PENN Entertainment Advances Land-Based Casino Development in Harvey Louisiana
Henrik Schmitt · Aug 22, 2026
PENN Entertainment Advances Land-Based Casino Development in Harvey Louisiana
PENN Entertainment has announced plans to invest approximately 195 million dollars to replace its existing Boomtown Casino and Hotel New Orleans riverboat operation in Harvey Louisiana with a new land-based Hollywood Casino New Orleans facility on an adjacent inland site and the project remains subject to regulatory approval while it is expected to open in 2029.
Key Elements of the Proposed Development
The new facility will include roughly 875 slot machines along with 45 table games plus a retail sportsbook and various dining options together with additional amenities designed to serve visitors and the company has stated that this shift from the current riverboat setup aims to enhance overall operations in the region.
Observers note that the move aligns with ongoing changes in the local gaming landscape and the announcement specifies that construction would take place on land next to the existing riverboat location which currently operates as Boomtown Casino and Hotel New Orleans.
Background on the Riverboat to Onshore Shift
The project follows a broader trend of Louisiana riverboat casinos relocating onshore under a 2018 state law and PENN Entertainment has cited improved customer experience along with increased competitiveness as reasons for pursuing the land-based option at this particular site.
Those familiar with the industry point out that the 2018 legislation opened pathways for such transitions and several operators have explored similar adjustments in recent years while this specific proposal targets the Harvey area which sits across the river from New Orleans proper.
Expected Timeline and Approval Steps
Regulatory review comes next before any groundbreaking occurs and the targeted opening date of 2029 gives the company time to complete design work permitting processes and construction phases in sequence.
Company representatives have outlined that the new Hollywood Casino New Orleans would replace the riverboat entirely once operational and the adjacent inland site allows for expanded facilities that riverboats cannot easily accommodate due to their physical constraints.
Impact on Local Gaming Operations
The transition would consolidate all gaming activities onto land and the retail sportsbook plus expanded dining areas represent additions that the current riverboat configuration does not feature at the same scale according to the details released by PENN Entertainment.
Figures from state records show visitation and revenue statistics for riverboat properties have prompted several operators to consider onshore alternatives and this announcement marks the latest example in that pattern for the Harvey location specifically.
Conclusion
The 195 million dollar investment by PENN Entertainment centers on creating a modern land-based Hollywood Casino New Orleans that incorporates 875 slot machines 45 table games a retail sportsbook and supporting amenities with an anticipated launch in 2029 pending approvals and the project directly responds to the opportunities created by the 2018 state law allowing riverboat operators to move inland for better customer access and operational flexibility.