Penn National opens new Hollywood Casino Morgantown, fourth in Pennsylvania

Gaming giant Penn National celebrated on Wednesday the grand opening of its new venue, Hollywood Casino Morgantown. The $111 million state-of-the-art casino marks the fourth gaming and entertainment facility in Pennsylvania by Penn National Gaming, and the company’s 44th property in North America.

The new venue is set to offer guests a premier gaming and entertainment experience, according to a press statement, including a retail Barstool Sportsbook. It also features cutting-edge technology for cardless, cashless and contactless gambling.

Penn National Gaming team members were joined on Wednesday by state gaming officials, legislators and area dignitaries, including Philadelphia Eagles legend Vince Papale, for a ribbon-cutting ceremony in the morning.

Admit it, cutting a giant cheesesteak > cutting a ribbon 😋 Big thanks to the @tonylukes team for attending our Grand Opening today!

Read all about our new dining offerings here: https://t.co/CvF6nmlrtu

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. pic.twitter.com/Hvys9i25yJ

— Hollywood Casino Morgantown (@HollywoodMgt) December 22, 2021

Hollywood Casino Morgantown then opened to the general public at 12:00 PM, welcoming thousands of guests to experience its offerings, which includes 750 slot machines, 30 table games, retail sportsbook, upscale casual dining and premier guest service.

“We would like to officially welcome players and guests to Hollywood Casino Morgantown, our fourth property in the Commonwealth,” said Todd George, Executive Vice President of Operations for Penn National. “We’re thrilled to showcase this regional entertainment destination, offering premier gaming and dining in a modern atmosphere. 

George also expressed gratitude for the support of the host community, Caernarvon Township, and to local and state legislators and regional business leaders who helped “make this day possible.” The executive said Penn National was “proud” to be creating jobs and starting “a new economic engine” in Berks County.

The moment when our very first guests walked through the door at today's Grand Opening! 🙌#HollywoodMorgantown

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER pic.twitter.com/TmCJT9yXbQ

— Hollywood Casino Morgantown (@HollywoodMgt) December 22, 2021

“We’re also excited to outfit this casino with our innovative ‘3Cs’ technology, which provides for a cardless, cashless, contactless ‘mywallet’ experience,” George added. “I would like to thank the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board for their support as well as our technology partners Everi Holdings and Acres Manufacturing.”

The cutting-edge technology, now in place at all four of the company’s Pennsylvania casinos, is set to further support Penn National’s omnichannel business approach by allowing the gaming giant to provide “the best experiences” whether guests are playing at properties or across online offerings.

The roughly 80,000 square foot gaming and entertainment facility is set to employ approximately 375 people and generated over 275 construction jobs. It is set to open 7 days a week, and 24 hours a day on Friday and Saturday, 365 days a year.

We were SO excited to have Vince Papale at our Grand Opening today & thrilled to watch him throw our first official dice roll! 🎲🎲

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. pic.twitter.com/MNmM5TG920

— Hollywood Casino Morgantown (@HollywoodMgt) December 22, 2021

Hollywood Casino Morgantown’s gaming floor features 750 video reel slots and video poker machines, plus 30 table games, including blackjack, craps, roulette, baccarat. The Barstool Sportsbook includes a jumbotron above the bar, bleacher seating, sports betting tellers and wagering and racing kiosks, plus interactive games, an outdoor firepit and merchandise station.

In terms of dining, the venue includes three casual options - Barstool Sportsbook, Tony Luke’s and Red Lotus Asian Kitchen - as well as Bar 76, a 100-seat bar and entertainment lounge featured on the gaming floor.

Barstool Sportsbook’s dining offering is a full-service, casual restaurant that seats roughly 159 patrons in the dining room and bar. Guests can enjoy food and beverage options from steaks to pubfare, more than a dozen craft and domestic beers, cocktails inspired by classic sports movies, and more.

Meanwhile, Tony Luke’s offers grab-and-go offerings, including cheesesteaks, roast pork Italian sandwiches, plus Starbucks Coffee. Red Lotus Asian Kitchen serves made-to-order Asian cuisine, featuring popular noodles and southeast Asian specialties in a modern open kitchen just off the gaming floor.

We’re officially open!!! 🎉✂️#HollywoodMorgantown

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. pic.twitter.com/OjFb4w3zaG

— Hollywood Casino Morgantown (@HollywoodMgt) December 22, 2021

The casino’s grand opening ceremony was kicked off with a Champagne toast by Daniel Ihm, vice president and general manager of Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course in Dauphin County, reports Reading Eagle. He highlighted this was the second Category 4 casino opened by the company this year, following Hollywood Casino York, in August.

“Four-and-a-half months ago the Hollywood Casino York opened and it was amazing, and we’re here today opening our latest casino in Morgantown,” he said. “It looked for a moment that we were using a Hollywood movie script: ‘Mission Impossible.’ Thanks to our staff we were able to rewrite it.”

Wednesday’s opening follows a long development process, which started with Penn National receiving approval to build on a vacant 36-acre lot in 2019. The project saw several months of delays due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Grand opening Hollywood Casino Morgantown Pennsylvania