Hollywood Casino at Penn National Racecourse is a casino and thoroughbred racetrack in Grantville, Pennsylvania, near Harrisburg and Hershey. Its strongest draw is gambling variety: more than 1,500 slots, live tables, an 11-table poker room, a retail sportsbook, and horse racing at one stop. I see it as a better fit for a day trip or race-night outing than a resort weekend. There is no on-site hotel, and while slots operate around the clock, live tables do not.
Hollywood Penn National quick facts
| Address | 777 Hollywood Blvd., Grantville, PA 17028 |
|---|---|
| Property type | Commercial racetrack casino |
| Slots and video poker | Open 24/7; more than 1,500 slots advertised |
| Live table hours | Sunday through Thursday: 10 a.m. to 4 a.m.; Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 a.m. |
| Minimum casino gambling age | 21 |
| Poker room | No |
| Retail sportsbook | Yes |
| Horse-race wagering | Scheduled live racing and year-round simulcast wagering |
| On-site hotel | No |
| Smoking | Permitted in designated casino areas |
| Rewards program | PENN Play |
| Phone | 717-469-2211 |
| Official website | Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course |
| Information reviewed | October 13, 2026; inventory figures have separate dates, and schedules can change |
What kind of casino is Hollywood Penn National?
This is a gaming-focused regional property, not a hotel resort with a casino downstairs. The racetrack gives it something beyond the usual slots-and-dinner combination, while poker and sports betting suit groups whose gambling interests do not line up neatly.
The property is part of PENN Entertainment’s lineup. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board identifies Mountainview Thoroughbred Racing Association, LLC, as the licensed operator. Its December 18, 2024, license-renewal release reported 1,596 slot machines and 65 table games.
Those are dated inventory figures, not a current floor count or a promise about staffed tables. The more recently collected casino information advertises more than 1,500 slots. I would use that broader figure for planning rather than pretend we have a fresh machine-by-machine count.
Compare other properties in our guide to Pennsylvania casinos.
Slots, video poker, and table games
The key planning distinction is between machine hours and live table hours. The official casino information lists slots and video poker as open 24/7. Live tables open at 10 a.m. and close at 4 a.m. Sunday through Thursday or 6 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Check the schedule before an early-morning trip.
Slots and video poker
More than 1,500 advertised slots make machine selection a substantial part of the appeal. Video poker provides an alternative to spinning reels.
My usual advice applies: read the total wager before playing. A penny denomination does not mean a penny spin. On video poker, compare pay tables rather than choosing by cabinet appearance alone.
A guest’s winning or losing session does not establish a machine’s long-term return. I would not choose this casino, or any other, on the theory that its slots are hot, due, or unusually generous.
Live and electronic table games
Live dealer options include blackjack, craps, roulette, and baccarat. Specific games, rules, and staffing can vary, so call ahead if one particular table is the reason for your drive.
The Gaming Control Board’s 2024–2025 annual report listed two fully automated tables and seven hybrid tables in its June 30, 2025, property profile. That is a historical breakdown, not a current game list.
I would not build a weekend budget around an assumed low minimum. Check posted limits before buying in. At blackjack, the payout and rules deserve the same attention as the minimum.
Poker room
Hollywood Penn National advertises a dedicated 11-table player-versus-player poker room near The Eatery and the racetrack entrance, with availability seven days a week.
Online waitlist registration requires valid PENN Play and Bravo Poker Live accounts. Joining a list is not a guaranteed seat, so check current games, hours, and waiting times before a poker-focused trip.
The regulator’s dated 65-table inventory does not specify whether poker tables are included. The poker-room count should not be added to it as though the combined total were separately established.
Retail sportsbook
This is a genuine retail sportsbook, not merely a bar showing games. The casino advertises more than 30 televisions and a 28-foot Jumbotron for sports viewing.
The official sportsbook page makes an important Bet Builder distinction: preparing a QR code on your phone does not place a wager. A teller must scan the code, and payment is required before you receive a live ticket.
Check betting-counter and ticket-cashing hours separately from casino hours. Keep paper tickets secure, and distinguish sports betting from the horse-racing wagering operation.
Horse racing and reserved seating costs
Racing most clearly separates this property from a conventional regional casino. I would give a scheduled race night extra consideration when the group wants something to watch rather than an evening spent entirely gambling indoors.
The official racing page advertises simulcast racing 365 days a year. Its published live-racing information lists Wednesday and Thursday racing with a 5:45 p.m. post time, but use the dated calendar for your actual visit. Paddock Café is listed as open during live racing.
A five-seat standard box is advertised at $25.00 per night or $50.00 on premium days. A box suite seats eight to ten and costs $100.00 per night or $150.00 on premium days.
Gamboool’s seating and dining-cost comparison
This comparison uses published prices, dining benefits, and stated assumptions. It is arithmetic for trip planning, not a firsthand spending test.
