It’s a “Hollywood ending” of 2021 for Penn National Gaming. Hollywood Casino Morgantown is holding its Grand Opening on Dec. 22. It’s their second PA mini-casino in less than four months. In August, Penn National welcomed guests to Hollywood Casino York.
Of course, since it’s “Hollywood” there has to be drama. Readying two new casinos in Pennsylvania is no small feat, especially in 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic and a labor shortage that has hit the hospitality and gaming industry hard.
Berks County, PA-based Penn National Gaming started in 1973 with one racetrack. Now, it is North America’s largest regional gaming operator.
Here’s a first look, details and answers to your FAQs about their newest location, Hollywood Casino Morgantown.
Hollywood Casino Morgantown slots, table games and details
Hours: Hollywood Casino Morgantown is open 24 hours on the weekends (Friday 9 a.m. – Monday 4 a.m.)
During the week they are closed between the hours of 4 a.m. 9 a.m.
Size of casino: 80,000 sq. ft.
How many table games? 28 table games like Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat and more. 2 hybrid games.
How many slot machines? 750 slots
Sportsbook: Barstool Sportsbook
Poker room: No
Restaurants: Tony Luke’s, Red Lotus and Bar 76
Rewards program: mychoice rewards program gives players the opportunity to earn, redeem and get rewarded at Penn National Gaming locations nationwide.
3Cs experience: Penn National’s other PA casinos (Hollywood York, The Meadows, Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course) allows guests to go “cardless, cashless and contactless.” Yes, cash is accepted.
Barstool Sportsbook at Hollywood Casino Morgantown
Many sportsbooks at PA casinos have the same feel – rows of black seats and big TVs. Hollywood Casino Morgantown took a decidedly different approach.
In Jan. 2020, Penn National Gaming acquired a 36% stake in Barstool. Hollywood Morgantown is leveraging that brand recognition and the sportsbook is distinctively Barstool.
Instead of rows of black recliners, the Barstool Sportsbook at Hollywood Casino Morgantown feels more like a sports bar in a casino. A place where you where you want to meet with friends to watch the game, drink and eat.
Marc Guastella, vice president and general manager for Hollywood Casino Morgantown, said of Barstool Sportsbook:
“It’s our flagship food and beverage and entertainment outlet here. We are anticipating this to be an incredible hit in the market. What does the casino of the future look like? It gives us the chance to reimagine all of our offerings. We wanted to make an experience that was immersive for our guests. Every facet has been examined to make an experience that is different. We want people to keep coming back and experience something new.”
The Barstool Sportsbook has teller windows, sports betting kiosks powered by Kambi, kiosks for betting on horse racing, and lots of TVs.
Some other unique features include:
- Outdoor seasonal terrace and a fully enclosed outdoor terrace
- Retractable bleachers
- Area to purchase Barstool merchandise
At most casinos, it’s a “big box” you can’t see inside of and only the name of the casino is prominently displayed. This isn’t the case at Hollywood Casino Morgantown. Next to the marquee, there is the brick-faced exterior of the Barstool Sportsbook and you can even see some of the TVs inside.
Menu at Barstool Sportbook
Barstool Sportsbook at Hollywood Casino Morgantown is a full service restaurant with seating for about 150 guests in the dining room and bar. The menu has things you would expect from a sports bar like wings and burgers. It also features steaks, more than a dozen craft and domestic beers, and hand-crafted cocktails inspired by classic sports movies.
Is smoking allowed at Hollywood Casino Morgantown?
Yes….but on the gaming terrace. It’s about 8,000 sq. ft with 160 games. It’s in a separate part of the casino and it’s open air. There are heating units, fans and blinds on the perimeter.
There is also another outdoor terrace for smoking that does not have games.
First impressions and more info
The Barstool Sportsbook is the centerpiece of Hollywood Casino Morgantown. No matter what you think of the “Barstool brand” and this might be hard to do – put it aside for a minute. Many sportsbooks at casinos are derivative. It was nice to see something different.
No, Penn National reps did not say when Dave Portnoy or Big Cat would be making an appearance.
Slot machines have had a growth spurt. They’re much taller.
“Hollywood Haze” an IPA from Lancaster Brewing Company, is available at the Bar 76. Is this the first PA casino to get a beer named after it?
The outside terrace with slot machines for smoking is first-of-its-kind for PA.
Hollywood Casino at Penn National Racecourse is planning to also open a Barstool Sportsbook soon.