PA Mini-Casino to Open December 22

Penn National Gaming announced that it plans to open its fourth casino in Pennsylvania, the Category 4 Hollywood Casino Morgantown, on December 22.

PA Mini-Casino to Open December 22

Penn National Gaming, Inc. announced that it expects to open Hollywood Casino Morgantown to the public at noon on Wednesday, December 22, pending final regulatory approvals.

Hollywood Casino Morgantown will be Penn’s fourth Pennsylvania casino. It is the operator’s second Category 4 satellite casino, also known as “mini-casinos.” Created under the 2017 gaming expansion law, Category 4 casinos are restricted to 750 slots and 30 table games at opening, with an additional 10 tables upon petition.

Located at the intersections of three major roadways—the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76), I-176, and the Morgantown Expressway (Rt. 10)—The 80,000 square-foot facility will feature the maximum 750 slots and 30 table games, a climate-controlled outdoor gaming terrace, state-of-the-art Barstool Sportsbook, and three unique dining options.

At the Barstool Sportsbook, patrons will be able to enjoy sports from around the world on the jumbotron above the bar or on numerous high-definition televisions throughout the facility. The 150-seat, full-service restaurant will offer a wide selection of food and beverage options, from steaks to classic pub fare, more than a dozen craft and domestic beers, and hand-crafted cocktails inspired by classic sports movies.

Betting windows and kiosks for sports and racing are located throughout the sportsbook, along with interactive games, an outdoor fire pit and a Barstool Sportsbook merchandise station.

In addition, the company partnered with Tony Luke’s to bring his restaurant and a taste of South Philly to Morgantown. Tony’s signature cheesesteaks, roast pork Italian sandwiches and many of his award-winning delicacies will be available. With seating for up to 100 at the adjacent Bar 76 on the gaming floor, patrons will be able to grab-and-go and watch the action while eating what the company calls “the best cheesesteaks available on the north side of the Pennsylvania Turnpike.”

Hollywood Casino Morgantown also will host the Red Lotus Asian Kitchen, serving patrons authentic made-to-order Asian cuisine. Red Lotus will feature popular noodle and southeast Asian specialties in a sleek, modern-designed open kitchen just off the gaming floor.

“The countdown to our grand opening begins today,” said Marc Guastella, vice president and general manager of Hollywood Casino Morgantown. “We’re very excited to soon welcome patrons to this beautiful new property, where they’ll be able to experience premier gaming, dining and entertainment.”

Prior to the grand opening, Penn National will host two invitation-only test days, with gaming proceeds donated to charitable organizations in the area. The participating charities include the United Way of Berks County, Honey Brook Food Pantry and the Jarett Yoder Foundation, which serves community heroes and their families, including active military personnel, veterans, firefighters, first responders and the police.

“We are thrilled to be supporting these incredible organizations in Berks, Chester and Lancaster Counties,” said Guastella. “Penn National is committed to being actively engaged in the community and partnering with worthwhile groups to assist those in need.”

The development of Hollywood Casino Morgantown represents an overall investment of approximately $111 million, including license fees. Career opportunities are still available for the approximately 375 new jobs at the facility. Interested applicants can visit the Hollywood Casino Morgantown Career center, located at the Holiday Inn Morgantown at 6170 Morgantown Road.

The Morgantown casino represents Penn National’s fourth facility in Pennsylvania, joining Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course in Grantville, Hollywood Casino at the Meadows south of Pittsburgh, and the Category 4 Hollywood Casino York, which opened in August.