Gamboool original analysis
We assembled the comparison below from published information and our calculations. These are selected examples, rather than measured gambling sessions or a representative survey.
| Detail | Published information |
|---|---|
| Penn National Racecourse standard box: Capacity and nightly rental prices | A five-seat standard box rents for $25.00 per night or $50.00 on premium days. |
| Penn National Racecourse box suite: Capacity and nightly rental prices | A box suite seats eight to ten and rents for $100.00 per night or $150.00 on premium days. |
| Hollywood Casino at Penn National Racecourse dining rewards: PENN Cash dining conversion | The dining page advertises $2.00 in dining credit for each $1.00 of PENN Cash, with use limited to participating destinations. |
| The Eatery: Weekday tier discounts | Monday–Wednesday Eatery discounts are 20% for Owners Club, 15% for Elite, and 10% for Preferred. |
| PENN Play new-member dining offer: Eligibility and exclusions | New members who also register for the app are offered a $25.00 dining credit; Zia Park is excluded, and participating outlets vary. |
| Penn National Racecourse: Simulcast versus live-racing availability | Simulcast racing is advertised year-round, while live racing follows its own calendar. |
| Penn National Racecourse: Published live-racing timing and café availability | The page advertises Wednesday and Thursday racing with a 5:45 p.m. post time, and Paddock Café service during live racing; visitors should consult the dated calendar. |
| Hollywood Casino at Penn National Racecourse sportsbook: Bet Builder versus an accepted wager | Preparing a Bet Builder QR code does not place a wager; a teller must scan it, and payment is required. |
| PENN Draft House: Service format and weekly schedule | Drinks are pick-up only. Published hours are Friday 5 p.m.–midnight, Saturday 1 p.m.–midnight, and Sunday 1 p.m.–11 p.m.; it is closed Monday–Thursday. |
| Hollywood Casino at Penn National Racecourse: Casino license renewal | The regulator’s December 18, 2024, release documents renewal of the operator’s casino license for an additional five-year period. |
| Calculation | Result | Takeaway |
|---|---|---|
| Standard racing box: regular-night cost per seat at full occupancy | $5.00 per occupied seat per night | Sharing a standard box with a full group spreads the rental cost; an unfilled box costs more per person. |
| Standard racing box: premium-night cost per seat at full occupancy | $10.00 per occupied seat per night | Compare the premium-night seat cost with the regular-night scenario before choosing a racing date. |
| Racing box suite: regular-night cost per person for a full-size group | $10.00 per person per night | Compare the suite with standard boxes by group size rather than by the rental charge alone. |
| Owners Club Eatery discount on an illustrative $40.00 eligible food subtotal | $8.00 discounted from eligible food subtotal | Use the weekday discount if you already qualify, and confirm eligible items before ordering. |
| Preferred Eatery discount on the same illustrative $40.00 eligible food subtotal | $4.00 discounted from eligible food subtotal | The same food order receives a different discount by tier; do not gamble more merely to pursue a dining benefit. |
| Dining-credit value of an illustrative $25.00 PENN Cash balance | $50.00 of dining credit | Consider eligible dining when redeeming an existing balance, but confirm participating outlets and do not assume discounts can be stacked. |
Research references: pennentertainment.com 1, pennentertainment.com 2, pennentertainment.com 3, pennentertainment.com 4, gamingcontrolboard.pa.gov.
Method: Published inputs collected 2026-10-13. Illustrative assumptions are labeled, and the full calculation inputs remain in the saved research record. These examples support planning; they do not predict a particular session.
With all five seats occupied, a standard box works out to $5.00 per person on a regular night or $10.00 per person on a premium night. These amounts cover box rental only, not wagers, meals, or other charges. An unfilled box costs more per attendee.
For an illustrative ten-person group, a regular-night suite works out to $10.00 per person. My takeaway: choose by group size and the seating experience you want. A suite is not automatically the economical choice merely because it accommodates more people.
Hotel and overnight planning
There is no on-site hotel. Finishing a late session means another journey, not an elevator ride to your room.
Grantville and the wider Harrisburg and Hershey area offer separate lodging options. Compare the actual route, final room price, cancellation terms, and transportation arrangements. Do not assume a nearby hotel provides a casino shuttle.
I would treat this primarily as a drive-in outing. If dinner, drinks, and a late night are the plan, arrange the return ride before arriving. For a pool-and-spa weekend, choose lodging around those priorities rather than expecting a casino resort experience here.
Restaurants and bars
Final Cut Steakhouse is the sit-down option when dinner is part of the occasion. The casino also advertises complimentary valet with a Final Cut dining receipt. Check service days, menus, and reservation availability before organizing the evening around it.
The official dining page lists Mercato, Joe & Dough, and The Classic at The Eatery for quicker food, with ordering through the PENN Play app or kiosks. A race-focused visit calls for different meal timing than a leisurely steakhouse dinner.
PENN Draft House advertises 24 craft beer selections and cocktails, served as pick-up orders. Posted hours are Friday from 5 p.m. to midnight, Saturday from 1 p.m. to midnight, and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. It is closed Monday through Thursday. The Sportsbook offers another sports-bar setting.
