Hollywood Casino York: Take a sneak peek inside at the games, food and more – York Daily Record

Try to hit the jackpot on a slot machines.

Play a game of poker or blackjack at one of the tables.

Watch multiple sports at the same timeon a 9-foot tall and 32-foot wide video wall.

It's all available at the new Hollywood Casino Yorkinside the former Sears store at the York Galleria. And it'sset to open at noon Aug. 12.

The new 80,000-square-foot casino will feature 510 slot machines, 30table games, the first Barstool Sportsbook in the state, and an airy "Diner & Drinks" casual restaurant.

Penn National Gaming provided a tour of the new $120 million establishment on Wednesday afternoon, showcasing the transformation of the former retail store into a casino.

The intermittent drone of a power tool punctuated the tour as crews put the final touches on the new digs.

See how funds can be transferred using your phone, bluetooth and app at Hollywood Casino

The My Choice app is loaded onto your phone, which will act as their player's card and communicate to a gaming machine via bluetooth.

Paul Kuehnel, York Daily Record

Penn Nationalstarted designing the project before the coronavirus pandemic hit, and construction paused whenthe shutdown occurred. It allowed the company to re-imagine the plans and make some changes, such as incorporating new technology into the facility, said Erin Chamberlin, senior vice president of regional operations.

The casino employs about 290 individuals, which is higher than what the company had plannedbut resulted from the extra amenities that were included. About 230 construction jobs came through the project as well.

"It's a great local investment here in Springettsbury Township," she said. "We're very excited."

The casino will be open 24 hours. Patrons must be 21 or older.

Here's what you need to know about it:

More: Hollywood Casino York announces grand opening date next month at the York Galleria

More: Hollywood Casino York: Barstool Sportsbook, 'phenomenal' milkshakes and more planned

Players will be able to try their luck on reel and video slot machines in various denominations, ranging from a penny to $5.

The casino will start with 24 table games, with four more set to arrive later, said Ruben Warren, vice president and general manager. Two electronic table games also will be available.

The table games will feature variations of:

Some of the transformation from the former retail store can be seen in the pit, featuring 18-foot-ceilings.

Customers will be able to use their mobile devices instead of a player's card to buy into a game.

They can download the My Choice app onto their phone, which will act as their player's card, Warren said. It also allows them to access funds from their bank account.

The app can be usedto activate the games.It will return money to the player'swalletif they opt to cash out or if they walkaway without finishing, he said.

A futureexpansion couldallow up to 750 slot machines and40 table games.

Sports fans will want to check out the new Barstool Sportsbook.

The area, with its a 9-foot tall and 32-foot wide video wall, will be a place for patrons to bet on sports or simply enjoy the camaraderie that goes with watching a game, Chamberlin said.

She pointed to this area as an example of one of the re-imagined spaces. Barstool became a partner in early 2020.

"...this is very different than anything reallyin the Commonwealth that I've seen," she said. "... the feeling of it is very approachable. It's very fun, and I think if you area sports bettor, you're going to love it."

Plans include showing two pre-season football games on the evening the casino opens, Warren said.

It will feature lounge seating and interactive tables.

Off-track wagering also is available.

Two restaurants are inside the casino.

"Diner & Drinks" is a casual dining restaurant and bar that will have about 125 seats.

Customers will be able to get breakfast all day, order a mega shake, or eat a steak dinner. The menu is limited for now, but plans include expanding in the future, Warren said.

Penn National has partner with local businesses, including microbreweries such asTregsand Tattered Flag.Sweet Willows Creamery is supplying the ice cream for the shakes,spokesman Jeff Morris said.

"Classic Grill," which will be open 24 hours, will offer some grab-and-go food, such as burgers and finger foods.

Staff will stop serving alcohol during the overnight hours, Warren said.

Last call will be at 1 a.m., and at 2 a.m., no alcohol will be allowed. Service will resume at 7 a.m.

A small smoking section will be offered in the back of thecasino. It makes up about 16 percent of the gaming floor, Warren said.

Penn National wants to make sure it is satisfying the diverse customer base that it has, he said, adding that the sectionis secluded.

The casino will work closely with regulators on COVID protocols, Morris said.

It also has a state-of-the-art filtration system.

An entry way will allow patrons to enter from the upper level in the mall parking lot.

The freshly pavedlot on the lower level includes five spaces for wounded veterans. Fifty VIP parking spaces also are included.

Bus service is available to the mall.

Traffic is limited to a right-in and right-out at the southwest driveway of the mall along Whiteford Road.

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Hollywood Casino York: Take a sneak peek inside at the games, food and more - York Daily Record