If you’re driving across the Harvey Canal and see that massive riverboat docked on the West Bank, you've found it. Most people visiting the Big Easy stick to the neon lights of Canal Street or the smoky corners of the French Quarter, but locals know that Boomtown Casino and Hotel New Orleans offers a completely different vibe. It’s gritty. It’s authentic. Honestly, it’s a bit of a throwback to when riverboat gambling was the only game in town.
You won't find the glitz of Las Vegas here. Instead, you get a massive three-level gaming floor that actually floats on the water, connected to a modern hotel that feels surprisingly quiet compared to the chaos of the casino floor. It’s a weird, charming mix. People come for the loose slots and stay because they don't want to fight for parking in the CBD.
The Layout: Why Three Floors Matter
The first thing you’ll notice is the scale. We’re talking over 30,000 square feet of gaming space. Because it’s a riverboat—technically—the space is vertical. The first level is usually where the high-energy slots and the main cage live. If you’re looking for table games, you’re heading up.
It’s crowded on Friday nights. Like, really crowded.
You’ll see folks who have been playing the same machine for twenty years sitting right next to a bachelor party that just wandered in from a swamp tour. That’s the magic of the West Bank. It’s a melting pot of "Who Dat" culture and serious gamblers. The air smells like a mix of fried seafood from the nearby restaurants and that specific, electric scent of a thousand slot machines humming at once.
Gaming at Boomtown Casino and Hotel New Orleans
Let’s talk about the money. With over 700 slot machines, you’d think it would be easy to find your favorite, but they rotate titles frequently. You’ve got the classics—Wheel of Fortune is always screaming somewhere in the background—and the newer, massive curved-screen cabinets that look like they belong in a sci-fi movie.
💡 You might also like: Clima en Las Vegas: Lo que nadie te dice sobre sobrevivir al desierto
Table games are where the real West Bank personality shines. Blackjack, Craps, and Roulette are the staples. The dealers here are mostly veterans; they’ve seen it all and they aren't afraid to joke around with you if you aren't being a jerk. It makes the "house wins" pill a little easier to swallow.
- The Poker Room: It’s one of the few dedicated spaces left in the area where you can actually find a consistent game. They run Texas Hold 'em and sometimes Omaha, depending on the crowd.
- The Sportsbook: Since sports betting became legal in Louisiana, the Caesars Sportsbook inside Boomtown has become a massive draw. During Saints games? Forget it. It’s standing room only. The energy is basically a mini-dome.
Where to Eat When the Luck Runs Out
You’re going to get hungry. It’s New Orleans; it’s practically a law.
Boomtown doesn't have a dozen celebrity chef restaurants, but what it has is solid. Pier 4 is the go-to for a "nice" dinner. Think thick steaks and local seafood. It’s the kind of place where you celebrate a big win or commiserate over a bad beat.
Then there’s Asia. It’s a bit of a local secret that the Vietnamese food in the West Bank is some of the best in the country, and the casino’s noodle bar holds its own. The Pho is legit. It’s fast, hot, and way better than any standard casino buffet food you’ve ever had.
If you just need a quick greasy fix to keep you going at the machines, the Boomers Lounge or the quick-service spots will do. Just don't expect a five-course meal at 2:00 AM.
📖 Related: Cape of Good Hope: Why Most People Get the Geography All Wrong
The Hotel Experience: A West Bank Sanctuary
The hotel at Boomtown Casino and Hotel New Orleans is a bit of a paradox. You walk through this loud, ringing, flashing casino environment, go up an elevator, and suddenly it's dead silent.
The rooms are surprisingly large. They went through a renovation a few years back that pulled them out of the 90s and into something much more contemporary. Expect clean lines, comfortable beds, and—if you’re lucky—a view of the canal or the distant New Orleans skyline.
It’s a 150-room boutique setup, basically.
Is it luxury? No. It’s comfortable. It’s a place to crash after a long night. The biggest perk is the price point. You can often snag a room here for a fraction of what you’d pay at a big-name hotel across the river, and you’re only about 15 to 20 minutes away from the French Quarter if you catch the traffic right.
Logistics: Getting There and Staying Safe
The West Bank isn't the easiest place to navigate if you're a tourist. You’re going to be crossing the Crescent City Connection. Traffic is a nightmare during rush hour—3:30 PM to 6:00 PM is a no-go zone.
👉 See also: 去罗纳德·里根华盛顿国家机场？这些事儿你可能还没搞明白
Parking at Boomtown is actually one of its best features. It’s free. It’s abundant. They have a massive parking garage and surface lots. In a city where parking can cost $50 a night, this is a huge deal.
As for safety, the casino has a heavy security presence. The West Bank has its rough spots, but the casino grounds are well-monitored. Just use your head. Don't flash a giant wad of cash in the parking lot at 3:00 AM. Basic common sense goes a long way.
The Myths vs. The Reality
People think Boomtown is "just for locals." While it's true that the morning crowd is mostly regulars who know the cocktail waitresses by name, the nights and weekends are a different story. It attracts a huge variety of travelers who want the New Orleans experience without the New Orleans price tag.
Another misconception is that it’s "falling apart." Look, it’s a riverboat. It has character. There might be a worn carpet here or there, but the facility is well-maintained by Penn Entertainment. They keep the tech updated, even if the exterior still looks like a classic 19th-century vessel.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
If you're actually going to head out to Harvey, keep these things in mind to make the trip worth it:
- Join the Rewards Club: It sounds cliché, but the PENN Play cards actually get you decent discounts on food almost immediately. Even if you don't gamble much, the food comps add up.
- Check the Entertainment Schedule: Boomers Lounge often has local bands. Seeing a local brass band or a swamp pop group in a small venue is a much more intimate experience than the big clubs on Bourbon Street.
- Eat Off-Site Once: While the casino food is good, you’re in Harvey. Go find a local po-boy shop or a Vietnamese bakery nearby during the day. You won't regret it.
- Watch the Bridge: If you have a dinner reservation in the city, leave at least 45 minutes early. The bridge is unpredictable.
- Use the Valet: If it's raining—and it rains a lot in South Louisiana—just use the valet. It’s efficient and keeps you from getting soaked while walking from the far end of the lot.
Boomtown isn't trying to be the Wynn. It’s a local hub with a lot of heart, plenty of ways to lose (or win) a buck, and a front-row seat to the industrial beauty of the Harvey Canal. It’s New Orleans, just a little bit slower and a lot more relaxed.
For your next move, check the local weather forecast before booking. If there’s a threat of heavy flooding, the West Bank can become difficult to navigate. Once you’ve confirmed clear skies, look into mid-week room rates, which often drop significantly, allowing you to spend more on the gaming floor or at the Pier 4 steakhouse.