Harvey's Gaming Shift: PENN Entertainment Commits to $195 Million Onshore Move for Hollywood Casino New Orleans
Zoe Reed · Aug 20, 2026
Harvey's Gaming Shift: PENN Entertainment Commits to $195 Million Onshore Move for Hollywood Casino New Orleans
PENN Entertainment has announced plans to invest approximately $195 million in relocating its gaming operations from the existing riverboat Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans in Harvey, Louisiana, to a new land-based facility that will carry the Hollywood Casino New Orleans brand on an adjacent inland site, and this move comes with an expected opening date of 2029 subject to regulatory approvals.
The project calls for around 875 slot machines along with 45 table games, a retail sportsbook, multiple dining options and additional amenities, while the current hotel tower stays open and continues to serve guests throughout the transition period.
Background on Louisiana's 2018 Gaming Law
Louisiana's 2018 state law opened the door for riverboat casinos to relocate to permanent land-based locations, and several operators across the state have since pursued similar projects as local regulations evolved to support these changes.
Observers note that this legislation created a framework allowing operators to move away from floating vessels toward fixed inland facilities that can offer expanded entertainment options and better integration with surrounding developments.
Project Details and Timeline
The new Hollywood Casino New Orleans would occupy an inland parcel next to the existing riverboat site, which means construction can proceed without disrupting current operations until the move is complete, and the company expects to finalize design elements and secure all required permits before breaking ground.
Regulatory approvals remain a key milestone, with state and local gaming authorities set to review the relocation application in the coming months, and PENN Entertainment has indicated that it will work closely with those bodies to address any concerns that arise during the process.
Once approvals come through, site preparation and building work would begin, leading to the 2029 opening that aligns with other major casino projects currently advancing in the region.
Broader Industry Context
Similar onshore relocations have already taken place at other Louisiana properties under the same 2018 framework, and those earlier projects provide a template that PENN Entertainment can reference as it moves forward with its own plans in Harvey.
The trend reflects a shift in how operators approach facility design, because land-based venues allow for larger gaming floors, more diverse food and beverage offerings and improved access for visitors who prefer not to board a vessel.
Data from state gaming reports show steady interest in expanded land-based options, and the Hollywood Casino New Orleans project fits into that pattern without overlapping other developments currently underway elsewhere in the state.
Impact on Existing Operations
The Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans riverboat will continue running until the new facility opens, which means employees and guests experience minimal interruption during the multi-year construction phase, and the hotel component stays fully operational as a separate revenue stream throughout the transition.
PENN Entertainment has stated that the existing workforce will transition to the new site once it opens, and training programs will prepare staff for the updated gaming floor layout and additional amenities included in the land-based design.
Conclusion
The $195 million investment in the Hollywood Casino New Orleans project represents a significant step in the ongoing evolution of Louisiana's gaming landscape, and the move from riverboat to land-based operations follows a clear regulatory pathway established in 2018. Construction timelines point toward a 2029 debut once approvals are secured, while the hotel remains open to support visitors in the interim. This single development in Harvey adds another chapter to the state's casino modernization efforts without reference to unrelated projects.