The much-anticipated opening of Penn National Gaming’s new casino and sportsbook in Morgantown took place on Wednesday, Dec. 22. This location is near and dear to the Pennsylvania-based gaming and entertainment company.
The Hollywood Casino Morgantown is located just a short distance from Penn National Gaming’s corporate headquarters in Wyomissing. This is the company’s fourth land-based casino gaming venue in the state.
The new casino is Penn National’s 44th gaming property across North America. What was once just a regional player in the gaming and entertainment industry, has grown into a national force.
Hollywood Casino Morgantown
State gaming officials, local dignitaries, state lawmakers, and other area VIPs were part of the crowd on hand for the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Dec. 22. The long wait was over for the newest casino gaming and sports betting venue in the Keystone State.
Hollywood Casino Morgantown cost Penn National $10.5 million for the licensing fee alone. The company poured another $100 million into the project in total design and construction costs.
The casino floor features 750 different slot machines and 30 gaming tables. Using its Barstool brand, the sportsbook at Hollywood Casino Morgantown is another featured amenity. Open from 9 a.m. to 4 a.m. on weekdays, the venue will stay open 24 hours a day during weekends.
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Penn National and Pennsylvania Operations
Todd George is Penn National’s executive vice president of operations. He was on hand at the grand opening to welcome guests and casino players. George added that the company was “thrilled to showcase this regional entertainment destination.”
He also used the opportunity to thank all the state legislators and local business leaders that “made the project a reality.”
Of special note was all the latest gaming industry technology that was incorporated into this project. This includes a cashless, cardless, and contactless way to gamble. He pointed out Acres Manufacturing and Everi Holdings for their particular contributions.
The Morgantown location will employ close to 375 workers on a fulltime basis. Berks County Commissioner Kevin Barnhardt was quick to point out the economic impact for the region. He stated that the casino will “drive and economic engine for many.”
All the proceeds from the opening weekend were donated to local charities. Penn National took in $89,000 and rounded up the total contribution to $100,000.
Penn National Overview
The company’s 44 gaming facilities nationally cover 20 different states. This portfolio includes casinos, sportsbooks, and horse racing tracks. Some of the main brand names in these offerings include Hollywood, L’Auberge, and Ameristar.
The company’s online gaming division is referred to as Penn Interactive. It is in charge of all retail sports betting and all online operations. This includes the Barstool Sportsbook mobile betting app.
Penn National’s presence in the state of Pennsylvania goes back to the 1960s with the opening of the Penn National Race Course in Grantville.
Current properties in the state include the Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course, the Hollywood Casino York, and the Meadows Racetrack and Casino in North Strabane Township. These three facilities account for 22% of Pennsylvania’s total gaming revenue.
