Penn Entertainment sets opening date for $206M tower at M Resort
Penn Entertainment has announced a $206 million expansion of M Resort in Henderson, Nevada, scheduled to open on 1 December. The project is part of the company’s larger $850 million investment plan. The expansion includes a second tower, which will increase the resort’s room count from 381 to 765. Additional features include a new restaurant and an additional meeting space. Henderson is located near the Las Vegas Strip and is seeing increased activity in tourism and conventions.
New second tower details
The new tower will add 384 rooms, doubling the resort’s total capacity. The expansion is intended to accommodate increased demand from business groups and individual travellers, and to ease booking congestion during busy periods. The rooms will include updated design elements, standard furnishings, and in-room technology. The architectural style will match the existing structure with some modern updates.
Emeril Lagasse is a chef with experience in operating restaurants. Meril, named after his daughter, serves a menu influenced by international cuisines. The Henderson location will be the second for the restaurant and is part of M Resort’s expansion. Lagasse currently runs Emeril’s New Orleans Fish House at MGM Grand and Delmonico Steakhouse at The Venetian. He previously operated Table 10 and Lagasse Stadium at the Venetian/Palazzo, which closed in 2017 and 2020.
A new 15,000-square-foot ballroom named Montese is scheduled to open on 1 October. It will be available for events such as weddings, conferences, and other large gatherings. The resort’s expanded meeting areas and increased room capacity will allow it to accommodate larger conventions, sports events, and corporate functions in the Las Vegas region.
Penn Entertainment’s broader growth plan
Penn Entertainment has opened a new casino in Joliet, Illinois, as part of its ongoing development efforts. Next on the list is a new hotel adjacent to Hollywood Casino Columbus, expected to open in late 2025. By the first half of 2026, Penn plans to unveil a new land-based Hollywood Casino in Aurora, replacing its riverboat operations.
In a news release, Penn Entertainment CEO and President Jay Snowden announced the company’s latest development in Henderson, Nevada, following the recent opening of Hollywood Casino Joliet in Illinois.
Snowden stated, “We’re thrilled to be unveiling our newest development in Henderson on the heels of our recent grand opening of the new Hollywood Casino Joliet in Illinois. This new tower and restaurant from The Emeril Group expands our market-leading amenities at M Resort and provides much-needed additional room capacity for group business and the overall strong demand of the Henderson local’s market.”
Todd George, Executive Vice President of Operations, noted that the resort’s expanded facilities and its partnership with the Las Vegas Raiders contribute to increased visitor activity, including conventions and other events.
George added, “We can’t wait to begin welcoming more visitors to our market-leading resort. Coupled with our extensive, expanded array of amenities and our highly successful partnership with the Las Vegas Raiders, M Resort is becoming the premier destination for visitors and convention attendees from across the country.”
Partnership with the Las Vegas Raiders
M Resort maintains a partnership with the Las Vegas Raiders, which contributes to increased visitor activity during football season. The partnership includes opportunities for hosting team-related events, fan gatherings, and corporate functions associated with the Raiders. The expansion is expected to create jobs and contribute to tourism-related spending in Henderson. The addition of a new restaurant and increased room capacity may attract visitors from outside the Las Vegas area.
Funding and financial strategy
Penn Entertainment will receive $150 million in funding during Q4 from Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc., based on a 7.79 percent capitalisation rate. The company expects increased revenue from additional rooms, expanded event capacity, and enhanced food and beverage operations. The new tower will include updated bedding and in-room technology. The property will offer expanded meeting areas and a new restaurant.
