Penn Entertainment to build $195M land-based casino in New Orleans

Penn Entertainment has announced plans to invest $195 million to transition its Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans from a riverboat operation to a new land-based facility. The proposed 140,000 to 145,000-square-foot building will be located near the current site in Harvey, Louisiana, and will operate under the new name, ‘Hollywood Casino New Orleans.’

If approved by Louisiana state gaming regulators, the project would provide the New Orleans area with its second brick-and-mortar casino, joining Harrah’s New Orleans. The move represents a significant regulatory shift, as Louisiana has historically required riverboat casinos to operate on water.

The investment follows a regional trend of operators moving riverboat properties to land to provide larger gaming floors, enhanced hotel amenities, and more event space. Similar recent transitions include the Treasure Chest Casino in Kenner and Bally’s Baton Rouge. The project currently awaits regulatory review before construction can begin.