PENN Entertainment Moves Forward with Land-Based Hollywood Casino Replacement in Harvey
Written by Erik Hoffmann · Aug 19, 2026
PENN Entertainment Moves Forward with Land-Based Hollywood Casino Replacement in Harvey
PENN Entertainment has announced plans to invest approximately 195 million dollars in a project that replaces 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 this development remains subject to regulatory approval while aligning with a broader industry shift permitted under a 2018 Louisiana law that allows riverboat casinos to transition ashore.
The proposed facility would include around 875 slot machines, 45 table games, a retail sportsbook, multiple dining venues, and additional guest amenities, with construction timelines pointing toward an expected opening in 2029 once all necessary permits clear the approval process.
Project Specifications and Site Details
The new Hollywood Casino New Orleans would occupy a location directly next to the current riverboat site, allowing for a seamless transition that minimizes disruption to ongoing operations during the planning and build phases, while the land-based structure eliminates the need for floating platforms and opens up expanded design possibilities for the property layout.
Key elements of the development encompass gaming floors sized for the specified machine and table counts, integrated sports betting areas, food and beverage outlets, and supporting infrastructure that meets modern operational standards, and company statements indicate these features aim to enhance the overall visitor experience compared to the existing riverboat setup.
Regulatory Pathway and Timeline
Regulatory approval stands as the primary next step before groundbreaking can begin, with Louisiana authorities overseeing the process that includes reviews for licensing, environmental considerations, and compliance with state gaming statutes, and PENN Entertainment has positioned the project to move ahead once those hurdles clear.
The anticipated 2029 opening date provides a multi-year window for design finalization, permitting, and construction activities, while the adjacent inland placement offers logistical advantages by keeping the operation within the same general area as the current Boomtown facility in Harvey.
Industry Context Under Louisiana Law
A 2018 state law opened the door for riverboat operators to relocate to land-based sites, creating a framework that several properties across Louisiana have followed or considered in recent years, and this announcement from PENN Entertainment fits squarely within that established trend of shifting away from water-based operations toward more flexible inland developments.
Data from state gaming reports shows that land-based facilities often allow for larger footprints and diversified amenities, which in turn supports the inclusion of elements like the planned retail sportsbook and expanded dining options at the new Hollywood Casino site.
Observers note that the move reflects ongoing adjustments in the regional casino sector, where operators evaluate site transitions to improve accessibility and operational efficiency under the updated legal provisions, and the Harvey project represents one of the more recent examples of this pattern taking shape.
Operational Transition Considerations
During the construction period the existing Boomtown riverboat would continue to serve guests until the new facility reaches completion, providing continuity for employees and visitors alike, and the adjacent site location supports potential reuse of certain support infrastructure to streamline the handover process.
Company filings and public statements detail that the investment covers all major aspects of the build-out, from structural work to technology integration for the slot machines, table games, and sportsbook components, while the overall scope remains focused on delivering a modern land-based entertainment destination.
Conclusion
The PENN Entertainment initiative in Harvey marks a significant capital commitment within the Louisiana gaming market, centered on replacing the riverboat format with a land-based Hollywood Casino New Orleans that incorporates the outlined gaming capacity, sports betting, and hospitality features under the guidelines of the 2018 relocation law. As the project advances through regulatory channels toward the 2029 target, it contributes to the documented evolution of casino operations across the state, where similar transitions have reshaped property configurations and expanded amenity offerings for patrons.