PENN Seeks Approval for $195 Million Hollywood Casino New Orleans

HARVEY, La. – PENN Entertainment plans to replace Boomtown Casino New Orleans with a $195 million land-based Hollywood Casino, pending approval.

The move would retire the property’s stationary riverboat casino while keeping gaming operations and hundreds of jobs in Jefferson Parish. PENN expects the new casino to open in 2029 if the required regulatory approvals are secured.

PENN announced the project, proposing roughly 140,000 square feet of new development on land adjacent to the existing Boomtown property. The current hotel is expected to remain open, while the riverboat would be vacated once the new casino begins operating.

New Casino Would Add 875 Slots and 45 Tables

Hollywood Casino New Orleans is planned with approximately 875 slot machines and 45 table games, along with a retail sportsbook and multiple dining options. The existing Boomtown casino offers more than 700 slot and video poker games, more than 20 table games, a poker room and a sportsbook.

PENN said it expects to fund the $195 million development primarily with cash on hand, although it may also use its balance sheet or other liquidity sources. CEO and President Jay Snowden described the project as part of the company’s strategy of investing in existing casino markets through land-based replacements.

Louisiana State Police data cited by WVUE show Boomtown recorded more than 778,000 visits and approximately $104 million in gaming revenue during the year ended June 30, 2026. The existing property employs more than 400 people, according to Jefferson Parish Councilman Tim Kerner Jr.

Louisiana Board to Consider Relocation Aug. 20

The proposal has not yet received regulatory approval. The Louisiana Gaming Control Board’s Aug. 20 agenda includes consideration of Boomtown New Orleans’ petition to relocate its gaming operations and modify its licence conditions.

The board is also scheduled to consider renewal of the property’s sports wagering licence. PENN would need regulatory clearance before proceeding with the relocation, while the company has also said it plans to work with the Jefferson Parish Council on the project.

PENN currently operates four other casino destinations in Louisiana: L’Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles, L’Auberge Casino Hotel Baton Rouge, Boomtown Casino Hotel Bossier City and Margaritaville Resort Casino. The company says it employs more than 3,500 people in Louisiana and contributes more than $200 million annually in state and local taxes.

PENN Continues Shift from Riverboat Casinos

The New Orleans proposal would be PENN’s fourth recent move from riverboat gaming to a land-based Hollywood Casino property. The company opened new land-based casinos in Joliet in 2025 and Hollywood Casino and Hotel Aurora in June, replacing older Illinois riverboat operations.

PENN is also developing Hollywood Casino Council Bluffs in Iowa, where another riverboat operation is expected to be replaced by a land-based property in 2028. The Louisiana Gaming Control Board’s Aug. 20 decision is the next step for the New Orleans proposal, with PENN targeting a 2029 opening if the relocation proceeds.

RELATED TOPICS: Business