Hollywood Casino at Penn National Receives Date for License Renewal

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) has announced the date for the license renewal hearing of Hollywood Casino at Penn National. The hearing will take place on August 28 at the East Hanover Township Building in Jonestown Road, Grantville, and the public is invited to attend. 

Both retail and online casinos in Pennsylvania typically have their license renewed every five years.

Renewal Subject to A 2-Step Process

The PGCB statement explains the process of renewal in full, detailing the two-step process that the operator is required to follow. The first step is the part that is open to the public and will be held in the municipality where the casino operates, in this case the East Hanover Township. At this stage, the casino will present its case, showing any documentary evidence and records that can help the Board reach a decision. Members of the public can also present their case.

The hearing record, along with a report from the Director of Hearings and Appeals, is then communicated to the Board ahead of the second public hearing, which will take place in Harrisburg later. Here, representatives of Hollywood Casino at Penn National will also offer evidence and oral arguments, with Board members putting forth any additional questions.

Section 1326 of the Pennsylvania Racehorse Development and Gaming Act states that “the burden is on the renewal applicant to establish and demonstrate, by clear and convincing evidence, its eligibility and suitability for renewal of a gaming license”. 

However, it’s worth noting that these hearings are considered a formality, unless any red flags would have been previously raised by members of the Board or the public. In past years, Hollywood Casino at Penn National has built a positive and fruitful relationship with customers and stakeholders.