Hollywood Casino at Penn National Racecourse
- Founded
- 1972-01-01 in Grantville, Pennsylvania, USA
- Headquarters
- 777 Hollywood Blvd, Grantville, PA 17028, USA
Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course is a combined thoroughbred horse racing track and casino located in Grantville, Pennsylvania, serving the Harrisburg, Hershey, and Lancaster regions. Originally opened as Penn National Race Course on August 30, 1972, the property was acquired by Peter D. Carlino in 1982, marking the birth of what would become Penn Entertainment. The casino component was added later, and the property was rebranded under the “Hollywood Casino” banner. Today, it features over 2,400 slot machines, more than 50 live table games, and live thoroughbred racing with a season of over 150 days per year, plus simulcast wagering available 365 days. A recently opened ESPN BET retail sportsbook further integrates with Penn Entertainment’s digital platform. The venue includes multiple dining options, live entertainment, and is part of the PENN Play loyalty program. It is a flagship property within Penn Entertainment’s regional casino portfolio, employing several hundred staff and serving as a major entertainment destination in Central Pennsylvania.
Detailed Review
History and Founding
Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course traces its roots to the opening of Penn National Race Course on August 30, 1972, in Grantville, Pennsylvania. The thoroughbred racetrack was acquired by Peter D. Carlino in 1982, an event that led to the formation of Penn Entertainment (formerly Penn National Gaming). The casino component was added later, and the property was rebranded under the Hollywood Casino banner to align with Penn Entertainment’s national brand. The track has produced notable horses like Rapid Redux and remains a prominent venue for live racing.
Business Model and Revenue
As a “racino,” the property generates revenue from both casino gambling and horse racing operations. The casino floor includes over 2,400 slot machines and more than 50 live table games, including blackjack, poker, roulette, and craps. Live thoroughbred racing runs 150+ days per year, and simulcast wagering is available year-round, providing steady income from betting commissions. The recently opened ESPN BET retail sportsbook, launched in 2024, adds sports betting revenue and integrates with Penn Entertainment’s digital sportsbook app. The property also earns from dining, entertainment, and event rentals.
Products and Platforms
Key offerings include slots and table games, live horse racing, simulcast wagering, the ESPN BET sportsbook, and a Hollywood Casino mobile app with over 500 games. The PENN Play loyalty program (formerly mychoice) rewards play across all Penn Entertainment properties. Dining options include The Paddock and Final Cut Steakhouse, while the H Lounge hosts live entertainment. The property does not operate a hotel but is near lodging in Hershey and Harrisburg.
Market Position and Competition
Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course competes with other Pennsylvania casinos such as Hollywood Casino York, Hollywood Casino Morgantown, and Parx Casino. Its combination of live racing and casino gaming gives it a unique niche as the only racino in central Pennsylvania. The property benefits from its location near the Hershey/Harrisburg tourism corridor and its integration with Penn Entertainment’s national brand and digital platforms.
Regulatory and Licensing
The property is licensed and regulated by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board and the Pennsylvania Horse Racing Commission. It operates under Penn Entertainment’s master license and must comply with state gambling, racing, and sports betting laws. The ESPN BET sportsbook is subject to the state’s sports wagering regulations.
Recent Developments
In 2024, the property opened an ESPN BET retail sportsbook, enhancing its sports betting footprint. Penn Entertainment has also expanded its NASCAR partnership, including the Hollywood Casino 400 race. The property continues to host special events like Dog Friendly Fridays and family-friendly race nights, maintaining its position as a regional entertainment hub.
Key Products
Slots and Table Games
Over 2,400 slot machines and more than 50 live table games including blackjack, poker, roulette, and craps.
Live Horse Racing
Thoroughbred racing with a regular season of 150+ days per year, held Wednesday through Saturday.
Simulcast Wagering
Year-round access to live racing feeds from tracks across the country, with self-service and staffed wagering stations.
ESPN BET Sportsbook
Retail sportsbook launched in 2024, offering in-person betting alongside the digital ESPN BET app.
Hollywood Casino App
Mobile app for the property with 500+ games, promotions, and account management.
PENN Play Rewards
Cross-property loyalty program that integrates with other Penn Entertainment casinos, formerly mychoice.
Restaurants and Entertainment
Ten dining options including The Paddock and Final Cut Steakhouse, plus live entertainment at the H Lounge and outdoor venues.
Event Rentals
Private and corporate event spaces for meetings, parties, and racing season box rentals.
Recent News
Pennsylvania Gaming Revenue Surpasses $7bn in FY2025-26 as June Figures Slip 1.7%
Pennsylvania's total gaming revenue for fiscal year 2025-2026 broke the $7bn barrier for the first time, rising 9.6%, though June revenue dipped 1.7% to $535.3m. iGaming led the annual gains with an 18.4% increase to $2.9bn, while sports wagering surged 36% despite a June slump.
2026-07-17