Hollywood Casino Near Hershey



Heading to Hersheypark and wondering if you can squeeze in some blackjack or slots? You’re in luck—Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course is the closest major gaming destination to the chocolate capital of America. Located in Grantville, it sits practically next door to Hershey, making it a standard stop for adults looking to balance family attractions with some time on the casino floor. But before you drive over, you probably want to know what the gaming is actually like, how the sportsbook stacks up, and if the food is worth sticking around for.

Location and Distance from Hershey

Let’s get the logistics out of the way first. Hollywood Casino isn’t technically in Hershey—it’s in Grantville, PA. But the drive is painless. You’re looking at roughly 15-20 minutes by car via PA-743 N or I-81. It’s so close that you can see the Hollywood Casino sign from the parking lot of the Tanger Outlets in Hershey. If you’re staying at a hotel in Hershey, like The Hotel Hershey or Hershey Lodge, a quick Uber or Lyft ride will get you there for under $20. The proximity is the main selling point; you don’t have to choose between a day at the park and a night of gambling.

Slot Machines and Table Games Available

The gaming floor at Hollywood Casino is solid, though it doesn’t have the sheer massive square footage of some casinos in Philadelphia or Pittsburgh. That said, they pack a lot into the space. You’ll find over 2,300 slot machines, ranging from penny slots up to high-limit options. They carry the standard mix—Wheel of Fortune, Quick Hit, Lightning Link, and plenty of video poker variants.

For table game enthusiasts, the offering is respectable. Expect to find around 50 tables. The usual suspects are all present: Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, and Baccarat. They also spread Three Card Poker, Ultimate Texas Hold’em, and Pai Gow Poker. Minimums can vary wildly depending on the day. On a Tuesday afternoon, finding a $10 blackjack table is easy. On a Saturday night, especially when there’s a big race at the track or an event in Hershey, those minimums jump to $25 or $50. If you’re strictly a low-stakes player, plan your visit for off-peak hours.

Hollywood Casino Sportsbook and Barstool Partnership

Pennsylvania was an early adopter of legal sports betting, and Hollywood Casino jumped in with both feet. Their retail sportsbook is located right on the casino floor, replacing what used to be a smaller bar area. It’s now a fully fleshed-out Barstool Sportsbook (now rebranding to ESPN BET), featuring wall-to-wall televisions, betting kiosks, and a teller window.

If you prefer mobile betting, you can use the ESPN BET app (formerly Barstool) anywhere on the property or in the state. One distinct advantage here: the atmosphere during NFL Sundays or major horse races is electric. Because the casino is attached to Penn National Race Course, you have a unique hybrid environment where you can watch live horse racing outside and bet on it inside while simultaneously firing on an Eagles game.

Dining Options and Entertainment

Casino food is often an afterthought, but Hollywood Casino has a few anchors that make the dining experience decent. The standout is Final Cut Steak & Seafood. It’s an upscale steakhouse that genuinely holds its own. If you’re celebrating a win or just want a quality dinner, the steaks here are cooked properly, and the wine list is curated well. It’s not cheap, but it’s a legitimate fine dining option.

For more casual fare, you have choices like 1st Street Deli, which serves overstuffed sandwiches, and a food court-style area with pizza and quick bites. There’s also a noodle bar inside the sportsbook area if you want to grab ramen without leaving the game screen. The nightlife isn’t Las Vegas-level, but they frequently host live bands in the center bar area on weekends. It’s loud, energetic, and fits the vibe of a busy regional casino.

Simulcast Horse Racing at Penn National

Since the casino is physically attached to Penn National Race Course, horse racing is woven into the property’s DNA. The track hosts live thoroughbred racing typically on Friday and Saturday evenings, though the schedule shifts seasonally. Even when there isn’t live racing, the Racedesk offers simulcast wagering on tracks across the country.

This integration makes Hollywood unique compared to other Pennsylvania casinos. You can walk out of the slot pit, step onto the racetrack apron, and watch the ponies run. For racing fans staying in Hershey, this is a massive perk. Admission to the track is usually free or very low-cost if you are already patronizing the casino.

Mychoice Player Rewards Program

Hollywood Casino operates under the Penn Entertainment umbrella, meaning they use the Mychoice rewards card. If you’ve gambled at other Penn properties—like Rivers Casino in Philadelphia or Pittsburgh, or Tropicana in Evansville—your rewards account carries over. This is a tier-based system.

The tiers are Select, Preferred, Elite, and Owners. As you play slots or table games, you earn points that can be redeemed for free slot play, dining credits, or hotel stays. One practical tip: sign up for the card at the rewards desk immediately upon arrival. They often have a “new member” promo that could net you $10–$20 in free slot play just for signing up. If you plan on eating at Final Cut, ask if your play qualifies for a dining comp at the end of your session; pit bosses often have discretion to comp meals for table game players.

Hollywood Casino Hershey Comparison

Feature	Hollywood Casino (Grantville)	Hersheypark Stadium
Distance from Hershey	~12 miles (15-20 min drive)	Central Hershey
Main Attraction	Slots, Table Games, Racing	Concerts, Events
Dining Options	Steakhouse, Deli, Food Court	Concession Stands
Age Requirement	21+ to gamble	All ages
Parking	Free self-parking garage	Paid parking lots

FAQ