Last week marked an exciting time for players in Pennsylvania as two new poker rooms celebrated their grand openings in the state. Hollywood Casino Morgantown and Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course kicked off some small festivities to jumpstart their new endeavors.
PlayPennsylvania was on the scene at Hollywood Casino Morgantown, where the ribbon-cutting ceremony was held for its new poker room. This new addition, featuring four tables, is conveniently located outside the bar and sportsbook area.
“We are very excited to get our product to market, even though it’s only four tables, we are looking to expand hopefully in the future,” poker floor manager Kevin Burkert said.
While there are no current high hands or promotions, he hinted at more possibilities to come. The grand opening saw immediate action with two $1/$3 no limit hold’em games filling up as soon as the ribbon dropped.
PA poker guests ante up for the 0ccasion
The grand opening guests were treated to hors d’oeuvres and some free drinks as they sat down. Local poker player Chris from Pennsylvania shared his excitement.
“I am from Downingtown, and this is the closest poker room around. I think there is going to be a lot of action here,” he said.
With the nearest poker room at Delaware Park, the Hollywood Casino Morgantown poker room is a much needed addition for local players. Expect a bustling scene on Friday and Saturday nights as those four tables are likely to have waiting lists.
Another patron, Joe Samero, praised the professionalism of the staff.
“The dealers were ultra friendly and knew what they were doing, so that’s a great sign for the potential this poker room holds,” Samero said.
The lighting of the poker room (it being a bit too dim) appeared to be the only complaint heard in room, which seems like an easy fix for the casino staff.
Hollywood Penn National reappears after pandemic shutdown
Meanwhile, over at Hollywood Casino Penn National Race Course in Grantville, the new poker room boasts 11 tables. The poker room had closed its doors during the Covid-19 pandemic but has reemerged and has plans to make it better than ever.
Strategically placed between the racetrack entrance and the food court, this room also features an adjacent bar. Players can look forward to a variety of no limit hold’em and limit games, with tournaments possibly planned for the future. There is even talk of a major poker series if the room maintains a decent crowd.
The opening of these new poker rooms in Morgantown and Grantville marks a significant development for the local poker scene, providing more options and convenience for players in Pennsylvania. As both locations continue to grow and potentially expand their offerings, poker players in the area have much to look forward to.
For people looking for employment, signage around the casinos and previous press releases highlighted the need for additional staff. Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course in Grantville is hiring poker dealers, as is Hollywood Casino Morgantown.
Employees will earn $13 an hour while undergoing training, and once they complete their training, they can keep all their tips. The casino welcomes applicants with no prior experience.
August PA poker roundup
Across the Keystone State, other poker rooms will host action all month long. Parx Casino‘s Big Stax is in full gear and Live! Casino Philadelphia has announced the return of the Pennsylvania State Championship.
The Parx Big Stax poker tournament series is in full swing this August, marking the triumphant return of one of the East Coast’s most beloved tournament series. After folding during the pandemic, the series has finally made a comeback.
Currently running until August 15, the series has some major events ahead, including:
- $1,500 buy-in Big Stax from August 8-11
- $340 buy-in Big Stax PLO on August 14
- Big Stax Seniors tournament on August 15
In breaking poker news this past week, Live! Casino Philadelphia has announced that PokerStars will be sponsoring the Pennsylvania State Poker Championship, taking place from August 21 to September 8.
This series guarantees over $1.1 million in prize pools and also promises three coveted $10,000 Gold Passes. With 14 different events to choose from, this championship is a must-attend for PA players of all skill levels. Check out the full schedule below.
Bad beat breakdown
One of the stand-out promotions in the state is the Bad Beat Jackpot. Game hunters chase these big jackpots across the state each month.
In the Keystone State, the following casinos have active bad beat jackpots as of 8/2/24:
- Parx Casino: $311,417
- Mohegan Pennsylvania: $29,957
- Mount Airy Casino Resort: $49,045.80
- Rivers Casino Philadelphia: $50,000 set Bad Beat
- Rivers Casino Pittsburgh: current bad beat at $40,856
- Hollywood Casino at The Meadows: current bad beat $31,561
- Wind Creek Bethlehem: current bad beat jackpot $297,487
Meanwhile, PA online poker sites remain a convenient option for hitting the tables when you can’t get out to one of the in-person properties. There’s truly something for every player when it comes to poker in Pennsylvania these days.
Pennsylvania State Poker Championship Schedule 2024
