Penn Entertainment has announced plans to invest approximately $195 million to relocate its Boomtown Casino and Hotel New Orleans from a riverboat to a new land-based property nearby, pending regulatory approval.
The proposed new casino, to be renamed Hollywood Casino New Orleans, is expected to open around 2029. It will feature roughly 140,000 square feet of new development, offering a modernized gaming environment. This relocation follows a 2018 Louisiana law that permits riverboat casinos to move onto land within 1,200 feet of their current location, provided they demonstrate economic development benefits.
For players and visitors, this move could improve accessibility and convenience. Riverboat casinos often face limitations related to weather and navigation, which land-based venues can avoid. The larger footprint of the new facility may allow for an expanded selection of gaming options, amenities, and entertainment, potentially enhancing the overall customer experience.
However, players should be aware that the transition period leading up to the 2029 opening could affect access to Boomtown’s current offerings. Changes in operational hours, game availability, and on-site services might occur during the relocation process. Patrons are advised to stay informed about updates from Penn Entertainment and the Louisiana Gaming Control Board (LGCB).
The LGCB has already approved similar relocations for five other licensees, including Horseshoe Lake Charles and Bally’s Baton Rouge, signaling regulatory support for land-based casino developments in the state. This regulatory backing suggests the new Hollywood Casino New Orleans will align with Louisiana’s economic and gaming policies.
Penn Entertainment plans to finance the project primarily with cash on hand but may also use other liquidity sources. The company has completed three recent land-based casino relocations, including Hollywood Casino Aurora and Hollywood Casino Joliet in Illinois, and plans to open Hollywood Casino Council Bluffs in Iowa in 2028.
Players concerned about gambling harm should note that land-based casinos typically maintain established responsible gambling programs and support services. The relocation may provide opportunities to enhance these protections, though specific details will depend on final operational plans and regulatory conditions.
As the project advances, updates on the casino’s design, game mix, and responsible gambling measures are expected. Current Boomtown Casino patrons should monitor announcements to understand how the relocation might affect their gaming experience.
For further details, see the original announcement from CDC Gaming. Additional information on Louisiana gaming regulations is available from the Louisiana Gaming Control Board.
Related news includes recent casino revenue trends in Kansas, where casinos generated $37.3 million in July, up 3.2% year-over-year, and enforcement actions against illegal gambling in Florida, where authorities seized 60 illegal slot machines at a bingo establishment. These stories highlight ongoing regulatory activity in US gaming markets.
Players interested in casino developments and regulatory updates in the US can visit our USA section and explore topics on Responsible Gambling.
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