One thing’s for sure, the state of Pennsylvania sure loves its gambling. The casinos and racinos in the state are all big properties and offer as many legal gambling options as they possibly can.
Hollywood Casino at Penn National is another of these establishments with lots of acreage and lots to offer. Located just outside of Harrisburg, Hollywood Casino at Penn National began as strictly a thoroughbred racetrack.
In 1971, it opened as a one-mile dirt track as well as a seven-furlough grass course and has only expanded since. Gambling is big business in The Keystone State, and Hollywood Casino at Penn National attempts to capture as much of that market as they possibly can.
Hollywood Casino
The Hollywood Casino at Penn National is definitely a thoroughbred racing track first. Their casino was added years after the track was built, and you can tell. That said, there is plenty of action on this huge gaming floor.
For starters, there are over 2,000 slots machines, ranging from reels, progressives, video poker, and video slots. From a penny to $100, the slots here are very popular.
Table games weren’t allowed in Hollywood Casino until 2012, but they’ve made up for lost time by offering hundreds of tables featuring dozens of games. All the classic casino table games are here, such as blackjack, craps, and roulette.
Plus, there are several specialty games such as Big Wheel 6, Three Card Poker, Four Card Poker, High Card Flush, Pai Gow, Let It Ride, Spanish 21 and many more. Although the look of the gaming floor is a bit dated, Hollywood Casino does a great job of keeping the popular tables open and active no matter the time of day.
Hollywood Poker Room
We are very happy to report that the poker room at Hollywood Casino is a legit offering. There are cash games here daily and great tournaments weekly with over 15 full-length poker tables.
Open 24/7 365 days a year, Hollywood Casino is the host of several large tournaments such as the Keystone State Poker Championship Series. All levels of player are welcome, and they won’t have any problem finding a table.
The house favorites are Texas Hold ’em, Omaha, Omaha H/L, and Seven Card Stud. This room may not have the amenities of other poker rooms, but it does have the most important thing, action on the tables.
Hollywood Sportsbook
Sports betting is now legal in Pennsylvania, and Hollywood Casino was the first sportsbook up and running in the state. This is a modern sportsbook that makes placing a wager as easy as possible.
Sports bettors can wager on football, basketball, hockey, soccer, baseball, golf, tennis, auto racing, rugby, cycling, boxing, MMA, and cricket. Types of wagers include straight wagers, parlays, match-ups, futures, and props.
In-game betting is also available as are viewing stations, lounge seating, odds-display monitors, and over 50 feet of wall space dedicated solely to HD televisions for your viewing pleasure.
Hollywood Horse Racing
It all begins with thoroughbred horse racing at Hollywood Casino at Penn National. This is how it all started, and this track is very famous all around the country.
Some of the best races outside of the Triple Crown are hosted here, and there is action week after week. However, it is of the utmost importance to share that the Hollywood Casino at Penn National has been investigated on more than one occasion by the FBI for fixing races.
To make things worse, it appears as if it was an inside job. This has been a huge black eye for the track, and they’ve spent years trying to undo the damage.
Hollywood Promotions
Not only can you find good promotions at Hollywood Casino, but there is also a fine rewards system. Being a member of the Penn National family has its perks because Hollywood Casino is able to offer its MyChoice Rewards, and these rewards are good at any Penn National property.
Plus, new members receive $30 of Free Play guaranteed on Day One and a chance to receive $500 Free Play after three visits.
Hollywood Dining
As a full-sized horse racetrack and casino, Hollywood Casino at Penn National has plenty of dining options all over the property. There are quick and casual bites available at numerous stands.
You can grab a beer and a burger while watching the games in the Skybox Sports Bar. There is The Eatery by Fabio Viviani for a wide variety of great dishes.
Plus, for those looking for something a little more high end, there is Final Cut Steakhouse and Seafood. No matter what you are hungry for, Hollywood Casino has you covered.
Overall Review
Hollywood Casino at Penn National is the total gambling experience. This place has everything, and we love a place with options.
However, you’ll notice nothing is new or modern about Hollywood Casino. Everything looks make-shift and run-down.
Do they still have plenty to offer? Yes, but the look of the place, coupled with the bad reputation, leaves us wanting more. Some remodeling and rebranding are definitely in order. However, if you are looking for any and every form of legal action, you can find it at Hollywood Casino at Penn National.