Hollywood Casino is one of the relatively recent additions to the U.S. iGaming scene, but the company behind it is an experienced operator in the gambling industry. How has this casino emerged to become a major player in several states?
Owner PENN Entertainment is a known name in the North American gaming and hospitality sector. They operate dozens of physical properties across the US. These decades of retail casino experience have helped create a profitable and sustainable business model that has now reached into the digital sphere.
We need to go back to 1968 to find the roots of this business. When horse racing was licensed in Pennsylvania, two of the companies that got involved were named Pitt Park Raceway, Inc. and the Pennsylvania National Turf Club. They would later be part of Penn National Gaming.
Currently, it has 42 properties spread across 20 states and includes brands such as Hollywood Casino, Ameristar, and Boomtown. Canadian digital media company Score Media and Gaming is another part of the empire.
The switch to online gambling
After decades of success in the physical entertainment world. PENN moved into online gambling when various US jurisdictions began to offer licenses to operators. At the time of writing, the company offers sports betting in 17 different states and online casinos in a handful, mainly under the brand known as theScore Bet. These sites attract fans of top sports leagues by offering a wide range of odds.
The Hollywood Casino expansion began when the company created its proprietary technology stack to allow it to offer games on a customized and stable platform with hundreds of games, rather than relying on third-party integrations.
This app has been rolled out in four American markets, which are Pennsylvania, Michigan, New Jersey, and West Virginia. This strategy proved to be immediately successful, as the company’s revenue grew from $6.57 billion in 2025 to $7.16 billion in 2026, as part of a steady upward trend.
A welcome bonus is also available at Hollywood when new players use a promo code. Currently, this gives new users 300 free spins and up to $500 in PENN Play credits. The bonus terms explain that this offer is activated by wagering at least $5 on real money games in this casino. It’s available to players aged 21 or over who are located in any of the states where Hollywood is accessible.
PENN play rewards
One of the reasons for the success of Hollywood Casino is the way it integrates physical hospitality rewards into the digital product. This is done by giving online users the chance to earn rewards in the PENN Play loyalty program.
When spinning the reels on slots or placing chips on live dealer games, players earn points and PENN Cash rewards, just as they would when playing in one of the company’s physical locations.
The real benefit here is in the way that these reward points can be redeemed for real-world perks. This means that playing online unlocks bonuses such as hotel stays, dining credits, and VIP experiences in the PENN network across the country.
This brand’s progress in recent years shows us how an established gambling operator can move into new areas without losing its identity.
This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. AFP editorial staff were not involved in the creation of this content. If you or someone you know is struggling with a gambling problem, a helpline is available at 1-888-532-3500.
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