Hollywood Casino Perryville opens Barstool restaurant adjacent to sportsbook

Hollywood Casino Perryville in Maryland opened Sunday a Barstool Sportsbook Restaurant, located next to its sports betting space. The casino held a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a VIP event, and a meet-and-greet that featured former Baltimore Ravens tight end Todd Heap. Former Baltimore Ravens cornerback Duane Starks was also in attendance. 

Perryville’s newest restaurant is separated from its actual sportsbook, which means it’s open to all ages. It includes more than 50 TVs broadcasting various sporting events worldwide. The renovated restaurant is a rebrand and new iteration of the space that used to be the Green Turtle Sports Bar & Grill. 

"Come grab something to eat. Have a drink. We will have entertainment on the weekends…bands and DJs on Friday nights. So, we’re much more than just gambling,"  said Hollywood Casino Perryville General Manager Amy Brennan, as reported by PlayUSA.

Brennan further noted that placing bets and gambling-related activities were kept intentionally separate from the restaurant in order to maintain a family-friendly atmosphere. "There are not a lot of dining options locally and so we decided to keep gambling separate so you can bring your family and children – since children under the age of 21 are not permitted in gambling settings,” Brennan said as reported by the Cecil Whig.

"Anything that has to do with the small community that we love here in Baltimore is great," said Heap. "This is a great venue and I was excited to come out here and see it and be a part of its opening."

Gambling through Barstool Sportsbook is still permitted for anyone 21 years of age and older through kiosks on the casino floor across from the restaurant. Barstool Sportsbook also has a mobile app that offers a variety of sports and gambling services, although mobile gambling is not yet legal in Maryland. 

During the event, attendees got a complimentary drink, free food, and the opportunity to focus on any of the 50 screens displaying a variety of sports games from the comfort of their table.

"This will be one of the most fun, engaging, dynamic places to be to watch a game, anytime," Brennan added. "It is different from anything else offered locally in terms of entertainment so come out and give us a shot."

Barstool Sportsbook at the casino

The restaurant concept isn’t new for Penn Entertainment, the parent company behind the Hollywood Casino chain. Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg in Indiana has a similar concept adjacent to its sportsbook. However, the restaurant and sportsbook at that location are more integrated than in Maryland.

Restaurant-sportsbook combinations have emerged as one of the more exciting developments in the Maryland sports betting industry. On the casino side, Live! Casino & Hotel, MGM National Harbor, and Horseshoe Casino have all announced they have plans to open renovated restaurant areas that will complement their sportsbooks.

Long Shot’s off-track betting site and restaurant in Frederick County will open a temporary sportsbook, then transition to a permanent one. So far, six facilities in the state have been approved for licenses and have opened.