PENN Play rewards and dining value
The dining page advertises $2.00 in dining credit for each $1.00 of PENN Cash at participating destinations. An illustrative existing $25.00 PENN Cash balance would therefore provide $50.00 in eligible dining credit. Confirm participating outlets and redemption terms before ordering.
Monday through Wednesday, The Eatery advertises discounts of 20% for Owners Club, 15% for Elite, and 10% for Preferred members. On an illustrative fully eligible $40.00 food subtotal, the calculations show an $8.00 Owners Club discount or a $4.00 Preferred discount, before tax and gratuity. Do not assume discounts and rewards redemptions can be combined.
My rule is to use benefits you already qualify for. Gambling more to chase a meal discount can turn a modest saving into an expensive dinner.
Entertainment and concerts
The official entertainment page advertises free live entertainment at H Lounge every Friday and Saturday night. Check the performer and start time before planning around it.
Outdoor concerts provide another reason to consult the event calendar. In a July 20, 2026, announcement, State Rep. Tom Mehaffie’s office reported $3 million in grant funding for My Heroes Stage improvements, including a shell structure and additional permanent seating. These were announced improvements, not confirmation of completed construction. Check the seating arrangement for your particular show before buying tickets.
Directions, valet, smoking, and practical information
The property is near Interstate 81 in Grantville. Use 777 Hollywood Blvd. in your navigation app to distinguish it from Pennsylvania’s other Hollywood-branded casinos. Consult the official visitor information before traveling.
Valet prices
| Visitor category | Regular pricing | Peak-day pricing |
|---|---|---|
| Non-cardholder | $10.00 | $20.00 |
| Advantage member | $3.00 | $10.00 |
| Play member | $5.00 | $10.00 |
| Owners, Elite, Preferred, or PENN Heroes member | Free | Free |
Ask about Final Cut receipt validation before paying for valet. These are published valet charges, not self-parking prices; check current terms and peak-day classifications.
Smoking and identification
Smoking is permitted in designated casino areas. A nonsmoking section is not a completely smoke-free building. Smoke-sensitive visitors should ask about the route to their intended games and restaurants.
You must be at least 21 to gamble in the casino. Bring valid government-issued photo identification. Ask about racing-area access separately if your group includes younger visitors.
When is the best time to visit?
- For slots and video poker: the 24/7 schedule offers the most flexibility.
- For live tables: use the table schedule, not simply the casino’s opening hours.
- For racing: choose a calendar date first, then fit dinner and casino time around post time.
- For Draft House and entertainment: Friday or Saturday aligns with both venues’ published schedules; check individual start and service times.
- For dining discounts: eligible higher-tier members may find Monday through Wednesday useful at The Eatery, but Draft House is closed on those days.
There is no single best day for everyone. Match the visit to your priorities rather than assuming every offering follows the slots’ schedule.
Who is this casino best for?
Hollywood Penn National is a good fit for adults planning a gaming-focused day trip near Harrisburg or Hershey, especially when live racing gives the outing a second act. Machines, live tables, poker, sports betting, and dining give a mixed-interest group options, but separate venue schedules reward a little planning. Visitors seeking an all-in-one overnight resort or a fully smoke-free casino should choose another property; separate lodging and designated smoking areas are meaningful trade-offs.
Frequently asked questions
Is Hollywood Casino at Penn National Racecourse open 24 hours?
Slots and video poker are advertised as open 24/7. Live tables open at 10 a.m. and close at 4 a.m. Sunday through Thursday or 6 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Other venues have separate schedules.
Does Hollywood Penn National have a poker room?
Yes. It advertises an 11-table dedicated poker room near The Eatery and the racetrack entrance. Online waitlist registration requires valid PENN Play and Bravo Poker Live accounts.
Does it have a retail sportsbook?
Yes. On-property wagering is available through a sportsbook teller. Creating a Bet Builder QR code alone does not place a bet.
Is there an on-site hotel?
No. Overnight visitors need separate lodging and transportation arrangements.
Can you watch live racing every day?
No. Live racing follows a calendar. Year-round simulcast wagering does not mean horses race on the property every day.
Is valet free?
It is advertised as free for specified rewards tiers, PENN Heroes members, and visitors with a qualifying Final Cut dining receipt. Other visitors pay according to membership and peak-day pricing.
Is the casino smoke-free?
No. Smoking is permitted in designated casino areas.
What is the minimum casino gambling age?
You must be at least 21 to gamble in the casino.
Sources and additional reading
Property and regulatory sources are linked where relevant above. Additional public records and guest-review pages are available below. Individual guest accounts are subjective, and they are not presented here as a representative rating or consensus.
- Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board March 2026 revenue report
- Tripadvisor guest reviews
- Additional Tripadvisor guest reviews
- Tripadvisor visitor photograph
Poker room and sportsbook
There is no dedicated poker room.