The new facility will occupy more than 140,000 square feet
PENN expects to keep the existing hotel open
An announcement highlighted PENN’s recent history of successful riverboat casino relocations
PENN Entertainment announced Monday it will spend $195 million to move its Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans on-shore.
The riverboat property will be rebranded as Hollywood Casino New Orleans, pending regulatory approval. Current plans for a new property call for 140,000 square feet of development and a wide array of gaming and entertainment options.
The current riverboat location will be vacated.
PENN New Orleans casino heading to shore
Although the plans have not been finalized, the expectation is that the existing hotel will remain open.
“This investment reflects our disciplined approach to capital allocation, prioritizing organic growth opportunities that build on our operational strengths and are expected to deliver compelling returns,” said Jay Snowden, CEO and President of PENN Entertainment, in a company announcement. “The new Hollywood Casino New Orleans will represent our fourth landside move in recent years, following the recent openings of Hollywood Casino Aurora and Hollywood Casino Joliet in Illinois and the expected opening of Hollywood Casino Council Bluffs in Iowa in 2028.
As this is not PENN’s first relocation, it has experience in taking established gaming destinations and turning them into more prominent venues. That experience is expected to help give the gaming giant a leg up when it comes time to open the new property.
“As with our previous relocations, we expect our new facility to enhance the customer experience and strengthen the property’s competitive position in the New Orleans market,” Snowden said.
Hollywood Casino sign
Deep roots in Louisiana
Hollywood Casino New Orleans will be PENN’s fifth casino in Louisiana, alongside L’Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles, L’Auberge Casino Hotel Baton Rouge, Margaritaville Resort and Boomtown Casino Hotel in Bossier City, alongside the current Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans.
The company noted its appreciation for its connection to Louisiana guests, travelers, and residents who visited its casino.
“We are incredibly proud to be a leader in the gaming and entertainment industry in the great state of Louisiana,” Snowden said. “Today’s announcement highlights our continued commitment to reinvesting in our facilities and team members, and we look forward to working with the Louisiana Gaming Control Board and Jefferson Parish Council to add yet another best-in-class property to our national footprint.”
PENN is hoping to finance the relocation with cash.
Boomtown Casino & Hotel New Orleans is located on the West Bank of Jefferson Parish in Harvey, about 15 minutes away from the French Quarter. The riverboat casino houses over 700 slot machines and video poker games and 20 table games. It also has a 150-room-and-suite hotel, a steakhouse, additional restaurants, a retail sportsbook, and an entertainment venue.
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