What Penn National Gaming Is
Penn National Gaming is a casino operator that runs more than 40 properties across North America. The company owns and manages casinos in 19 states plus Washington, D.C., and also operates online gaming platforms in several states. If you see a casino branded as Hollister, Tropicana, Hollywood, or Ameristar, it is likely owned by Penn National Gaming.
Penn National casinos operate like other commercial casinos: they offer slot machines, table games, restaurants, hotels, and entertainment. The company also runs a rewards program called myChoice that tracks your play and offers perks. Understanding how these casinos work, what games they offer, and how their rewards program functions can help you make informed decisions about whether and how to visit.
Key Takeaways
- Penn National Gaming operates over 40 casinos across 19 states, each with slot machines, table games, restaurants, and often hotels.
- The myChoice rewards program tracks your gambling activity and offers comps, discounts, and tier-based benefits based on how much you play.
- Slot machines use random number generators, meaning no strategy can predict or influence the outcome of any spin.
- Table games like blackjack, roulette, and poker have different house edges, and the casino always has a mathematical advantage over time.
- Penn National casinos are regulated by state gaming commissions and must follow strict rules about payouts, odds disclosure, and responsible gambling.
How the myChoice Rewards Program Works
When you visit a Penn National casino, you can join myChoice at the player's club desk or online. You receive a card that you insert into slot machines or present at table games to earn points. The points accumulate based on how much money you put through the machines or wager at tables—not based on whether you win or lose.
Points convert into comps: free play credits, free meals, hotel discounts, or show tickets. The more you play, the higher your tier status (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond), and higher tiers unlock better perks like room upgrades, exclusive events, or faster point earning. You can check your points balance and available offers through the myChoice app or website using your card number and PIN.
The program is free to join. Penn National does not charge a fee to earn or redeem points. However, the points you earn come from money you spend gambling, so the casino's profit comes from the games themselves, not from the rewards program.
Slot Machines and How They Determine Winners
Penn National casinos use electronic slot machines with random number generators (RNGs). An RNG is a computer program that produces random outcomes thousands of times per second. When you press the spin button, the machine stops on whatever outcome the RNG generated at that exact moment. No pattern, timing, or strategy can influence the result.
Each machine is programmed with a return to player (RTP) percentage, which is the long-term average of money the machine pays back to players. For example, a machine with an RTP of 92 percent will return an average of 92 cents for every dollar wagered over thousands of spins. The remaining 8 percent is the casino's edge. This percentage varies by machine and state, and casinos must disclose it.
Slot machines are not "due" to hit after a long losing streak, and they do not pay out more at certain times of day. Each spin is independent. The outcome of the previous spin has no effect on the next one. Machines are tested and certified by independent labs before they are placed on the casino floor, and state gaming commissions audit them regularly.
Table Games and the House Edge
Penn National casinos offer traditional table games: blackjack, roulette, craps, baccarat, and poker variants. Unlike slots, table games involve decisions—which cards to hit on in blackjack, which bets to place at craps—but the casino still has a built-in mathematical advantage called the house edge.
The house edge varies by game. American roulette has a house edge of about 5.26 percent because of the green 0 and 00 on the wheel. Blackjack can be as low as 0.5 percent if you follow basic strategy (a mathematically optimal way to play each hand), but it rises if you play by intuition. Craps and baccarat fall somewhere in between. Over time, the casino wins because the math favors it, even if individual players win on any given night.
Table games are dealt or run by casino employees, and the rules are posted at each table. Minimum and maximum bets vary by table and time of day. If you are new to a game, dealers will explain the rules, though they cannot advise you on strategy.
Penn National Casino Locations and What They Offer
Penn National properties range from small regional casinos to large resort destinations. Some operate only slot machines and table games; others include hotels, multiple restaurants, bars, entertainment venues, and convention space. The specific amenities depend on the location and the property's size.
You can find a list of all Penn National casinos on the company's website, which shows the address, phone number, and available games and amenities for each location. Many properties offer free parking, and some offer shuttle services from nearby airports or hotels. Hours vary by location and day of the week, so it is worth checking before you visit.
Penn National also operates online gaming platforms in states where it is legal. These platforms offer slots, table games, and sports betting through apps or websites. The same RNG and house edge principles explore to online games as they do to in-person casino games.
Responsible Gambling Tools and Limits
Penn National casinos are required by state law to offer responsible gambling resources. Most properties have information about problem gambling at the player's club desk and throughout the casino. You can also call the National Council on Problem Gambling at 1-800-522-4700 for confidential support and referrals.
Through myChoice, you can set loss limits on your account—a maximum amount of money you are willing to spend in a set time period. Once you reach the limit, your card will not earn points until the period resets. You can also request a self-exclusion, which bars you from entering the casino and using your rewards account for a period you choose (typically 30 days to several years).
These tools are optional, but they exist for players who want to set boundaries. Using them does not affect your ability to visit other casinos or use other rewards programs. If you are concerned about your gambling, these resources and tools are there to help you take control.
Regulation and Fairness Standards
Every Penn National casino is licensed and regulated by the state gaming commission where it operates. State regulators set rules about machine payouts, odds disclosure, employee conduct, and financial reporting. Gaming commissions conduct surprise audits and inspections to may support compliance.
Slot machines and table games must be certified by independent testing laboratories before they are installed. The labs verify that RNGs work correctly, that payouts match the programmed percentages, and that the games are fair. Casinos must also post the RTP percentages for slot machines so players can see them.
If you believe a machine or game is not working correctly, you can report it to a casino employee or the gaming commission. Disputes over payouts are handled by the casino first, and if you are not satisfied, you can file a complaint with your state's gaming regulator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my myChoice card at other casino chains?
No. myChoice is specific to Penn National Gaming properties. Other casino operators run their own rewards programs. If you visit casinos from different companies, you will need separate cards for each. However, some casinos have partnerships that allow limited point sharing or reciprocal benefits.
What happens to my myChoice points if I do not visit for a long time?
Policies vary by state, but most Penn National casinos expire points after 12 months of inactivity. You can check your account online or call the player's club desk to see your points balance and expiration date. If your points are about to expire, you can redeem them for comps or free play before the important date.
Are Penn National online casinos legal where I live?
Penn National operates online gaming only in states where it is legal and licensed. Currently, that includes a limited number of states. You can check the company's website or contact your state's gaming regulator to find out whether online gaming is available in your state and which operators are licensed there.
How do I know if a slot machine is loose or tight?
You cannot. The RTP percentage is programmed into the machine and does not change based on how much money has been wagered or how long it has been since a big payout. Every spin is random and independent. Machines with higher RTPs exist, but you cannot identify them by looking or playing—the casino does not advertise which machines have which percentages.
What should I do if I think I have a gambling problem?
Contact the National Council on Problem Gambling at 1-800-522-4700 or visit ncpg.org for confidential support and treatment referrals. You can also use Penn National's self-exclusion tool through myChoice to bar yourself from the casino for a set period. Many states also offer free counseling services for problem gambling.