Following two weekend guest nights, where 4,000 invited gamblers tested slots play with proceeds going to charity, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board yesterday approved the opening of Penn National Gaming’s racino today at the Dauphin County racetrack. The new slots room has 2,020 state-of-the-art slot machines in denominations from one cent to one hundred dollars. All machines feature the cashless TITO technology.

Live shows and a ‘technological barrage of video imagery on more than 500 LCD screens’ will add to the entertainment experience that includes over a dozen different dining venues. There is also year-round live and simulcast racing, with the first live racing programme scheduled for tomorrow night. An upbeat, fun atmosphere has been created for visitors to Hollywood Casino.

Under the theme ‘Hollywood in Motion,’ guests arriving at the main entrance are greeted by a 77-foot serpentine ribbon that projects an electronic media experience never before seen. Movie trailers and cameos of contemporary and legendary Hollywood stars are just some of the images that ‘wow’ guests as they journey onto the casino floor. Hollywood on the Roof is a 90ft x 34ft x 60ft Imax-style dome projection screen over the casino floor.

The opening of Hollywood Casino brings to seven the number of slots venues now functioning under Pennsylvania’s 2004 slots law. The state takes 55% of gambling revenue. Penn National has spent around US$310 million to develop the racino, including renovating the racetrack grandstand. The venue now employs over 1,000 people. (E-02.12.08)

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