positions the company to begin preparatory work once clearances are secured. The timeline allows several years for design finalization, permitting, and construction phases that will transform the adjacent property into the new Hollywood Casino New Orleans.

Strategic Context Within Regional Gaming Landscape

According to the press release from PENN Entertainment, the relocation supports long-term positioning in the New Orleans market by replacing the riverboat model with a more expansive landside operation. The rebranding to Hollywood Casino New Orleans reflects an effort to refresh the property's identity while retaining core gaming elements from the Boomtown operations. Experts have observed that land-based facilities often provide advantages in accessibility and expansion potential over riverboat formats.

The project integrates standard gaming components including slots, tables, and sports wagering alongside food and beverage offerings. This combination creates a self-contained destination that draws on the established customer base of the current Boomtown site. Figures from industry reports on similar relocations show that such shifts can increase overall capacity and visitor dwell time when facilities expand beyond water-based constraints.

Expected Features and Amenities

Key elements of the new facility include approximately 875 slot machines distributed across dedicated gaming areas, 45 table games for traditional casino play, and a retail sportsbook designed for on-site wagering. Multiple dining options will complement these features, offering varied choices that cater to different preferences among visitors. The total development spans roughly 140,000 square feet, providing space for these amenities while maintaining efficient flow between gaming, dining, and sports betting zones.

Construction on the adjacent property will focus on building a durable landside structure capable of supporting year-round operations without the limitations associated with riverboat mobility. This setup aligns with patterns seen in other regional casino developments where permanent facilities replace floating venues to improve infrastructure and guest services.

Conclusion

The $195 million investment by PENN Entertainment marks a significant step in evolving the Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans into the rebranded Hollywood Casino New Orleans at a landside location. With an anticipated 2029 opening contingent on regulatory approval, the project emphasizes expanded gaming capacity through 875 slot machines, 45 table games, a retail sportsbook, and multiple dining venues within a 140,000 square foot development. The transition from riverboat to adjacent property operations maintains market continuity while introducing modern facility standards. Details remain subject to the approval process, which will determine final timelines and specifications as outlined in company disclosures.