Hollywood Casino Near Hershey Pa

You're planning a trip to Hershey, maybe for the park or the chocolate factory, and you're wondering: is there a real casino nearby where I can unwind after a day with the kids? Or perhaps you're a Pennsylvania local looking for a convenient spot for slots and table games without the three-hour drive to Atlantic City. The answer is yes, and it's closer than you think.

The Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course

While there isn't a casino literally in Hershey, the Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course is the premier gaming destination for visitors in the Hershey area. Located in Grantville, it's about a 30-minute drive from Hersheypark, making it a straightforward trip down I-81. This isn't just a slot parlor; it's a full-scale casino and entertainment complex owned by Gaming and Leisure Properties and operated by Penn Entertainment. It features over 2,000 slot machines, nearly 50 table games, and a dedicated poker room, all housed in a spacious, Hollywood-themed venue.

What You'll Find on the Gaming Floor

The casino floor is divided into distinct areas to suit different moods. The high-limit slots room offers secluded play with higher stakes, while the main floor buzzes with popular video slots, progressives, and electronic table games. For live action, head to the table games pit where you'll find classics like blackjack, craps, roulette, and Three Card Poker. The Hollywood Poker Room runs daily tournaments and cash games, with Texas Hold'em being the main attraction. If sports betting is your thing, the Barstool Sportsbook on-site provides a massive screen and kiosks for placing wagers on all major professional and college sports.

Beyond the Tables: Dining and Entertainment

A great casino needs great food, and Hollywood Casino delivers. Final Cut Steakhouse offers high-end dry-aged steaks and seafood in a sophisticated setting. For a more casual meal, the Epic Buffet features multiple live-action stations, though its hours can vary. You can grab a quick bite at the Sportsbook Grill or a coffee and pastry at Starbucks. The venue regularly hosts live music and comedy acts in its event center, featuring well-known national and regional acts. Checking the casino's events calendar before your visit is always a good idea.

Comparing Your Pennsylvania Casino Options

As a player in central PA, you have a few choices. Hollywood Casino Grantville is the closest major facility to Hershey. Further east, you have the larger Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia and Rivers Casino Philadelphia. To the west, there's Lady Luck Casino Nemacolin. The key advantage of Hollywood is its central location and integration with thoroughbred horse racing at Penn National—you can watch and wager on live races most days. It lacks an on-site hotel tower, but numerous partner hotels are within a five-minute drive, offering stay-and-play packages.

What to Know Before You Go: Practical Details

You must be 21 or older to enter the casino floor and sportsbook. A valid government-issued photo ID is required. The dress code is casual, but they discourage overly revealing clothing or attire with offensive language. Parking is free and abundant in the multi-level garage. The casino is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, though some restaurants and bars have specific operating hours. If you're a new member, signing up for the mychoice rewards card is free and earns you points on slot and table play that can be redeemed for food, hotel stays, and more.

Online Gaming and Sports Betting in Pennsylvania

Since the Hollywood Casino is operated by Penn Entertainment, it also provides a robust online counterpart. If you'd rather play from your hotel room or home in Pennsylvania, you can use the Hollywood Casino PA online casino and sportsbook app. After registering and verifying your location within state lines, you can access hundreds of online slots, live dealer games, and digital table games. New players often receive a matched deposit bonus, such as 100% up to $500 with a 1x playthrough requirement on the sportsbook side, or free slot spins for the casino app. This provides a seamless extension of the brand for when you're not on the property.

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