In an unexpected move, PENN Entertainment has launched a standalone Hollywood Casino app in Pennsylvania, earlier than initially anticipated. The announcement came on Wednesday afternoon, bringing excitement to both the gaming company and local online casino players in the Keystone State.
Earlier this year, PENN had discontinued its third-party Hollywood Casino platform following the launch of ESPN BET in November 2023. Prior to this, the casino was only accessible through the ESPN BET platform. Now, with the new standalone app up and running, PENN has fulfilled a key goal set by CEO Jay Snowden, who had originally planned for a 2025 launch. The surprise rollout comes just in time for the festive season, marking an early Christmas gift for players and the company alike.
A Smooth Transition for Customers
PENN Entertainment’s Chief Technology Officer, Aaron LaBerge, expressed excitement about the new standalone app. “We’re excited to launch Hollywood Casino as a stand-alone app in Pennsylvania, giving our customers access to their favorite games in a dedicated, casino-first experience,” LaBerge said.
The app is available for both Android and iOS users, as well as for desktop users, making it accessible to a wide range of customers. The new platform is designed to provide a seamless transition between online and retail experiences, leveraging the trusted Hollywood Casino brand. The app currently hosts more than 700 games, including slots, table games, and live dealer options, ensuring that both new and seasoned players have plenty to enjoy.
A New Look with Familiar Features
While Hollywood Casino is no stranger to the Pennsylvania gaming scene, this new app offers a completely revamped user experience. Players can log in using their existing ESPN BET credentials, making the switch to the new app hassle-free.
The app boasts a robust selection of over 600 slot games, including popular titles such as Hollywood Casino Respin, Bruno’s Vegas Gold Blitz, Billionaires Bank, and Candy Paradise. Additionally, players can dive into live dealer games that feature fresh and engaging themes like Stock Market, Phillies Blackjack, Crazy Time, and Football Studio.
The inclusion of in-house titles from PENN’s studios, along with collaborations with top game manufacturers, ensures that the app stays competitive in a rapidly growing market. The wide range of games aims to cater to every type of player, from casual enthusiasts to those seeking a more immersive experience.
PENN’s Strategy: Connecting Online and Retail
PENN’s new standalone Hollywood Casino app reflects a larger strategy to deepen its market presence in Pennsylvania, where it already operates four retail locations. These include:
- Penn National Race Course
- The Meadows
- York
- Morgantown
In a statement, CEO Jay Snowden discussed the importance of creating a more unified brand connection between PENN’s retail casinos and the new online platform. The decision to focus on the iCasino experience first, Snowden explained, is a calculated move that mirrors the successful strategies of competitors who have launched standalone iCasino apps tied to their brick-and-mortar establishments.
The app’s launch is expected to enhance cross-sell opportunities, allowing the company to target its existing retail customer base and encourage them to transition to the app for their online gaming needs. This approach could help increase PENN’s market share, which previously reached “high single digits” through third-party platforms. Snowden believes that the new standalone app has the potential to drive even more growth in the online casino space.
A Surprising Early Launch
The early launch of the Hollywood Casino app caught many industry watchers by surprise, especially given Snowden’s previous comments that the platform wouldn’t be ready until early 2025. However, after securing the necessary approvals from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, PENN wasted no time in rolling out the app, ensuring they hit the ground running ahead of what promises to be a significant year for the company.
The rapid rollout is part of PENN Entertainment’s broader efforts to solidify its position in the Pennsylvania gaming market. As the industry continues to expand and more players flock to online casinos, PENN’s decision to push the app live ahead of schedule reflects their desire to stay ahead of the competition.
