The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) voted unanimously on August 20, 2025, to extend the operating license for Hollywood Casino Morgantown. With the renewal in place, Hollywood Casino Morgantown, run by Mountainview Thoroughbred Racing Association, LLC, will stay open for another five years. After looking over the record, the board said the operator had followed through on the commitments made when the license was first issued.
The approval process showed how state regulators work to balance strict oversight with the economic benefits casinos bring to the community. While Pennsylvania maintains one of the most developed land-based and online casino industries in the country, gambling is evolving worldwide in different directions. Many of these appeal to players from states where access to regulated casinos, especially online ones, is difficult.
As a result of this, many out of state players now turn to digital options like an online casino accepting BTC. These types of specialized sites offer quicker payouts, stronger privacy protections, and the convenience of cross-border play. However, the more popular they become, the more competition they present to physical casinos.
This is why, for Hollywood Casino Morgantown, the decision to renew its license was so significant, despite it not being automatic. The PGCB went through a detailed review that included a previously planned public hearing in April 2024 in Caernarvon Township. At the meeting, casino staff shared information and evidence about how the property has been operating. People from the neighborhood, local groups, and government offices spoke at the hearing. There were words of support for the casino, while others shared concerns. The state police and other agencies went over the information before the board reached its decision.
Ahead of the August vote, Board members held another public hearing in Harrisburg, where executives from Hollywood Casino Morgantown were questioned about compliance matters The discussion covered how the casino looks out for its players, encourages responsible gambling, and runs day-to-day operations properly The board has made it clear that casinos can only keep their licenses if they stay committed to fair play, safety, and transparency.
Since its grand opening in December 2021, Hollywood Casino Morgantown has quickly established itself as a contributor to Pennsylvania’s gaming economy. Over its first few years, the casino has generated $5.7 million in gross revenue through slot machines, table games, and sports wagering. Out of that figure, nearly 4 million has been returned to the state in the form of tax revenue, benefiting local and statewide programs.
Inside the venue, guests currently have access to 675 slot machines and 29 live table games, along with a dedicated sportsbook. Approximately 335 staff are employed at the Casino. Which shows it's playing a key role in the local economy. However, regardless of the economic impact of local businesses, bureaucratic and legal processes can often hamper the development of them. A key example has recently been seen in some of the delays experienced by the Wawa on Forty Road as a result of lawsuits and other issues.
Category 4 licenses, often referred to as “mini-casino” licenses, were first created to expand gaming opportunities outside the state’s major urban hubs. Hollywood Casino Morgantown was among the first to open under this smaller-scale model, giving players gaming options without the size of a full casino. The board voted to renew the license. It was noted that the casino follows the rules, pays taxes, and contributes to the community.
The wider Pennsylvania gaming market continues to thrive. The PGCB regulates 17 land-based casinos, online gaming, sports betting, and fantasy sports. During the 2024/25 fiscal year, Pennsylvania’s regulated gaming sector produced $2.8 billion in tax revenue and fees.
There has been an increase in the number of people using online betting sites. This changes how operators and regulators think about overall casino viability in Pennsylvania and their future planning. While physical venues such as Hollywood Casino Morgantown provide a tangible community presence, online options give players flexibility and new incentives. Both types of casinos show why careful oversight matters, making sure games are fair, transactions are safe, and players have access to responsible gambling tools.
Hollywood Casino Morgantown will now continue operating for another five years under its renewed license.The board’s vote shows they are satisfied with how the casino has operated and the taxes it has paid. The casino plays a key role in the local gambling scene, due to its steady revenue.
As the decade goes on, Pennsylvania’s approach to casino regulation is expected to stay a model for other states, balancing community needs, player protections, and industry growth. The renewal of Hollywood Casino Morgantown shows that land-based casinos still have a strong place, even as more attention shifts to online play.
