Hollywood Casino Near Hershey Pa



You're planning a trip to the Sweetest Place on Earth, but let's be honest—you can only look at so many chocolate factories before you need some adult entertainment. If you're staying in Hershey and wondering where the nearest action is, Penn National Race Course is practically in your backyard. It's not a long drive, but knowing exactly what to expect when you get there makes the difference between a decent night and a frustrating one.

Location and Drive Time from Hershey

Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course sits in Grantville, Pennsylvania—roughly 12 miles east of Hershey. On a good day, you're looking at a 15 to 20-minute drive via Route 322 East. The route is straightforward: head toward Grantville, and you'll see the casino signage well before you hit the entrance. No complicated turns, no getting lost in rural backroads. It's close enough that you can easily pop over for a few hours after a day at Hersheypark and still get back to your hotel at a reasonable hour.

Here's something most people don't consider: traffic on Route 322 can back up significantly on race days or during major events at the casino. If you're heading there on a Friday evening or Saturday afternoon, add an extra 15 minutes to your estimated drive time. The parking situation is generally solid with a large surface lot and garage, but on busy weekends, you might find yourself parking further out than expected.

What Games Are Actually Available

Let's cut to the chase—you're not going to find 3,000 slot machines here. Hollywood Casino Grantville offers around 1,800 machines, which is decent but not massive. The floor layout can feel a bit cramped during peak hours, especially around the popular progressive banks. Slot denominations range from penny slots up to $100 machines in the high-limit area, though the vast majority are in the penny to quarter range.

The table games section is where things get interesting. You'll typically find about 50 tables running, including blackjack, craps, roulette, baccarat, and various carnival games like Three Card Poker and Ultimate Texas Hold'em. Minimums on weekends for blackjack often sit at $15-$25, though you can occasionally find $10 tables during slower weekday afternoons. Craps minimums usually start at $10, with 3-4-5 odds.

One quirk: the casino floor allows smoking, and the ventilation system does struggle during crowded periods. If you're sensitive to smoke, aim for morning visits when the air is clearer.

Hollywood Casino Hollywood PA Promo Code and Bonuses

First-time visitors should sign up for the mychoice rewards program before playing a single dollar. New member sign-up bonuses vary, but typically you'll see offers like $10 in free slot play just for joining, plus potential match play coupons for table games. Always check the promotions desk when you arrive—online listings often lag behind what's actually available on-site.

For a quick comparison of what you might expect versus other Pennsylvania casinos:

Casino	Distance from Hershey	New Player Offer	Payment Methods
Hollywood Casino (Grantville)	~12 miles	~$10 Free Play + Match Play	Cash, Card at Cage
Hollywood Casino York (racino)	~40 miles	Similar mychoice Perks	Cash, Card at Cage
Hollywood Casino Morgantown	~55 miles	Similar mychoice Perks	Cash, Card at Cage

Existing mychoice members from other PENN Entertainment properties can use their card here immediately—points and tier status transfer seamlessly.

Dining Options Beyond the Buffet

The Hollywood Casino near Hershey has had its share of restaurant turnover. As of now, your solid bet is the Final Cut Steakhouse, which delivers a surprisingly good upscale meal for a casino venue. Expect to pay $40-70 per person without alcohol, and reservations are recommended on Friday and Saturday nights. It's genuinely good—not just "good for a casino."

Casual options include a food court-style setup with a burger joint, pizza spot, and Asian-inspired counter. Nothing spectacular, but better than expected casino grub. The sports bar area serves standard pub fare and gets packed during NFL games and major sporting events. If you're watching a Penn State game or Eagles match, arrive at least an hour early to claim a decent seat with a view.

One warning: the buffet (if operational during your visit) tends to have limited hours. Call ahead or check their website. Many Pennsylvania casino buffets have reduced days or closed entirely following recent years.

Live Horse Racing Schedule

Since this is Penn National Race Course, live thoroughbred racing runs primarily from late winter through early fall. Races typically occur on Wednesday and Friday evenings, plus some Saturday cards. Post time is usually around 6:00 PM on weekdays, though this can vary. Admission to the races is often included with your casino entry—just head up to the grandstand area from the casino floor.

Even if horse betting isn't your thing, the atmosphere on race nights is noticeably more energetic. There's something about watching live racing between slot sessions that makes the whole experience feel less manufactured. Simulcast wagering is available year-round in the racebook area if you want to bet on tracks across the country.

Online Casino and Sportsbook Integration

Here's where things get practical for the modern player. Hollywood Casino has an integrated online platform in Pennsylvania, meaning you can play from your hotel room in Hershey after the kids are asleep. The Hollywood Casino PA app offers slots, table games, and live dealer options. More importantly for sports fans, the ESPN Bet app (formerly Barstool, rebranded under PENN's partnership) serves as the sportsbook skin for Pennsylvania wagering.

If you're physically at the casino, you can deposit and withdraw from your online account at the cage. This is particularly useful if you've won online and want cash immediately, or if you prefer not to attach a bank account to your gambling app. The minimum cage withdrawal is usually $20, and you'll need valid ID.

Sign-up bonuses for the online casino tend to be stronger than the land-based offers—often a 100% deposit match up to $500 or $1,000 with 10x-15x playthrough requirements. If you're planning to gamble anyway, it makes sense to set up the online account even if you prefer playing in person.

Hotels Near Hollywood Casino Grantville

Hollywood Casino Grantville doesn't have an attached hotel, which catches some visitors off guard. If you're looking to stay near the casino rather than in Hershey proper, your options include a Holiday Inn Express practically next door, plus a few smaller motels along Route 322. These fill up quickly on race days and concert nights.

Most Hershey visitors opt to stay in Hershey itself—the drive is short enough that a dedicated casino hotel isn't necessary. However, if you're planning a late night at the tables and don't want to drive back, the Holiday Inn Express is walking distance from the casino entrance.

Concerts and Entertainment Events

The casino hosts regular shows in its event center, ranging from tribute bands to moderately well-known touring acts and comedians. Tickets typically run $30-75, and the venue is intimate—maybe 1,000 seats—so there's not a bad spot in the house. Check the entertainment calendar on their website before your trip. Sometimes booking a show ticket comes with casino perks like discounted dining or free slot play.

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