PENN Entertainment to build $195 million Hollywood Casino New Orleans

The legendary Boomtown New Orleans Casino on the West Bank is preparing for a fundamental transformation. As owner PENN Entertainment announced on Monday, the current riverboat casino will be completely abandoned. Instead, a massive new building is being constructed directly on land in Harvey. The project marks a turning point for the Louisiana gaming market, representing one of the largest single investments in relocating a floating license to date. With a budget of $195 million, PENN is sending a clear signal to competitors and reinforcing its commitment to Jefferson Parish.

The new facility will not only be more modern but also significantly larger than the previous location on the Harvey Canal. Under the new brand name Hollywood Casino New Orleans, a complex will be created on 140,000 square feet to provide top-tier entertainment. The design aims to attract both regular guests and new tourists. The decision to move follows a clear regional trend where former riverboat operators take advantage of permanent structures to generate more stable earnings and a better guest experience.

Numbers and facts

The dimensions of the new venture are impressive. The interior of the complex is set to house 875 slot machines and 45 table games. In comparison, the current riverboat currently houses about 700 slots and 20 tables across three floors. This represents a significant increase in capacity. Additionally, a retail sportsbook, an exclusive VIP lounge, and several restaurants are planned, including a high-end steakhouse. The company expects a total of 475 employees to work at the facility after it opens in 2029.

Economically, the Boomtown location is already a heavyweight. Between July 2025 and June 2026, the casino generated a Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) of approximately $104.6 million. Monthly, the facility records about 60,000 to 70,000 visits, according to Louisiana State Police figures. The casino is also a major contributor to public funds. In the fiscal year ending in June alone, $22.5 million in local taxes flowed to Jefferson Parish and four neighboring municipalities.

Background

The strategic retreat from the water is not an isolated case. A 2018 law change paved the way for this development. Previously, Louisiana casinos were legally required to operate on water. The new regulation allows riverboat license holders to move their operations up to a quarter-mile onto land. PENN Entertainment is in good company. Treasure Chest Casino in Kenner opened a $100 million land-based facility in 2024. The Belle of Baton Rouge also made the switch for $141 million and now operates as Bally's Baton Rouge.

Kathryn Jenkins, Vice President and General Manager of Boomtown, emphasized the long-term importance of the investment:

"We’re proud to make this significant investment in Jefferson Parish and create a new destination that will serve our guests and the community for years to come." - Kathryn Jenkins, Vice President and General Manager at Boomtown New Orleans

The numbers support the operators' decisions. At Treasure Chest Casino, Gross Gaming Revenue rose by a staggering 70 percent in the first year after moving on land. Such growth rates motivate companies like PENN to invest in modern infrastructure despite high construction costs, especially as competition from expanding sports betting and new gambling offerings in the U.S. continues to increase.

Why it matters for German players

For German casino fans, such news from the U.S. is exciting but has no direct impact on the local market. In Germany, the State Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021) strictly regulates who can offer online slots or poker. While massive complexes with countless machines are built in Louisiana, German players must adhere to strict limits. In this country, a 1-euro stake limit applies to virtual slot machines per spin. Furthermore, the monthly deposit limit is generally capped at 1,000 euros across all providers, monitored by the central LUGAS system. Anyone wishing to play safely should always ensure the provider is on the official whitelist of the Joint Gaming Authority of the States (GGL).

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

German GGL licensees operate in a completely different regulatory environment than PENN Entertainment in Louisiana. While U.S. operators grow through physical land-based expansion, German providers focus on complying with technical guidelines for player protection. However, the professionalism with which companies like PENN plan their billion-dollar investments shows how important transparency and state regulation are for customer trust. German providers use similar marketing strategies as large U.S. houses but must follow much stricter limits regarding bonus offers and advertising to avoid jeopardizing their GGL license. The comparison shows: while physical size matters in the U.S., regulatory compliance is the most important competitive factor in Germany.