Hollywood Casino at the Meadows

History & Ownership

The Meadows opened as a parimutuel harness‑racing track in 1963, operated by the Washington Trotting Association. Over the decades it changed hands multiple times: purchased by a group including harness‑racing legend Delvin Miller in 1973, sold to Ladbroke Group PLC in 1988 (becoming “Ladbroke at The Meadows”), and later leased to Magna Entertainment in 2001. The casino was added in 2007 by then‑owner Cannery Casino Resorts. In 2019, Penn National Gaming (now Penn Entertainment) acquired the operating business, and the property was rebranded as Hollywood Casino at The Meadows in 2021. The real estate has been owned by Gaming and Leisure Properties since 2016 and is leased back to Penn Entertainment under a long‑term agreement.

Gaming & Racing

The 120,000‑square‑foot casino floor offers over 2,500 slot and video poker machines, live table games including blackjack, craps, roulette, and specialty games like Mississippi Stud with a multi‑link progressive jackpot. The poker room has 14 tables and a dedicated Baccarat Lounge. The Sportsbook, opened in 2021, features large screens, lounge seating, and a full food‑and‑beverage menu. The harness‑racing operation runs live races year‑round with full‑field cards and simulcast wagering through the Xpressbet platform. The track’s historical significance is marked by a Pennsylvania state historical marker honoring Delvin Miller.

Amenities & Entertainment

The property includes a 153‑room hotel with direct casino access. Dining options range from Bistecca (an upscale Italian steakhouse) to The Eatery by Fabio Viviani (a multi‑concept food hall with Mercato Italian, The Classic burgers, Joe & Dough deli, and Zen Noodle Asian cuisine). Embers Lounge and Parlay Lounge offer casual drinks and light fare. Nightlife takes place at VIBE nightclub (open Fridays and Saturdays) and H Lounge, which hosts live music and DJs. Starport Arcade provides family‑friendly gaming. The property also hosts banquets, weddings, and the Hollywood Event Series featuring touring entertainers.

Online Presence

In 2024, Penn Entertainment launched a standalone Hollywood Casino online real‑money gaming app for Pennsylvania, featuring over 500 slot and table‑game titles, daily promotions, and integration with the PENN Play loyalty program. The app uses the Hollywood brand that is also applied to this physical property.

Licensing

The casino operates under a Category 1 license from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, permitting slots, table games, and sports wagering. The racing operation is regulated by the Pennsylvania Harness Racing Commission.

Products & Brands

Key products include the casino floor with slots and table games, The Sportsbook for retail sports betting, live harness racing, the Hollywood Hotel, multiple dining concepts (Bistecca, The Eatery by Fabio Viviani, Embers Lounge, Parlay Lounge), VIBE nightclub, and the Hollywood Casino online app for Pennsylvania. The PENN Play loyalty program ties together all offerings.