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Penn continues expansion project with Columbus hotel opening

The $100m, 203-room expansion is the third of four retail projects the operator plans to complete within a year.

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Key Points
Penn Entertainment has opened a new 203-room hotel tower at Hollywood Casino Columbus, part of a $100m expansion
The project is the third of four retail developments the operator plans to finish within a year, with a new property in Aurora, Illinois due to open on June 24

Penn Entertainment has opened a new hotel tower at Hollywood Casino Columbus, part of a $100m expansion that adds 203 rooms to the Ohio property.

The 150,000-square-foot tower includes 183 standard rooms and 20 suites, along with a restaurant and bar called The Hill Eatery & Lounge, conference space, a fitness center and an outdoor terrace. According to the company, the addition would bring 150 new jobs to the property.

The operator also plans to add a high limit table games room and a speakeasy bar at the property in the third quarter of 2026, pending regulatory approval.

The opening was marked with a ceremony that included a performance by The Ohio State University Alumni Band, a concert by Bret Michaels and a giveaway of a 2026 Indian Motorcycle.

Jay Snowden, CEO and President of Penn Entertainment, said: "We're delighted to officially open our new hotel in Columbus, which further positions us as the top entertainment destination in the region. 

“This opening marks our third of four retail development projects to open in under a year, and we expect to follow this momentous day with the grand opening of our new casino in Aurora, Illinois in less than two weeks."

The Columbus hotel follows the completion of two other Penn projects in 2025, a land based casino in Joliet, Illinois and a hotel tower at M Resort Spa Casino in Las Vegas. The operator's new Hollywood Casino Aurora is scheduled to open on June 24, while a relocation to a land based property in Council Bluffs, Iowa is expected in 2028, pending regulatory approval.

The expansion comes after Penn reported first quarter revenue of $1.78bn, a 6.2% increase year on year, with its retail segment generating $1.4bn. The company posted a net loss of $2.2m during the quarter, while its interactive segment grew 15.8% as it prepares to enter the regulated Albertan online gambling market in July.

Good to know

Penn Entertainment reported Q1 2026 revenue of $1.78bn, a 6.2% year on year increase driven largely by its retail segment

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