The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) will hold a public hearing on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. on the licence renewal for Hollywood Casino York. The session will be held at the Springettsbury Township Municipal Building in York County.
Residents, local officials, and community groups can register to speak or submit written comments by October 28. This step is required under Pennsylvania’s Race Horse Development and Gaming Act, which calls for licence renewals to include both community hearings and a second session in Harrisburg before a final decision is made.
The Changing Face of Casino Games
Modern casinos today offer far more than slot machines and poker tables. Alongside traditional favourites, players are turning to newer formats, like many who discover how to play chicken casino games, a crash-style option where multipliers rise with each step until the round ends, and players choose whether to cash out or risk pushing further. These emerging game types, regardless of their platform or design, introduce new compliance challenges and must operate under the same strict licensing rules as established casino offerings.
This evolution of the market is a central reason why the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board is currently reviewing the Hollywood Casino York licence, holding public hearings to ensure all established and emerging games operate within a fair and accountable regulatory framework. This oversight confirms that even novel, digital-only formats must adhere to the same regulatory standards as traditional games like blackjack or roulette. The PGCB’s renewal process thus encompasses both classic casino operations and the oversight of all emerging formats.
How the Hearing Will Work
The Springettsbury hearing is the first stage in the process. Anyone who wants to provide testimony must register by October 28. Written submissions are also being accepted.
After this local session, the PGCB will hold a second hearing in Harrisburg. That stage allows for oral arguments, the presentation of evidence, and direct questions from the Board. This structure ensures both local voices and statewide oversight are part of the final decision.
Why Renewal Decisions Matter
Casino licence renewals are not guaranteed. Each application is reviewed to determine whether the operator continues to:
- Follow Pennsylvania’s gaming laws
- Maintain stable financial practices
- Benefit the host community through jobs and revenue
- Uphold integrity across both traditional and new game types
Recent PGCB enforcement actions show how seriously the Board treats compliance. In June, fines totaling $282,205 were issued to multiple operators, including a $260,905 penalty against BetMGM for allowing self-excluded individuals to gamble. More recently, the Board imposed $70,000 in fines on two operators, citing licensing infractions and underage access violations. These examples underline why Hollywood Casino York’s renewal review is more than routine.
Implications for York County
For local residents, the October 30 hearing offers a chance to raise concerns or highlight the benefits of the casino in Springettsbury. For Hollywood Casino York, it is an opportunity to prove compliance and show responsible adaptation to both traditional and digital games. For regulators, it ensures Pennsylvania’s gaming sector remains accountable to its communities.
