Gaming company PENN Entertainment launched its stand-alone Hollywood Casino app in Pennsylvania, the first step in a wider rollout planned for 2025. In a press release published earlier this week, PENN’s Chief Technology Officer, Aaron LaBerge, said:
“We’re excited to launch Hollywood Casino as a stand-alone app in Pennsylvania, giving our customers access to their favorite games in a dedicated, casino-first experience. With four Hollywood Casino properties in the state, the app leverages our trusted retail brand and creates a seamless connection between our online and retail gaming experiences. We look forward to bringing this enhanced Hollywood Casino experience to more iCasino markets in early 2025, pending regulatory approvals.”
The app is available to download for free on both Android and iOS devices from their respective stores. Alternatively, PA players can access the platform through ESPN BET's app. Those already registered with ESPN BET can log in to the new casino using their existing credentials. Plus, Hollywood Casino is fully integrated with the PENN Play loyalty program, offering rewards such as PENN Cash.
Trusted retail brand
Hollywood Casino houses over 700 games, including titles from PENN Game Studios such as Wuji Mines™ and Legendary Larry™. Options cover table games, slots, jackpot titles, and live dealer tables. The new app also features a dedicated ‘Casino Floor’ lobby, where users can find virtual versions of their favorite slots from PENN’s retail Hollywood Casinos. In Pennsylvania, this includes:
¡ñ Hollywood Casino at the Meadows
¡ñ Hollywood Casino York
¡ñ Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course
¡ñ Hollywood Casino Morgantown
PENN Entertainment also operates Hollywood Casino-branded venues in West Virginia, Michigan, Maryland, and Ohio. These locations offer more than 1.6 million square feet of gaming space and 24,000 slots combined.
The Pratt family of Sands Atlantic City founded the brand in the 1990s. PENN acquired it in 2003 for $328 million plus $360 million in assumed debt. According to PENN's website, Hollywood is known for its “authentic play and excellent bonuses.”
ESPN BET active in Pennsylvania
Last August, Penn Entertainment announced a deal with ESPN to create a new sportsbook, ESPN BET. The book officially launched in November 2023 to replace Barstool's sportsbook in 17 states, including Pennsylvania. Data from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) shows ESPN BET collected $3.5 million in sports betting revenue last month from a $42.3 million handle.
Meanwhile, PA online casinos hauled in over $200 million in revenue, up 27% year-over-year. Among all operators, the Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course took the top spot with $74 million in hold. It's the retail partner for several online casinos, including BetMGM, DraftKings, Fanatics, and, of course, Hollywood Casino.
Valley Forge, which operates FanDuel Casino and Stardust Casino, followed with $54 million, while Rivers Casino Philadelphia took third place with around $35 million in November revenue. The remaining nine operators in PA each reported holds of less than $10 million.
